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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  VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY HAPPY!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Swissair MD-11 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  FROM: tntjackson "A toyota is a toyota is a toyota. Im not fooled here." I WANT TO SPEAK TO THAT YOUNG MAN. DONT YOU DARE LISTEN TO HIM. HE IS WRONG. THE SC430 IS BY FAR THE BEST CAR LEXUS HAS EVER MADE. IT SHARES THE LEGENDARY LEXUS VALUE AND RELIABILITY, WHILE SPORTING AVANT GARDE LOOKS AND POWER.

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  Disappointment - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By david111 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have bought seven GM cars so far, and would like to try something different. So I went to the Lexus dealership and drove the ES300. The car looks great in the showroom. Interior material is something that GM cant even match. Build quality is good, but gaps between body panels are wider than those on the Acura. The driving experience was disappointing: The steeling wheel rattles when the engine is cold, and the screen of the navigation system is rubbing against the frame and sqeeking noise can be heard when the road is bad. I cant believe this happened on a Lexus, becuase a New GM vehicle (say less than a month old on Michigan roads) wont do that.

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  The Legendary Lexus LS4300 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By John McLean - January 21 - 5:13 am

  This car is a legend in its own time!! Soon to be replaced by mightier machines, but the LS 400 and LS 430 are symbols that will live forever. The last "corp" of LS 430s are to be endowed with BOSE suspension systems, making them more awesome than ever. What really amazed me about Lexus/Toyota is they believed they could do it, and they did!!! No whines about budget or working more than 40 hours a week - they worked and worked until they hit their target, then started on L-Finesse, a whole different ball game. But the LS 400 and LS 430 will live forever - they established the brand name and they put the "LEX" in Lexus. The greatest cars ever!!!!!

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  Great Everything Vehicle - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By jonkron - January 20 - 8:04 am

  This is my wifes car. We bought it used with 35K and have since put 40K on it. I call it the cream puff because it is a Japanese Cadillac. Luxury, ride, and fit & finish are top notch and reliability is excellent. I will be the first to admit the design was not my favorite initally- but Ive grown to love it because it does everything very well. AWD has been successfully Tahoe tested many times. It is an extremely easy & comfortable vehicle to drive. She is looking at the new model for no other reason then the new factor. Would buy this year & model again in a heartbeat.

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  Going Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Martin Malkin - January 19 - 8:23 pm

  Nothing but pleasure. Frisky, economical and plush

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  The Queens Lexus - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By NYAD QUEEN - January 18 - 8:26 pm

  I had been driving a BMW 740iL for several years but wanted a smaller, more economical vehicle to commute and travel in. Once I test drove the LEXUS RH400h my worries were over. This vehicle is incredible. LEXUS has thought of everything. The ride is most comfortable, the handling is great, the gas mileage puts a smile on my face, and the beauty of the car is something to behold.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Walt - January 17 - 5:06 pm

  I just purchased a 2007 Lexus 2007 ES 350 demo (nav and ultra luxury package) with 4,000 miles. The car is a perfect blend of sport and luxury. It is definitely one of the best cars that I have ever owned.

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  Cant, CAN NOT, ask for ANYTHING more! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By David1575 - January 17 - 10:23 am

  This has to be the BEST car i have ever gotten into(and bought) that is under 45K! I Swear! How in the hell did they price it at 31k! witht he nav system and Graphire polished wheels, which i personly love better then crome, are just done beautifaly. theres only one low point...EVERYONE has one now, lol, but that says something...Its the best!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By gbmullin - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Aside from a problem on delievery with the front right strut, this has been the best car Ive ever owned. Handling., reliability, and comfort are exceptional.

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  Love Our Lexus - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By jeka - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is one car that we have bought that we love everything about. We will keep this car forever. The ride is great and it is fun to drive (but you have to watch your speed!) It is the most comfortable ride and is great on long trips. Lexus has out done themselves on this one. They wont get this car back on a trade...there is no where to go!