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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  Great Drive - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By fmario - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Its the quiet that gets you. It is a driving experience. Great Product!! It could use a bit more power.

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  Lexus convertible experience - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By C. Bennett - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Lexus SC430 in 2002 and have enjoyed every minute I get to drive it. I consider myself a auto enthusist and have had many fine cars over my life time and rate the Lexus SC430 as one of the best and one of the neatest vehicles to travel in. Love it.

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  macks review - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By the mack - January 22 - 2:00 am

  great car that i have enjoyed driving

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  We love this truck - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By JenG - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We just recently bought our GX 470. After reading countless reviews and doing extensive research, we chose the Lexus hands down. We are extremely happy with it. The ride is very smooth and we love all of the luxury features.

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  NIGHTMARE - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Cathy S - January 22 - 2:00 am

  My RX330 was in for service 4 times in the 1st month that I owned the vehicle. They are unable to fix the alignment and I have had 3 speakers replaced & another broken one. No one from Lexus would return a call until the 4th time that I called and demanded to speak with a real person. They said they would replace my car and then said something different. McGrath wouldnt take it back because they said it was used. They gave me a defective car but no one would help......until I contacted an attorney.

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  Navigation flaws - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Josh - January 21 - 7:33 pm

  We bought a fully loaded 09 RX 350 FWD with the Mark Levinson sound system and navigation/bluetooth system. The biggest disappointment has been these integrated system. Most of the buttons on the touchscreen are greyed out while moving, so that no destination or telephone no. can be entered using the screen. Not even by the passenger - who could safely interact with the system. The voice activated system is awful, taking forever to navigate simple prompts. Similarly, while moving, the radio will not display text info about the playing song using the full screen. You can, however, watch the info slowly scroll by five letters at a time on the little radio screen (risking life and limb).

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  LEXUS Till I Die... - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By TonyATL - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1996 ES300 used from a Lexus Dealership. This car has kicked ass all the way. When I want to conserve gas (I.e. Long Road Trips), I disengage the ECT power and I am able to squeak out 400 miles on one tank! (Of course setting the Cruise Control @ 75mph and rolling through the hills of Tennessee & Kentucky.)

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  Great Entry Level Sports Sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By IBP - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car reminds me of the 3-series of old. Driving fun factor is a 10, while a little practicality is lost (gas mileage, trunk space). But this is an awesome car to own and drive. I highly recommend this vehicle to spirited drivers who want Lexus realibility and great service. The IS may appear to be "flashy" by some, but this is an automobile for true car enthusiasts who enjoy driving and sees having luxury ammeminites as a bonus.

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  ALL S-CLASS BUYERS, LOOK AT THE LS430!!! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Evian NOMAD - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Oh my god this car is the best i have ever driven and owned. I am so glad that i traded in my 2001 S500 for an Ulta-Luxury LS430 in Black Onyx with Black leather. Very luxurious and extremely good value

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  PERFECTION!!!!! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By A340-600 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The best car Lexus ever made. I have owned over 7 LS400s, since they first came out in 1989, and have been drivin them since. I have a beautiful Milleniunm Silver on black with Ultra- Lux. You get power rear seats with massage, power sunshades, best GPS, Mark Levinson sound (the best ever!), parktronic and distronic (really cool), beautiful wood trim, really soft leather, rear climate and audio controls, for just $64,000! BRAND NEW! YOU GET MORE THAN A S600 OR 760lI FOR LESS!!!