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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  Bought with 43K Miles - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Jonathan T - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Upgraded from my 1997 Camry that I left with 130K miles. This ES300 has been a dream with ride and comfort. I get upset with the flow of normal traffic because it doesnt seem like we are moving fast enough. Traction control is outstanding in wet conditions!!! Compensates both at stoplight take offs and in fast slow downs. I feel very safe. Dealership was great, Salesperson OUTSTANDING.

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  After several months of driving - Review - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By JabaJaba - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This truck is excellent! Two things the are outstanding are the base stereo and the brakes. The stereo is crisp, clear, rich, and loud. It is the best sound system I have ever heard. The braking system is superb. Braking is smooth and effortless and is not touchy or grabby at all.

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  Disappointment - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By William R Lundholm - February 25 - 8:00 pm

  Very poor riding vehicle on long drives. Just did a 1500 mile trip from FL. to Boston. Was torture. Could not wait to get out of car at end of day. Most all on route 95 so very few poor roads. All tar strips and road imperfections transferred into seat pan. Seats very pretty, but not supportive enough. Seats are for small people. Seat pan not large enough. I am a little over the size of average person. Good for errands and short trips. Would not buy another one. Good gas mileage. Will sell in less than a year.

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  Lexus Lies - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Dissatisfied - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my GX during the Lexus Golden opportunity Day. I was told that there were no incentives on the GX. But I found out later that that was not true. Lexus has decided to drop the prices on the GX by making the worthless 3rd seat a N/C item on the last of the 2004 models. So, I lost $2000 by buying during the Lexus golden opportunity days. Beware these guys are tricky and they Lie. Go buy a Sequioa or Infiniti.

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  rear door not user friendly - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By E. Lynette - February 24 - 10:00 am

  rear door swings open into traffic. Window does not open/close. No way to leave door open for an extra long load. must have at least 4 behind vehicle to open door.

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  Love It! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By klkrlk - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife bought this for me as a gift for my recent promotion; WOW! I couldnt ask for a better gift. Lexus has, once again, hit the nail on the head on the RX redesign, making a great SUV even better. I particularly like the upscale interior and the sporty exterior. The ride is super smooth, quiet, and surprisingly agile. I cant get over the extremely soft leather, the highly polished wood trim, and the little extras which make owning a Lexus special. I am extremely pleased with this car and would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone reading this review.

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  The Best - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By The Professor - February 24 - 5:20 am

  This is my second Lexus and my first GS. Safety is a big concern of mine and my old Lexus saved my life more than once due to its quick response. Whoever said watch out for the other guy knew what he was talking about. The GS is AWESOME. The ride is smooth and very quiet. Anyone with back issues should sit in this car. Easy to back-up, easy to do anything except that little drawer on the side that hides various functions can at times be hard to see. But, that may be an age factor. Gas mileage is good. Trunk could be bigger, but that is an incentive for me to shop less. BMW look out!!!

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  Quick Silver! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By CPN - February 24 - 12:00 am

  I LOVE this car! Bought it back in august of 01, put about 3k miles on her since then. The ride is smooth, the seats fit your body wonderfully. Tight handling. Beauty of an engine, quite when you cruise and absolutely PURRs when you give it the gas. Sound system is solid. Sunroof is a MUST on this car, no exceptions. Heater works very well in the cold.

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  Underrated - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Bones - February 23 - 4:20 pm

  Very classy car. Interior is wonderful. Car has every option plus many extras. The sound system is one of the best I have ever heard. Engine is crisp and sharp. This is more for cruising than rip roaring performance. Storage is big enough for golf clubs with top down (perfect) Convertible top is a work of art. Looks like hardtop then wham its open air. Take a test ride before you buy something else.

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  Exciting Car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Wilma Whitaker - February 22 - 12:10 am

  My first new car was a 1959 Chevy. What a ride in the last 50 years to a Lexus Hybrid. Can you imagine a 72 year old woman with a spoiler? I have never had a car I was this excited about. It is a dream to drive and handles easily. I am excited about saving fuel costs since I went from a 2005 Lexus 330 using premium fuel to this gem. I, too, miss the cubby storage and trunk area in had in my 330, but I have pared down on what I carry, and that is a good thing. I would highly recommend this car to anyone!!!