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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  Love my Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Jessica - February 6 - 3:40 am

  My lexus has been the best car for me. I owned a 2004 for 2 years and just upgraded to a 2006. It rides smooth as glass (much better than my GM SUV). The car is all about making the driver comfortable. The Navigation system is easy to operate and a huge help. I have NEVER had to take my car in except for routine maintentance. I LOVE MY CAR!!

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  SUV of 2010 - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Thuan - February 5 - 8:23 am

  Traded in my 2006 GX470 for the new GX460 Premium (White/tan) on Aug 7, 2010. The car has every option added, including the factory chrome wheels. Compared with my loaded GX470 its by far better, smoother, comfortable and very quite on the highway. I didnt have any problem with wind noise. Other reviews had stated the wind noise problem but I didnt get it on my GX460 at all. Highly recommended with Premium package because of all the convenience options that come with it. Before buying this car, I test drove the X5, Porsche, Mercedes GL450, Escalade and Lincoln Navigator and then decide for yourself. The GX460 drive it to believe it.

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  My Mistake - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By My Mistake - February 5 - 12:33 am

  This car is a perfect example of a good model gone bad. The drive train in the 2017 is not smooth or powerful, resulting in a herky jerky performance and uneven power even when the throttle is steady. It also has a way too soft suspension that results in instability when going over bumps at higher speeds, such as on an interstate. The drive is comparable to a high mileage vehicle with weak shocks and struts. In addition, the bluetooth set up is both confusing and difficult to navigate. So if you want a new model that is both unattractive because of grill styling, drives like a pig, and is a step down in bluetooth, this is the vehicle for you. Ive owned Lexus vehicles for nearly two decades, and this is by far the worst vehicle that Ive owned.

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  WORST LEXUS EVER - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By goodgimp - February 4 - 12:03 am

  This GX is my second and last Lexus. Shakes like a Model T at 60 mph. Brakes stop the car with a loud and shaking "KLUNK" at the end of the stop. Nav system is woefully out of date. All the dealer can tell me is "Lexus is aware of your problems but doesnt have a fix at this time." Bad answer. . .

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  Another winner from Lexus... - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By thesugarrush - February 3 - 1:46 pm

  Second Lexus in the garage and first Lexus SUV. The quality, comfort, and luxury are eveywhere in this RX. It has smooth engine with enough power. Ride is very quiet, smooth and comfortable. Got 18 city/22-24mpg highway. Previously owned a Murano. The RX 350 is a step up in terms of luxury, ownership experience and quality. I test drove Benz ML350, FX35 and BMW X5 before buying the Lexus. Lexus USA disables navigation destination input vehicle is in motion. However, there are many ways to bypass this. So do not use this as your excuse not to purchase this great vehicle.

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  I hope the new ones ride better. - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By jamiedaniel - February 2 - 1:50 pm

  I got my RX in Feb this year with 9,000 miles on it. Now I think I know why the original owner traded it. The suspension is way too stiff, and noisy. You feel every bump and the rear suspension lets you know with loud booms. This thing rides like a Mercedes ML. Thats not good. Also, with all the bouncing around, the back seat emits all kinds of noise. Keeping it folded down seems to help. I dont want a car so soft it wallows and has tons of body roll, but this is just ridiculous. Other than that, Im ok with the rest of the car. The leather and other materials feel good. Its fairly quiet. Im getting 23mpg on premium.

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  We Love Linda - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By Nina Sands - February 2 - 10:00 am

  My girls named her "Linda" because she deserves a nice name. Minivans are not "us" and we are always on the go between work, swim team and soccer. We love the comfort, the ride and the looks. Shes the perfect solution for us.

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  RX 300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Snafu - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Decent fuel milage. Power is adequate. Very usable and comfortable.

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  First Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tiger2 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle but have one reserviation, the ride is smooth until you hit a bump, then it sounds like its bottoming, have heard about the soft great ride but this SUV exhibits a noticable thump everytime you hit a bump in the road. Am hoping its something that can be adjusted/fixed. Wonder if other owners have experienced this. Am going in to talk to Service Department today.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By SJP760 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Anybody considering buying a SUV really should take a look at the Lexus RX330. This car is the most comfortable, reliable and over all gorgeous car I have ever been in. I knew the instant I got in to test drive it that I would be driving it home that day. I did, and have not regreted it for a moment. Im so pleased to FINALLY have a car that I am thrilled to drive!