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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  I Love this Car... - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Duncan164 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my IS300 for a short time but have enjoyed every minute I spend in it! It is the perfect combination of luxury, style, sportiness and size. I went on an exhausting search for a small sports sedan. After each test drive (cars other than the IS), I kept coming back to this car! It is the perfect car for me. The handling is great. Accleration is even better. Perfect for my daily commute along a very busy six lane highway. I can get in and out and around other cars without any problem.

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  TYPICALLY BRILLIANT LEXUS PRODUCT - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By ROBERT HAAS - April 14 - 5:53 pm

  Although I put off buying such an expensive luxury convertible, it was well worth the price. I have had no problems whatsoever and the added chrome wheels and gold package makes it unique. I own an RX330 also and my wife loves it. The SC430 and RX330 are high end quality vehicles. Obviously, Lexus has excellent quality control.

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  the "feel good" ride - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By rkworth - April 13 - 10:00 am

  we just purchased a used 2000 rx300, and loved it so much, purchased another 1999. i was a die-hard nissan fan, but i have to say this is a great ride for the money. drive one, and you will want to own one. one thing i noticed later, lexus has 2 sound systems. nakamichi and i believe pioneer. if you can, get the nakamichi - it sounds better, and has more of a "punch". either way, the vehicle is a dream to drive.

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  Awsome automobile - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By eturille - April 13 - 10:00 am

  After looking around at every car available and not wanting to buy a Lexus because of the man that ownes the dealership. I finally had to go with the best auto available. I have been delighted ever since.

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  LS 430 SUPERB!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By BLGLAW - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE NOW OWNED THIS BEAUTY FOR ONE MONTH AND HAVE TO STRUGGLE WITH MY WIFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WE BOTH LOVE IT! MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS INDUSTRY-WIDE RELATED, AND THAT IS THE FLIMSINESS OF THE MATERIALS USED TO BUILD THE CAR. IF ONE PAYS $50,000 + FOR AN AUTO, IT SHOULD NOT BE MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. BUT, UNTIL THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY CEASES THE DICTATES TO THE AUTO INDUSTRY, WELL ALL HAVE TO SETTLE FOR LESS. THE LS 430 IS THE BEST CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED OVER 48 YEARS OF DRIVING, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE YEARS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THIS MARVEL. CONSUMER REPORTS RATED THIS CAR AS THE # ONE LUXURY SEDAN, AND THEY WERE SO RIGHT!!

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  rating 2003 lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By jeroloman - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have evry owned.

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  Transmission problem - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Miami Mike - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my ES330 for 10 months. BAD= 1) Had many troubles with Countyline Lexus and would NOT recommend them. I am now using JM for maintenance. 2) Transmission problems (with acceleration) since purchase. Both dealers claim that I was the only person that had reported the problem (from these reviews, I see that this is a lie) and they could not duplicate or solve the problem. It has been getting worse. Now the car jerks with normal low speed cruising. 3) Leather on the seats seems cheap; rough and not supple. My Volvos leather is much nicer. Good= 1) Nice interior luxuries (except leather). 2) Nice to drive when you get past the transmission problems. 3) Good mileage.

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  Lexus ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By HComm - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle. Quality and unbelievable reliability. This is my second Lexus, and it is a definite step up from my Toyota V6 Camrys (which are superb automobiles too).

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  Im truly amazed - 2009 Lexus LS 460
  By Jim Howard - April 11 - 7:50 pm

  Previously, I drove Lincolns for 16 years, then had two LS430s, but this LS460 is the most amazing car Ive ever owned. The improvements over the LS430 are many, and the state of the art in this car is nearly perfect. I can find no faults with it, it performs flawlessly, the power is awesome, its quiet like a tomb, comfortable to a nearly dangerous level, the features are extraordinary and everything works to perfection. Im particularly pleased with the Hard Drive for storing your music that is on board, and the ability to play DVDs through the navigation screen with the car in park. Nothing like it when youre waiting to pick up the grand kids. I give the car 2 resounding thumbs up.

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  Fun to drive and be in with top down - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Marvin Roffman - April 11 - 4:30 pm

  I just love this car. Fun to drive and is one of the best looking cars on the road. Very high quality.