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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  My 2006 Lexus - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By scanlon - May 14 - 6:13 pm

  Our Lexus is the ideal car for our type of lifestyle. As typical "snow birds", we spend the winters in Fla. & summers in Pa. We enjoy the year-round luxury it offers & a great selection of options which helps make it suitable for both climates, such as heated/cooled seats, powered sunscreen for the rear window, navigation system & many more which help make our traveling experience more enjoyable.

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  UPDATE: Still Happy After All These Years - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By usedcarguyrtr - May 14 - 12:57 am

  I wanted to follow up on my ownership experience; My previous post was listed by "W." and posted on 4/26/10. After having purchased this car back in Oct. 2009, it still runs beautifully and has not left me stranded once. I have put almost 40,000 miles on the car (now @ 136.5k miles) since my last post, and I still love it! I use my car for courier work (lots of stop and go driving), and it never hesitates. I had an O2 sensor replaced, which ran about $300; other than this one repair and basic upkeep (tires, oil changes, brake pads, tune-up), this car has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I recommend high-mileage rated synthetic oil to keep the engine at peak performance.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By F. Nobbee - May 12 - 10:40 am

  I love this vehicle, but my kids hate it, they dont have the space like they had in the LR3, but we dont use this as our family vehicle. It is a lot better on gas and I got this as a steal so it was hard to pass up especially with the unpredictable gas prices. Sporty look is great, a features are fine. I havent taken it on a road trip yet but probably wont (Ill use the minivan). This car handles great and has a lot of features that are not standard in other vehicles. I bought this one used so let see how it stands up to the Lexus reputation of quality and endurance.

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  2008 Lexus RX 350 AWD - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Catdaddy - May 12 - 10:20 am

  This is my 3rd SUV and it is definitely the best. My first was a 1980 K5 Blazer and the second was a 1992 Explorer, both bought new. This is also my 3rd Lexus and the build quality and service is why I like this brand. So far this SUV has been a pleasure to drive. It has the Premium Plus pkg., 18 inch 7 spoke wheels, heated seats and rain sensor wipers, towing pkg. Cargo room is a little small behind back seats but fine when back seats are lowered. I plan to use it for hunting, fishing and carrying my dogs as well as domestic uses.

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  Everything you could ask for! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Mike3k - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Only possible additional desire would be a truely usable set of rear seats (really infants/toddlers or briefcases only).

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  ES 300 (learn to love slowly) - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By ccaveboy - May 12 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this car, I wanted a solid car that would last and age well, ride nicely and get decent mileage. I did not want an accord or camry either. I reviewed at least a dozen cars and the ES 300 was always at the top of each category. After purchasing the car I have slowly learned its little nuances and feel. I have grown to really appreciate just how solid a vehicle it is.

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  Ideal for wife - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By pocketsoft - May 12 - 10:00 am

  The car is very comfortable, and has complete set of luxury features. Small truning radius makes it easy to park. 5 speed transmission is very smooth and responsive. Gadgets are well defined and easy to read. Low cabine noise and soft suspenssion make ride very pleasant.

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  Plush - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Jason Kim - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the most comfortable and eliquently designed luxury SUV in the market.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By neilmas - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV so I looked at quite a few before making my decision. Handles like a car with the benifits of 4 wd and extra cargo. The styling is sporty and sleek. The interior has all the amenities you could think of. If you are looking for an SUV that doesnt look or act like it,this is it!! Great for Single or family with 1 or 2 kids.

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  Chips - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By BJBreslow - May 11 - 2:10 am

  After only 6k iles I have 11 paint chips on the hood of the vehicle. Lexus claims road hazard. I say every stone or pebble on the highway must be hitting me. Only 1k miles on highway. How is it possible. Chrome around grill vs painted plastic. Two chips there as well! Very disappointed!