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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  1999 Lexus RX 300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By EAC - February 5 - 3:36 am

  Great SUV. No Major problems besides an oxygen sensor needing replacement. Acceleration is not great and fuel economy is not great either. Fuel consumption got worse when I bought new tires. Only dislike is that servicing is expensive and dealership cuts no breaks even for long time customer like me.

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  Lexus ES 300 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Bruce - February 4 - 11:53 pm

  Lacks a little guts on initial acceleration, but hey Im not 16 anymore, and my need for top speed has diminished. If you want TRUE class and luxury, then look at this car.

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  last of the breed - 2012 Lexus LS 460
  By mitchellrowe - February 4 - 2:02 pm

  the ls 460 as we know it , will be replaced shortly , with a a high tech version , too expensive for youngprofessionals , and too complicated for the over 45 crowd . the dash / interior is full of the features found on the 2013 GS model , which was released in may 2012 . The GS isnt exactly a barn burner in terms of popularity . the lexus factory is incentivising the current ls 460 models , where the price is close to a 2013 GS. ( + or - ) $ 60 k for a midsize bmw wanna be . if you are looking for the ultimate all around , ultra quiet , concert hall on wheels with status , grab an LS while they last .

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  Our Third - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Pat Mooney - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Lexus we have purchased and could not be more pleased with the car. IT IS THE BEST YET! When we were looking for a new car back in the 90s I asked the manager of our parking fields, some cars valet parked, what car he would buy after having experience with every car on the market for 40 years he told me LEXUS. We took his advice and have never,never regreted it. Thanks LEXUS

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  Problems? What Problems? - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Parsley - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I have not had a single problem with this vechicle. It is a great kid hauler and I can pack a lot of various equipment into it.

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  Most accomplished SUV around - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Bill Moncure - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car, It can handle any obstacles as well as a great family vehicle. Remarkable gas milage.

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  LX 470 - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Macky - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. Although not as fun looking as a BMW, this vehicle rocks. The functional design is great.

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  AWESOME CAR! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By REDD - February 4 - 10:00 am

  THE REVIEW OF IT SAYS IT ALL. THE ONLY DRAWBACK IS THE GAS MILEAGE.

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  Lexus RX review - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By aanderson - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle has not been as dependable as I thought a Lexus would be. However, it is a quality vehicle but costly to keep maintained.

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By detayl - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My Rx330 was one of the first on the road,purchased on March 31,2003. I was first impressed by the styling of the interior and exterior. The rearview camera and the in dash six cd player are nice additions. The navigation system is one of the best on the market. I have sampled Mercedes and the BMW SUVs and the Lexus far out class them in features, style, safety and preformance.