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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  vw tradein - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By djo - July 25 - 8:51 pm

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  Drives like a sports car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Marek - July 25 - 5:36 am

  I have owned this vehicle for almost a year. The best future is stability control, which helps you in the snow and on the wet roads. I feel very safe in this car. Acceleration is outstanding: driving on the highway on V6 only, when in need, electric motors kick in and give you that extra boost. It feels like a turbo, but without all the mechanics and fuel penalty of the regular car. I get 23-24 MPG driving in NJ.

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  More comfortable than a Mercedes - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tg - July 24 - 9:33 pm

  RX 400hs technology is light years ahead from other cars on the market today. The hybrid powertrain does not only save you gas and helps the environment; it makes the habitacle significantly more silent than even a high-end car such as a Mercedes sedan. Power is impressive and compares with a V8. When purchasing the car, the dealer connected my cell phone to the cars bluetooth system in 30 seconds: this feature is priceless! I pick up incoming phone by depressing a button on the steering wheel, voice comes out of the cars stereo system, and the mic is integrated in the car - I never have to pick up the phone. Despite its price, this car is worth every penny.

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  Hesitation - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Nancy - July 24 - 9:00 pm

  I bought my Lexus this summer and have not been happy with it. The hesitation and jerking when starting to accelerate is not right. The dealer says this is normal for a V6 engine. If thats the case Im selling! The drink holder between the front seats is in a bad location. If you try to use it and change gears you will spill the drink. I have been very disappointed with Lexus.

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  Im Loving My NEW 2012 Lexus RX 350!!! - 2012 Lexus RX 350
  By lexuslover12 - July 24 - 9:57 am

  We bought our 2012 RX 350 almost fully loaded on 11/11/11!!! We got the Starfire Pearl white and it is a gem of a vehicle. This crossover is supremely comfortable and easy to drive albeit bland at some times. On long road trips is where this car shines. The steering is precise, seats are luxurious, and the refinements exude Lexus quality. We got the Nav system, AWD, roof rack, Advanced HID dynamic Projector headlamps, and many other extra features. This car is very common in our area (Northern Virginia). We have driven about a 1,000 miles so far and its smooth, elegant, beautiful, stands out, luxurious and quiet. It also has plenty of power and excellent brakes and acceleration!

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  great all around car for your dollars - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By ivan rubin - July 24 - 2:00 am

  what a bang for your buck great car ive driven the other high end vehichles m/b bmw and the others are all higher priced. this is the car to buy and enjoy.

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  Best i have purchased - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By suham - July 24 - 2:00 am

  It feels like if i was driving in cloud nine, I have had many cars since I was young but this one is the keeper it is so smooth, fun and it wondeerful to drive all over type of car. Best choice I made. 10+++

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  Love It - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By joallen - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Performs great. Style is beautiful. It is good to know when I need the power it is there. Most fun Ive had in a car since my 58 TBird.

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  Finest luxury car available - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By C. H. E. - July 23 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned Mercedes and several BMWs and am a big fan of the latter. None, however, are as pleasurable to drive as the LS 430. The design is not as dazzling as some others but the car is a work or art in its functional perfection. Everything is designed with a purpose and everything fits and functions flawlessly.It is designed and executed to enhance driving comfort and experience without unnecessary complexity. Almost everything in its operation is intuitive. That is what intelligent design is all about. Once you experience the LS Lexus everything else is just a car. I will move up the LS 460 in the future but the change will be merely evolutionary.

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  Sweet, serene luxury - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By omegadoug - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My frame of reference, my last car, was a BMW 3-series so I definitely miss the handling. But had I wanted a car that handled perfectly, I would have gotten a BMW. I opted for the Lexus because it offers the silkiest, smoothest ride of anything Ive driven. Another 75 hp would make this car near flawless, but not at the premium required to get a 430.