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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  LOVE THE LEXUS - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By KENDL - August 23 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE, GETS LOTS OF LOOKS!! SPORTY DESIGN BOTH INSIDE AND OUT.

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  Not a drivers car - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By arnie - August 23 - 5:50 am

  Great fit and finish, quality materials, outstanding fuel economy; the only down side is the car has lousy cornering capability; I may go Infiniti next time.

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  Even better! - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Lexus Loyalist - August 22 - 9:46 pm

  Just traded my 09 RX for this one, and what a difference! The old style was good, but Lexus has jumped to a higher level of luxury and comfort with the 2010. You immediately notice the much quieter cabin, far-off engine noise, and luxurious interior. The navigation "mouse" appears intimidating, but even this old guy caught on very quickly. The screen is bigger and brighter, and completes addresses after you enter just a few letters, like a computer. Many of the Lexus Personal Settings are customizable from the nav screen, so its much easier to try some out and then change back. I love this car, and even use it in place of my LS460 at times. Get one for yourself and see.

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  Wind noise not fixed - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Wind Noise - August 22 - 1:00 pm

  The wind noise is still very excessive on the passenger side after Lexus installed the fix for the issue (November 2007). 10 out of 10 passengers in my car thinks the windows are not closed tightly. The wind noise is not acceptable to me for such an expensive car. This car is supposed to be quiet. Lexus still claims that. My experience with this car and Lexus customer service has been big dissapointment to me.

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  Disapointed - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By dissapointed300 - August 21 - 4:03 pm

  Bought my 2006 GS300 as a certified preowned in Feb of 2008. The exterior and interior of the car was great. What sealed the deal for me was the overall consumer ratings of the car. Unfortunately, my disappointment started 2 weeks after I bought the car, I was sold cupped tires. Ever since then, I have taken my GS300 back to the shop on a monthly basis for different problems. Customer Service is great but the quality of the car is not. As a matter of fact, car is in the shop now (June 2009). Time for another car!! Any suggestions for a quality, reliable, luxury car that I dont have to take into the shop every month except for maintenance? Does it even exist any more?

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  Can recommend - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Kushan - August 20 - 4:58 pm

  Good place to buy cars

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  Lexus NX200T - love it - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Linda - August 19 - 1:29 pm

  Gas mileage isnt great, but the performance is. Very comfortable and has all the bells and whistles.

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  Super Lexus GS300 - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Vernice - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 Lexus in Dec. of 2002. I had done my research on it for about 9 months before purchasing. I compared it to the S-type Jaguar,300 Mercedes and also against the Lexus ES300. I found it to be more appealing in style and performance. The sound system (Mark Levinson) is surperb. There can not be a better navigation system. So easy to operate. It has great pick up with no hesitation. I would buy another one in a minute. Great car!!!!

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  My 3rd Lexus Vehicle - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Candace - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This was by far the best car Ive purchased yet. It is a real head turner. I have even had people follow me nerve rackingly too close, just so they could get a good look at the car. The car has a smooth engine that just purrs like a huge jungle cat. The hardtop that folds into the trunk is very convenient. When my husband took the top down one day while sitting in the parking lot of our sons school, the kids who were suppose to be awed by the lecturing firemen who came for an outdoor assembly, turned their heads at our car instead and began shouting oohs and aahs. We were embarassed we disrupted their lesson.

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  Our 2nd Lexus Purchase Was an RX300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Candace - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I like the fact that when I am driving this vehicle, it doesnt feel like Im driving a truck. Its versatile, looks good, and has the reputation that comes with a Lexus vehicle.