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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  Remarkable Quality, Reasonable Price - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By knighttime - April 11 - 2:20 pm

  Lexus customer service is superior, making this a great make to own. The RX 330 is large enough to be easy to drive, while not taking up a full parking space and getting all the usual door dings, etc. The handling is excellent and its just plain fun to drive.

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  "Tis a True Review" - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By rnovaq71 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is some vehicle; I traded a 2000 Audi A6 Bi-Turbo for this 1999 Lexus LS400 w/42,000 miles. Lets start w/power; this car is a monster thats always under control ! The interior satisfaction is superb, its 1st class 100%! Plus everthing works in perfect harmony! All controls & gadgets are placed w/in the access of driver or passenger. The exterior is flawless! No rattles, no sqweeks, no noise, just listen to the symphonic Lexus sound system. Even the CD-changer is above the glove box. Read all the reviews on the 1999 LS 400 ! In an un-perfect world it is truely the perfect vehicle !

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  new car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By playmaker - April 10 - 2:00 am

  If this is entry level, then Im not much interested in what else Lexus has to offer. Ride was excellent but they saved money inside. Seat was not all leather, dash was worse than a ford.

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  problematic ride - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Navigation - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car and the next day I had to take it in because the car wasnt going where I steered it. Not sure what the problem was. Service was great, but expected a perfect ride from a 1 day old new car.

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  2001 RX 300 - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By DevLopper - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a fine car and the quality in design and craftmanship stand out.

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  Sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Bertrand - April 9 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought a black on black Sportcross and I am really enjoying it. Handles and brakes better than anything else with this much cargo flexibility (bar none). All it needs is a low pressure turbo or supercharger and it would run with an M3.

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  Wow!!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Happy C - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I have been a loyal BMW customer for 15 years. I never thought I would own a different car. But we decided to check out the lexus because of all the problems with the 7 series. Once we test drove the LS 430 we were sold. We purchased the Ultra Luxury edition and it is chopped full of amenities. We Love it. The ride is luxurious and very quiet. Hats off to Lexus on this one. It does not have the handling of a BMW, but, I havent missed anything. I highly recommend this car to anyone who desires a smooth, richly appointed luxury automobile it is worth it. Look out Germany Lexus is pushing the envelope!!

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  A Quality, plush SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Scott1 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 04 GX470 after looking at all of the choices in the class. The Lexus just offered more of what I wanted..an exceptional luxury interior, smooth refined powertrain, and the best reputation for quality and dealer service in the industry. Ive had it on rough city streets and out on the freeway, and the ride and road manners are impeccable in all situations. It doesnt handle like a sports car , but I didnt buy a sports car either. Its handling is easy and supremely comfortable. Lots of room in the back seat for adults, the third seat is pretty useless though unless you haul munchkins around. Adjustable suspension settings work well, letting you set the handling/ride as you like.

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  fantastic car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Cisse - April 8 - 10:00 am

  My second ES. I love everything about this car. Beautiful styling, great power, fantastic ride, extremely quiet, amazing build quality.

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  Engine noise - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By llgf - April 8 - 10:00 am

  While ideling in the cold, there is an engine noise transmitted to the passenger compartment. It is quite disturbing and Lexus says it does not know the reason for the noise. Very disappointed