Overview & Reviews

Lexus has earned a well-deserved reputation for turning out utterly refined luxury vehicles. The hallmarks of this brand are a quiet, well-crafted cabin, a plush ride and commendable performance from powerful, nearly silent engines.

Lexus began out of a desire by parent company Toyota to create a world-class luxury car brand. Groundwork for Lexus was laid in the mid-1980s, when the company began tapping U.S. focus groups in an attempt to define design concepts best suited for American consumers. Hundreds of prototypes were built and tested on Germany's autobahn and on U.S. roads.

In early 1989, the company unveiled its first two models (which would debut for the 1990 model year) -- the entry-level ES 250 sedan and the flagship LS 400 sedan. The LS 400 was lauded by both journalists and consumers alike for offering a stellar luxury-car experience, with a remarkably silent cabin, superb build quality and a refined V8 engine. At the same time, the LS was priced considerably lower than smaller, lesser-equipped, six-cylinder European rival luxury sedans.

By the early 1990s, the Lexus brand was expanded to other markets, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. More models were added to the lineup, including the SC 300 and SC 400 coupes and the brand's first luxury performance sedan, the GS 300. By decade's end, the company had added SUVs (in the form of the LX 450/LX 470 and RX 300) and had sold more than a million vehicles in the U.S.

The first decade of the 2000s saw Lexus proving itself a trend setter with the launch of many hybrid-powered versions of its vehicles such as the RX 400h and the GS 450h. And by 2011, Lexus even introduced a world-class supercar, the LFA.

In the years since its inception, the Lexus brand has distinguished itself time and again in quality and reliability surveys. The brand's vehicles may not offer as much passion as some Teutonic rivals, but for drivers interested in vehicles that emphasize quality, dependability and comfort, the Lexus marque is hard to beat.

User Reviews:

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  WOW! What a car! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By BethT - September 17 - 10:00 am

  My first luxury car, and the start of a beautiful relationship. This car is outstanding. From a beautiful exterior, to a plush and more than comfortable and gorgeous interior, this car has it all. I got the black garnet color, because it was so unusual, with the black leather interior, and it is absolutely beautiful. Im hooked on Lexus quality from the car to the dealership, a fabulous experience!

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  Not what I expected - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By big spender - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Even though I bought this vehicle in May. I wish I had test drove it a little bit more. The engine noise is awful. Im getting average performance. I should have look at some other vehicle.

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  Everything is great except the gas mileage - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By sid_arora - September 16 - 12:06 am

  As it has been mentioned in other reviews that car is great. I love the feeling of a plush ride. One biggest complaint is that dealer didnt offer to sell the Hybrid version of this car as i am really not happy with the gas mileage. In year 2011, getting 18 mpg when the gasoline is costing close to $4 per gallon. It is really taking the fun out of driving this gas guzzler. I really suggest Lexus should stop selling this SUV and only sell the hybrid version of this car. On a hindsight i am guilt of not purchasing the hybrid. Thanks.

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  Neat Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Ger - September 14 - 6:20 pm

  Everything is well thought out. No problems with most features. Would have preferred audio and climate controls on steering wheel(Noticed that they have done this on the 2005 model). Navigation system has some minor glitches, but over all performs in an adequate manner. Changed tires from Summer to "All Weather. Didnt feel comfortable going on a long trip with seasonal tires. Overall this car rates as god or beter than the three Cadillacs that I have owned previously

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  very nice car - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By JerseyJoe - September 14 - 6:02 pm

  great ride, quite, comfortable, very reliable. 65,000 no problems at all

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  So Nice! - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By CarXpert - September 14 - 5:30 pm

  As you probably know, lexus is a very nice make. The lexus lx is also the top of the line SUV. It was a great SUV for our family. At the time, we had a few other cars which were other lexuss including the LS. The LX was so nice to drive on the weekends, out to dinner, or when other people came to town!

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  The best got better... - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Nelz - September 13 - 3:23 pm

  As good as the previous generation RX was, the 2010 is even better. They have replaced the strut based rear suspension with a double wishbone style, this equates to more cargo space and better handling characteristics. They have a 6 speed tranny replacing the 5 speed, up in hp and torque, a new on demand style AWD system means better mpg (up to 28) you can lock it in as well. Smart key access means you never have to take your key out of your pocket and push button start is awesome. This is a car that is built around the driver. I have driven the Acura MDX, Mercedes, BMW X5, Lincoln MKX... none of them compare, Lexus is the best bar none; the cabin lay-out makes sense, the others are complex.

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  MORE ATTENTION TO ROAD MANNERS - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By BARTON - September 13 - 12:46 am

  This is a beautiful SUV, well designed for passenger comfort and with all the elegance and refinement one should expect from a vehicle in this price range. It has but one flaw --- it is NOT rock-steady at highway speeds in the wind and has more "slip stream" wobble when it encounters 18-wheelers than our Grand Cherokee! This is obviously due to its height/tread width ratio and would approach "perfect" if shaved down a couple of inches or (better yet) based on a wider platform. Overall a wonderful vehicle but I would NOT have purchased it had I tested its highway performce in advance.

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  Unresolved wind noise - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Jerry S - September 12 - 11:36 am

  This is my fifth Lexus LS. I enjoyed my 2001 LS 430 more than this one based on what appears to be an unresolvable wind noise. The car had the "fix" and although the noise is not as harsh, it is still very noticeable in certain wind conditions or speeds. Also notice what I would call a ticking from the engine at idle and was told that it is normal for this car. My 2001 was much quieter and more comfortable as I also find the front seats to be less than perfect as it applies to being comfortable. Still would consider owning another Lexus but intend to see what Lexus does about truly fixing this problem. Not happy about spending this kind of money and still hearing wind noise.

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  Great highway mileage - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By cuongn - September 12 - 9:02 am

  Last weekend my 2012 ES 350 actually exceeded the advertised MPH (19 city, 28 hwy). I drove from New Orleans back to Houston, setting cruise at 70mph. After arriving at Houston I calculated the miles-per-gallon and 33 MPG is what I got out of my car !