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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  The Best Used Car!! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus LOVER - August 29 - 4:20 am

  I bought this car with 197,000 miles on it. My odometer shows 210,000. I do a lot of traveling to neighboring states. Let me tell you that this car is close to perfection. It drives like as if it just left the showroom. Lexus ES 300 from 97-01 are very reliable cars. They will never breakdown. If you want a used car that would run "FOREVER" and I literally mean it, buy this car.

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  Like New after 6 Years - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By Moe - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I are constantly commenting on how the car drives as good as it did when we drove it away from the showroom. Nearly 100,000 miles and only tires, batteries, and a couple of minor repairs. The service has been great as well.

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  Dont be mis-out: Great Car - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Dallas_Best - August 28 - 10:00 am

  OK, so it doesnt look like a Mini or an LS430, but this is by far the most car you can get for the money. Let me specify: -Luxury, pure and real (real wood, real leather, real technology) -Ride and comfort- can not beat under $35K -Reliability - you get a million dollar service plan for under $35K -safety - side, front airbags, safety cage, sensors, all standard. This just cant be beat. If you want a sportier car with more horses, try the GS line. But for a commuter, this is the one. I paid $31,800 for the premium package model in white with window tinting.

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  Want more Hourse Power? - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Hourse Power - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Most of the negative feed back has been about the transmition and hourse power...If you want the handling and luxury of the ES300 but with a flaless transmition and a lot more power check out the Infiniti I-35 (255HP 246 ft- lbs) and it costs thousands less! Thats what I did and I dont regret a thing!

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  Ive Wanted One Since 1999 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Miami Hurricanes! - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Since 1999, I have found this to be the best looking vehicle on the road. Apparently, so does everyone else as you can see one every time youre stopped at an intersection! I was between this car and the Acura MDX, and this car basically won out due to looks and the slightly more luxurious interior. The acceleration is slower than what Im used to with luxury sedans, but you can get it going when you really need to. Very comfortable ride, and I just love driving this car. Im only 28, so I guess Im young for this car, but I dont care. I just love it.

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  Excellent in the crossover category - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By MiamiRX350 - August 27 - 10:13 am

  Looked at all the competition. Hands down best driving of all of them. This is my wifes car and she came out of Mercedes Benz C-Class. Ask her if she misses her other car and shell yell out "not at all".

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  Lexus for Life - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Pat Suits - August 26 - 5:23 am

  Most comfortable vehicle ever owned. Does everything but steer itself. No matter where I go, people of all ages stare at the car as tho it is some rare one-million dollar vehicle. Front seats are extremely excellent for people with back problems. Car rides so smooth, I believe you could run over a semi & not feel a single bump. Will never consider buying anything but a Lexus from now on.

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  Top car under $100k - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By ClayfromCarlisle - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Lexus seems to have the perfect luxury car recipe for people who are not satisfied with Cadillacs/Lincolns (too soft) or BMWs, Mercedes, or Audis (too edgy). This car has every conceivable comfort feature on the market today, and it is very user friendly as compared to the German makes. If you are seeking the ultimate driving experience, pass on this car. If you desire an extremely reliable, user friendly, automobile, then the LS belongs in your garage.

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  Lexus 350 - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Wes - August 24 - 2:04 am

  All around great luxury car

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Rebecca - August 23 - 12:10 pm

  Overall I love the Lexus GX 470. It is comfortable and has an excellent ride. I like the styling and the mid- size. The size makes it a very manageable vehicle.