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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  Not so happy with new GS 450h - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By disgruntled in NC OH - January 8 - 6:53 pm

  Have a 1998 GS 400. Have owned/leased at least 5 others since 1993. This one does not live up to the hype. Extremely annoying feeling of gas- electric-gas kickin/out etc. at speeds around 59 mph. Miniscule trunk. I am currently attempting to get out from under this "Edsel". PS: the mileage is really only a 4-5 mpg better than my GS 400.

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  The Best Car I ever owned - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Cyrus - January 6 - 2:06 pm

  This car is amazing. It drives smooth, powerful and a kick under the hood if you need to get going. I was able to move up in the pecking order by getting the longer wheel base. I am glad I did. My kids tell me the back seats are more comfortable than the front. Unfortunately for them it may be some time before their dad drives them again. They kept playing with the rear sunshade, adjusting the seats, turning on the seat heaters on each other. I finally just turned up the awesome sound system to drown out the fighting in the back. Im a little over 66". I can fit comfortably behind the fully extended drivers seat. I have spent the last 2 days uploading CDs into the hard drive in the stereo.

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  PERFECT SEDAN - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By *VERY NICE* - January 6 - 8:46 am

  This is our 3rd lexus, and each one has been wonderful! You cant beat the price and perfection that lexus offers. Any lexus easily can recieve 200,000 miles or more and run like a charm. The ES-300 is unmatchable by german auto-makers. This car is truely a nice riding mid-sized luxury riding machine period.

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  Religious Experience - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Wayne Reynolds - January 6 - 4:40 am

  I have owned my Lexus ES 350 for one month and have never been as satisfied over a new car as this one. Quiet ride, excellent interior design, and very responsive handling. There is minimal vibration through the steering system and visibility (including reverse camera feature) is outstanding. The interior amenities make this ride truly a religious experience. Also the dealership was outstanding and has an excellent service support record.

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  A joy to drive - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By faultless - January 6 - 3:53 am

  My 4th lexus and the best one yet. Wherever I am going I am never in a hurry to get there, enjoy the ride, the music especially and the quietness of the car. Only problem I have is with the Nav system. Its just a bit complicated. I am looking forward to seeing the new 2007 although I am not sure what they can improve. Maybe style if anything and hopefully the nav system will be a little easier to figure

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  Disappointment - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Wz24 - January 5 - 1:26 am

  My wife and I just bought a 2010 RX replacing her 2007 one - we are very disappointed. The air conditioning on 65 degrees temperature barely cools on a hot summer day, the ventilated seats work very poorly, there is an even worse blindspot from last year, and the interior quality is cheap. I would give fit and finish OKAY, not Lexus standard. Not enough wood throughout, and the entire cabin seems very low budget for a Lexus. The ride and dynamics have been improved greatly which is a plus. The leather is VERY cheap, I recommend anyone to pay more for the semi-aniline leather. The one thing I like, is the great new navigation, but its not worth all the shortcomings this car has.

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  My RX 350 - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By S. Gritz - January 4 - 11:40 am

  I am extremely pleased how the car runs. The air conditioning at 106 outside is cool and crisp. The nav system is easy to use and master. Overall the car meets or exceeds my expectations.

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  Love my Lexus SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Donna - January 3 - 5:30 pm

  Great driving and riding vehicle. Especially love the side hinged rear door, I no longer have to jump or wrestle with pulling down the hatch. GPS is a must, easy to use and very helpful. Would like it more if you could program it while moving. Third row seat too small, and would like the seats to recess into the floor. Handles very well in snowy weather.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By RHjohnny - January 3 - 10:00 am

  No comparison. Great car, great value, outstanding performance. A++++

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  Two RX300s already and still loving it. - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By thebest - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This car drives like no other SUV including the Mercedes ML320 BMW X5 is the real competition, but still, dont drive like the RX and is more expensive. If you buy one, buy the AWD. Youll never going to drive another car.