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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  Its a Lexus - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By wp2ztrs - November 21 - 5:50 pm

  Overall I thought it has a very smooth ride, very comfortable seats that will go into every position. I noticed the brakes were a little catchy if you want to make a quick stop. I think in time I will get use to them, probably because of the all wheel drive.

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  NX cruzin - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Kenneth McKain - November 21 - 2:57 pm

  Absolutely love the styling of this car and the paint is fantastic... I got metal flake red. My car is brand new so Im still getting used to it but I have only two minor complaints so far...there is no digital clock available and the front seat storage is not as good as in my old 09 RAV 4. The interior fit and finish is fantastic and I love the cream color leather seats trimmed in black... goes great with the car.

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  Awesome - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By Tom Fink - November 21 - 2:33 am

  Everything about this car has been perfect!

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  Nice luxury SUV that needs power - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By babydoc - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Nice overall vehicle for the money. But noise is definitely noticeable for a luxury car on highways. Serious improvements needed in engine power. Vehicle actually starts losing speed fast while going uphill. Transmission shifting is not as smooth as touted in reviews.

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  After 5 BMW5 series-Why I changed - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By gp5tee - November 19 - 5:46 pm

  After owning five BMW 5 Series over a period of 25 years I finally made the move. I test drove the new 2013 BMW528X and it was wonderful. Quite an upgrade from my 2009 528e I was offering in trade. Then I visited a Lexus dealer and test drove an 2013 ES350. It was love at first drive. The steering wheel was beautiful. The overall feel matched the BMW. Performance felt easily as good also. The appearance is truly special. The BMW was the same old, same old ,although a little improvement . I guess I just needed a change. The fit and finish inside and out is perfect. The clincher was that it was $14,000 less, net of trade. I have always found my BMWs depreciated too much over 5 years.

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  The Rolls Royce of 4x4s! - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By wbroussard - November 19 - 2:00 am

  WOW! WOW! Ive owned a MB S class and several BMW 7s and in any weather this is what I want to be in as its the safest and has the best build quality of any vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Great car - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By Alex - November 18 - 5:26 pm

  This car is great to drive and a fun family car. You will get reliability, comfort and preformance.

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  Worth it - if you only watch the top go down! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Jay - November 17 - 10:11 am

  The acceleration is incredible! Watching the top go down is almost as good as sex (almost)!! Even with it being an 11 year old car - the interior is luxurious - black leather with the burled dark walnut is elegant. The exterior is beautiful (not as striking as my 1999 SC400 - but excellent). Everything work like it did the day it rolled off the showroom floor. The only downside is that it isnt exactly top down weather - so Im impatiently waiting for the weather to turn. Of course - the only drawback is the lack of up-to-date electronics. Cant download my contacts from my phone. It handles "1-touch" dialing - but you have to manually enter your top 10 phone numbers, but the Bluetooth still works well with the phone. The navigation system is okay, but needs updating (need to go on-line and find an upgrade DVD. I updated it with a wireless back-up camera - tough to see behind you without it. I get about 22 mpg and it only had 83000 miles on it when I bought it!

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  "Purrfect" - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By robert weinstein - November 17 - 5:53 am

  Have been a Mercedes S class and Cl owner for 25 years. Cant afford either any longer in this economy. Looked at the E class, XJ,XF, and BMW 550 (no interior storage). Passed a Lexus dealer and went in. Saw a great looking car, went for a test drive. Never left B4 leasing the Sport LS, it has every option and package that Lexus offers. The Sport suspension gives great road feedback and cornering ability. The Sport transmission gives amazing shifts and power. The body cladding, fabulous wheels, summer tires, and interior make this car something special. It is " Purrfect." Always thought a Lexus was a " Grandpa " car. Wow was I wrong!!

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  Bruces review - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Bruce - November 16 - 6:03 am

  This is the best vehicle I have owned. I traded an S-Type Jag and there is no comparison. the room and quietness is fantastic. The ride is very smooth and the quality of the car seems to be excellent.