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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  It Doesnt Get Much Better Than This! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Howard - January 15 - 9:03 pm

  Have had my GS 300 AWD for a month now, and its simply the best I have ever owned. Ride is smooth, interior is "out of this world", and the acceleration and handling make it a ride to look forward to. Getting good gas mileage (24-25 mpg) and the car gets nothing but compliments. Other than the trunk being a little small, this is one wonderful automobile. Tested many the others (Acura TL & RL, Infiniti G & M, Avalon) before buying, but the Lexus is the "class of the class."

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  Great Car with even greater maintenance cost - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Louis Brown - January 15 - 12:27 pm

  Got my 2007 Lexus RX400h in 2009 used and the car is definitely a great car. Very comfortable to drive and it is a car that makes you feel at home. However, the car is an SUV and most SUVs dont drive that well. If you are looking for a slower paced SUV for the family or just a causal ride than this is for you. The acceleration is practically non-existent. However, it is a hybrid so one shouldnt expect sports car performance but dont expect any at all. The car is slow. Period. Even though I liked the car a lot, one problem I had with is was the maintenance and repair costs. I am sure that it is because it is a Lexus which causes the prices to be so high. Even worse, the car is a hybrid and if you try to take it to most places for maintenance or repairs they will tell you that they do not work on Hybrids. That leaves you with only the dealership for servicing options and we know how much they charge over there. All in all this is a good car but as I have gotten older I have learned my lesson that cars really are a waste of money.

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  Vibration and Drone on take off - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Tony Cannizzaro - January 15 - 6:58 am

  Had this car for nine months now. From day one every time you take off there is a vibration. and low. frequency exhaust note that is just unacceptable especially for a $50k + car. Come to find out its a known problem Lexus is aware of. Many consumers are having this issue but according to Lexus they are saying one of two things. We know about the issue and do not have a fix at this time or its a characteristic of the. new model..Which. is it. Lexus, I would definitely stay away. Lexus quality has definitely taken a turn for the worse.

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  as good as it gets - 2011 Lexus LX 570
  By sandy40 - January 12 - 5:24 am

  have owned many different luxury suvs. it doesnt get any better than the lx570. lexus service dept. is also excellent.

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  Unreal Automobile - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By LS Ultra Lux - January 11 - 8:23 am

  This is by far the most exceptional car on the road. We have The Ultra Lux, blk/blk, with stock chrome 17" wheels and bordeaux wood trim. Every option possible except the phone. Bought the car with 58k miles and now have 78k. Unreal experience. I have never been into cars, but this has changed me for sure. My dad was a Benz guy and I would never buy one after having the total Lexus experience. We have put 20k miles on it and it is solid as rock and the fit and finish is as good as new. My wife drives it and loves her 60 mile daily commute in Atlanta traffic. We get comments/looks all the time. Very sharp car.

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  Nice Ride - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By mp - January 11 - 5:06 am

  I traded in an Avalon and I am truly impressed by the difference in ride and feel. The steering is ultra smooth with no play or noises. Road noise is minimal. The backup camera and parking assist radar has turned out to be a truly useful feature. The seats are very comfortable and not fatiguing.The adaptive headlights are pretty nice as well. After having used the navigation system I cant imagine not having a car without it. Next time out I may get another ES or perhaps try one of the big boy Lexuses.

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  excellent car, pleasure to drive - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By JC - January 10 - 9:46 pm

  The car is a pleasure to drive. It is solid and quiet, smooth, responds fast when you have to accelerate or brake. The interior is nice, the sound system is excellent. I wish I would have bought the dvd system for long drives.

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  New RX 450h awesome! - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By arex - January 10 - 8:25 am

  Purchase option makes more sense. Lease program for this vehicle not as good compared to Lexus RX 350...

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  engineer - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By bob nguyen - January 9 - 2:00 am

  perfect car with all thing you need for daily use

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  98 LEX ES 300 - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By tumuch - January 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is a dream come true. After owning other foriegn car makes, this vehicle is a breath of fresh air. Its much more than the baby of the Lexus line. Its performance alone, is in a class of its own. Not to mention its flawless lines and superb handling. Reliability, off the scales. This car represents Lexus well.