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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  Great Car - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By Mike Z - October 22 - 12:43 am

  I was tired of the problems and expense of the Audi A8 and switched to the Lexus, and I am very happy about it, more comfortable, at least as nice to drive, and quieter. And I can expect it to be more reliable.

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  Love This Car! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By RFH - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Not sure what to expect when bouoght it. Continually impressed with its perfomance, qualtiy and "fun to drive" aspects. Refreshing after have three SUVs over nine years. Handliing and responsiveness add to the safety features which are impressive. Great "small" car!

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  Lexus ES330 is a beautiful dream - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ginger florian - October 17 - 10:00 am

  beautiful lines; good sight vision; ample room inside car and inside trunk; lots of luxury features plus, plus; navigation system is a must; stereo system (w/navigation system) is far from a typical auto stereo; quick heating & cooling response; quiet; sharp overall appearance;

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  Satisfied Lexus Newbee - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By J Chafer - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Wanted FWD for better milage but none were available in our area. However mpg has been at least as good as the VW Passat 4Motion we traded so no complaints. Also have not had problems noted by some with the transmission or sun roof. Liked the looks of the FX35, but an afternoon with a loaner was more than enough - loud exhaust note was tiresome and the suspension bone jarring on our patched and potholed mid- west roads. Also drove an X3. Handling was great and the suspension firm but not uncomfortable like the FX35. But the X3 interior is sparten and cheep looking. And the small gas tank and low mpg didnt bode well for long trips.

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  12 years old and still wonderful - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By lexus lady - October 15 - 10:43 am

  I have had this car for almost 12 years and still love it. From the very beginning it drove so smoothly and quietly; I feel like I am on auto pilot. We have taken great care of it and have had no problems.

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  gx470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Michael Tersigni - October 15 - 12:06 am

  Vehicle handles and rides beautifully. Gas mileage is less than rated and computer indicates better than average. Touch screen navigaion system results in smudges on screen.

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  Yeah baby! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By lightning - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is outstanding to drive. Its handling is great, especially when going into a curve. At least once a week I have someone asking me about the vehicle. Get one of these.

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  New 2016 NXt AWD first drive and impressions - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Jim.logemann@gmail.com - October 13 - 9:51 pm

  Great car! Picked it up new a week ago and have had the pleasure of driving around town and a snow trip up to Flagstaff for a ski trip. It handles great around town and performed just as well on the 400 mile round trip to break in the AWD on snow. The car handles like a dream and very similar to the older 2008 328i I previously owned. I was pleasantly surprised how well the SUV handled the elevation change from 1000 feet up to 9500 feet. The turbo is flawless and at all times felt adequately powered. Several times I was surprised I was traveling too fast and had to use the cruise control to not break the law. The AWD performed well on the nasty road up to the ski slopes. I was deciding between this SUV and Subaru offerings. I feel I made the right decision and could not tolerate a 10 week wait for a 3.6 liter alternative. This SUV is extremely comfortable and a joy to drive. All riders tell me how sweet this Lexus drives. This is my 4th Lexus and the best so far.

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  Great VALUE - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By LexMan - October 12 - 5:50 pm

  Smooth serene (very minimal wind noise at 70 MPH) luxurious ride on freeways. My previous 93 LS 400 (AIR SUSPENSION) however, was still noticeably smoother on bumpy roads. The Mark Levinsons CLARITY is auditory nirvana. Bluetooth, navigation, parking assists, and backup camera are highly useful features. Glovebox is small; SECRET: there is an elastic strap in its upper right FRONT corner to secure the HUGE owners manual to the small ledge at the back of the glovebox. Center storage consoles capacity is better in the 2010 design. Only serious competitor for IMMEDIATE VALUE is the Hyundai Genesis, but can be jittery over bumpy roads with unknown reliability and likely faster DEPRECIATION.

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  Great car, just beware mileage & legroom - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By David S - October 11 - 12:50 pm

  This is a beautifully made car, well designed, & drives very smoothly due the the CVT (continuously variable transmission). The quality is excellent inside & out. Only 2 critiques: 1) Getting lower gas mileage than expected, abt 20 mpg in city driving. Our commute may be too short (10 mi 1 way) to get enough regenerative braking to fully charge the hybrid batteries, so we depend mostly on the gas engine, not the electric. In fairness, it only has 1600 miles on it, & others have said mileage improves after about 2000. 2) Rear seats need more legroom for tall folks. We are short, but if taller folks are in front seat, they will eat up rear legroom. That said, we still love this car!