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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  lexus is - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By shortie - July 22 - 2:00 am

  this car is awsome

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  Awesome - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By spxchrome - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted one, now that I have one I wish I would have bought it sooner. Only bad thing is that if the window is cracked when its raining the water from the windshield will come back into the car. they need to redesign the door guters which I think they did on the new model. awesome 6CD changer with bose comparable sound system

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  alot of trouble - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By a/l - July 22 - 2:00 am

  are wheels of our car needed to be fixed almost right away. we needed them a again. when the engine on and the car is stoped it hurts our ears. although it is a safe car. the dealer dave mungenast lexus of st. louis is a rip off so dont buy there.

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  Great in some ways, but definite issues - 2017 Lexus LX 570
  By Chris K. - July 19 - 10:39 pm

  Nice large vehicle with good safety features such as numerous, well distributed airbags. I consider the 6000 pound weight a bit of a safety feature as well. Has a number of issues which would place this vehicle between a 3 and 4 star rating for me. I had a 2011 model which I traded for a 2016. The engine in the newer model is more sluggish, and if a more rapid acceleration is desired, the engine sounds like a 4 cylinder that is about to throw a rod. The 2011 engine and transmission strangely seemed quite superior.This is usually sold with the 21 inch wheels, and as I found out after purchase, that Dunlop is the only manufacturer of a tire this size. Not a very good tire and I am at this moment in my 3rd week without being able to drive my car because the tires are nationally on a back order. The vehicle is sitting at my Lexus dealer, who doesnt really know what to tell me at this point. The screens for watching television in the back seat stick so far off of the backs of the front seats that they encroach on the headspace of the rear seat passengers. I found this almost scary when I sat in the back seat. Anti-lock brake mechanism is not smooth and if hard braking is required, the tires seem to skip around on the road. Not sure how much of this is due to the tire quality versus the anti-lock quality.

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  GX 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cgandy - July 18 - 4:56 am

  Was previous owner of BMW X5. This car is better in these areas: Sound system, climate control, NAV, smoothness of ride, handling in snow, general comfort, roominess, quietness of ride, no rattles, rear camera, reliability. I liked the X5 better in: handling, braking, PDC, gas mileage, sportiness, looks, nibleness/quickness off the line. Both are good cars, but Ill take the Lexus for value and all-around usability. It tows better too because the size is better suited for it.

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  Whats next?. - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexusistheone! - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The most luxurious car on the planet. You can spend more for German just to buy badge and headaches.

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  GX470 much more than RX300 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By pjh - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The RX300 was a great car, but the GX470 is a great SUV. We love the smooth ride and handling. Not much bigger than the RX300, the GX offers many many more features. Navigation is impressive and DVD is great for kids. Rear door a little awkward to open. The rear climate control is only functional from the back seat. Its a bit of a gas guzzler - but still worth every penny!!!!!!!!

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  Simply the Best SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Summer - July 17 - 7:10 pm

  I own an 04 AWD (now have 24,000 miles on it) and couldnt be happier with it. Ive owned a BMW (M3), Mercedes (C32), Honda Accord EX.... you name it. This is the best all around car. I love the room, the ride, the styling, the quality, the customer service, the many cool features... everything. Before we bought, my husband and I looked at BMW X5, Infiniti FX45, Acura MDX, Pacifica and Im glad I ended up with this one. You cant beat Lexus quality (better than BMW and Mercedes) I still look for better SUVs out there and havent found one. (Porsche Cayenne has good power, but poor quality and plain interior) If I sell this one, its because Im buying a new one (maybe 400h?) :)

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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By parpay - July 17 - 3:13 am

  Bought it two weeks ago. Have had so much fun driving this car. Got the smoky granite with black interior. Everything but tech package. Getting about 34 mpg - back change over my 2003 4Runner. Got it for $1250 UNDER invoice. Bought the warranty - probably shouldnt have but was told it was refundable if I dont use it.

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  lexus lx470 : greatest experience - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By jochi - July 16 - 10:00 am

  if you love lexus you will love this car