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 my Lexus - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By R in Detroit - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The first thing I noticed driving my Lexus was that it made everything easy. It is easy to get into, easy to steer, easy to accelerate, easy to change radio stations. Everything is easy. I have had upscale Jeep Grand Cherokees and GM Blazers. The Blazers are still way too trucky. You have to push the accelerator all the way down and it groans along. My Lexus seems much more peppy. Id say it rides lot like the Grand Cherokee. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I have not had to do anything to it in 20000 miles. I have never owned an American made vehicle that didnt need to be in the shop for some repair within the first year.

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  Smooth and Quiet - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By jrsmithson - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the vehicle for six months and have 3222 mile on the meter. It is silky smooth and quiet. No wind or road noise. A little floaty on uneven roads but only minimum. Mileage on trips have been 26mpg and around town about 21mpg. Eventhough it is based on the Camry and consumer magazines say buy the Camry because of the cost. I have drove a 2003 Camry and the ES300 has nothing in common to a Camry on the road. I highly recommed this car to anyone wanting a silky smooth quiet car that get you there in style.

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  Love driving my car! - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By robochis - March 24 - 11:23 pm

  We were blessed to buy a Lexus SC430 four weeks ago. I love driving it, and I especially love the looks and stares that I get from the special color of the Pebble Beach version! Its wonderful on the road; it handles beautifully! I cant wait until the temperatures are warm enough for me to put the top down!! Way to go Lexus!

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  Excellent car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Jeff - March 24 - 2:50 pm

  This is my second LS 430 and this car is a dream to drive. Quiet, reliable and good gas mileage. I looked at several other cars because I thought I might want something different. Nothing compared when all things were considered. Absolutely fantastic car!

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  Chech your steering - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By jrhickman - March 21 - 10:46 am

  Nice car but if you have one keep an eye on your sterring. Hah to replace the rack and pinion after 60k. Dealer wanted $2300. Asked then to call Lexus and they chanded it to labor only. Still $700 I think Lexus ahould have covered the whole bill

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  Sportcross in want of manual 6 speed - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Dan Moon - March 18 - 10:00 am

  With the conflicting personality traits of family responsibilty to a wife and two children and woeful levels of lingering adolescent car lust I have nearly found the ideal combo. Lexus is 9/10ths there, but not quite. They need M3, S4 hotcha, sports suspension, and a 6 speed manual in the Sportcross. With a bit better marketing and spec., Lexus would do really well with this car.

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  Lexus quality slipping? - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By pgret88 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 1997 Lexus SC 400 for six years No problems except a new battery because I left the trunk open. This new 2002 SC 430 has a rattle in the passengers side. The dealer has been trying to fix it for the last year. The last effort two days ago is uncertain.

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  GRRREAT!!! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By brittany - March 18 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT CAR...IT LOOKS GREAT....FEELS GREAT....AND DRIVES GREAT

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  Nothings perfect but this comes close - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By edavidm - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned many vehicles including MB, Cadillac and Toyota, but this is the ultimate vehicle in all respects. The quality of workmanship, attention to detail, comfort, luxuriousness is unparalelled.

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  Lexus ES 330 Review - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By JeffK - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I may be a tough grader in comparison to others, especially since I basically love my new car. It is a great compromise between performance and luxury (I am coming off a Saab 9-5). I feel better that the 330 has more power, and that the transmission problem appears to be solved. It is the best overall car in its class.