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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  Talk to Me in A Year! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Ed W. - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Wanted to get the Lexus RX 300 for my wife; but after test driving the RX and the ES300....she opted for the ES because it handled better for her ..noted that the RX did not have the pick up of the ES ......shocked to read that Edmunds.com rated the car at 8.0 only and even more surprised to read the feedback of various ES owners ....4.3 to 9.0 ...what a varied range of opinions! Ask me in a year how I rate this ES 300! I am keeping my fingers crossed. My wifes previous car is a 1991 Acura Legend and I had to fight to get her to give up her Legend!

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  Great Ride - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By N-S - December 12 - 8:26 am

  Traded in my 07 RX for 2010. I am so happy Lexus made the best crossover SUV even better. Had this car for one week and love driving it everywhere. Already getting 23 mpg on the first tank. The interior is miles better than previous model. It feels more upscale. The technology in this car is the best. The remote mouse is great and easy to use. Love the smart access. You cant go wrong with this car.

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  Loving My 2011 Lexus CT200H ~! - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By lexusluvmomma - December 11 - 2:50 pm

  Purchased a black one (only Black or yellow left... yellow either love or not and I am a... not). Was wanting a Hybrid for a while. Was a Lexus owner already and I needed more space than my IS250 but not neccessarily as much as the RX.This was the perfect combination of the two. Good use of the space with the folding down back row of seats and access through the hatchback... and hey it is a Lexus whats not to love? :0)

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  More than expected...........I just love my Lexus - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By Peace Lover - December 11 - 4:46 am

  Looking to buy a luxury crossover is not a pleasant experience. At first I was confused to buy Acura/Audi etc. Though they are good cars, looking for a full package is a costlier deal in these models. But Lexus RX350 provides just what I was looking for... A beautiful comfortable drive, reliability, noise isolation is just awesome. Overall it is great car for those who are looking to buy a luxury cross-over. Though F-sport version does not quite appeal much. But regular AWD Lexus RX350 does not disappoint you..!! Peace.!

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  Great Car but ... the Paint! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus for Life - December 10 - 10:56 pm

  Purchased this car in 2004 with 64K. Replaced timing belts, perform regular oil change and its been a worry free car ever since. Nice, reliable, smooth, quiet, tranquil rides. We had great luck with previous ES 300 (96) so its natural to get another Lexus. Love the center console for storage & arm rest. The only complaint ... the PAINT, Its a joke! Paint around the contour on both mirrors peels off slowly.

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  Squeaky Breaks - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By SQUEAKY BRAKES - December 10 - 10:50 am

  Bought car brand new. Squeaky brakes when car had 20,000 mi. Initially intermittent, then became consistent. Multiple dealer services not solved. Was told by Service Adivor & Manager common for these cars, in fact was told many new Lexus vehicles squeak and nothing can be done. What a disappointment. Were not talking about Pintos here. No vote of confidence from Lexus trained personnel. Would not recommend Lexus base on above comments from a service manager and adviser. Buyers beware. Can you imagine spending premium dollars and was told they naturally squeak? Car is still new!

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  mkd - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Marie - December 10 - 7:26 am

  I love this vehicle. It fits like a designer suit and is lots of fun to drive. Many SUVs drive like a truck. Not the Lexus RX 330. Its all about comfort and luxury. When I see it from a distance I have to pinch myself to realize that I really do own this piece of art on wheels. The RX 330 is one of the most beautiful vehicles on the road.

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By roo2 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Excellent in winter.

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  Lexus RX is still the best forever - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By suryanto santoso - December 8 - 12:46 am

  I have been driving my new Lexus RX since 2004 and feel very comfortable. A lovely car to drive, backup by reputable brand and have very good resale value. This luxury SUV is very appropriate for a long trip. Altough the fuel consumption a bit greedy, yet it can be compensated with its performance.

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  My GS - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By jblexgs - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Flawless, solid. Feels and performs like a new car after 48,000 miles. Build quality is beyond anything in its class. I know why the doemstics are dying.