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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  Vehicle has shortcomings - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Redhead - December 23 - 7:56 pm

  I am a Lexus person and have an LS 430 which I think is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have been disappointed with the RX400h. The fuel economy is below expectations at 19-20 in normal driving which is mostly in town and 22-23 on a trip. I have asked the dealership about this and they mostly just shrug their shoulders. It seems to me the gas engine cuts in at too low a speed. The front seat is too small for me at 62" both in seat size and headroom. Have had battery problems. Battery is too small. Also, it seems that the dealership is still not up to speed on the hybrid model. They keep telling me to call Lexus directly. Disappointing.

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  Love it!!! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By sbeaty - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my RX300, because I needed more room, and a third row seat...I really liked my RX, and thought it drove very well...I never expected to like the GX 470 as much as I do...it is head and shoulders better than the RX, I love driving it, and get lots of second looks, have caught more people than I can count peering in, and commenting how nice it was. Drives like a dream...cant think of any other SUV on the road that I would prefer...Love the LX, and this is just a smaller version.

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  Good Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ste - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, handling is super, and it very fun to drive and always great to look at. However, even family cars like Altima and Accord already have 240hp, Lexus should give some more horsepower to the next generation IS(around 260-280 would be good enough)... Performance aside, this car is very reliable, I had this car for more than two years and no find problem at all..

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  Second SC430 after owning a Mercedes - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By harry h horning - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Lexus SC430 I liked the first one so much I bought another one even the same color. The quality is better than any car I have ever owned. The drive and performance are different than a German car, not quite the feel for the road or the handling however the relaiblity far makes up for any performance differences. I owned a 2000 Mercedes which was a service nightmare. Am very happy with the Lexus would not consider buying another Mercedes.

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  How to look at the SC430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By INDY500atAOL - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The "back seats" are for luggage, not people. (actually for insurance). Its basically a 2 seater, with dummy back seats so insurance costs are lower. You can do 4 people, but its awfully tight...ok for short disdances in a pinch. Ive done it, even rode in the back. Other than that, it is a luxuious 300HP go cart. If you like to get racy, fill the tires to near the limit (44 psi?) It has The Best factory Stereo Ever made.. period.

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  Love this truck - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By allisonb1013 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I spent a lot of time researching before buying my new SUV/LUV. I decided to wait for the 2004 GX b/c of my fear of buying a vehicle in its first model year. I can honestly say I am absolutely satisfied! I LOVE this vehicle. Its everything I was looking for.

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  ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By J R - December 21 - 2:13 am

  My first Lexus. Very comfortable and quiet. Great fuel economy 23/31 for a large, comfortable car. Quality design. Disappointed in the thin paint, rock chips are very noticeable and the Michelin tires wont make 30,000. Large ugly mirrors to compensate for the thick roof supports. The wireless voice commands dont always do voice recognition. Expected more for $40K.

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  Good But not the best - 2016 Lexus ES 350
  By Jin - December 21 - 1:16 am

  Been driving about a month now. Changing from Audi A6 07 model, ES gives me more comfort and convenience yet I cant give it five stars since it has a bit unsturdy lower body in the highway driving. Also it has lot of IT stuffs, mobile connections etc. However the User interface is not really user friendly. For instance, its hard to control the navigation. Theres no Navi button anywhere in the panel. In order to go to Nav, at lease two or three steps you need to use fake mouse that ES provides. And its map is really crappy. Voice recognition needs a lot of improvement compared to other German cars. The default speakers are acceptable, but some AM radio stations (although it has HD radio option) sound almost inaudible. The manually folding side mirrors are design fault in the big sized car like ES. Its gas tank is such small that allows to go upto 350 miles with full tank. I know I sound a bit harsh but these are my impression of 2016 ES350.

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  A beautiful machine! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Alex - December 20 - 8:10 pm

  We bought this car used in March of 2008 (Certified though), and we have had absolutely no mechanical problems with it (minus one tire that had an improper seal, easily fixed)! One of the best cars weve owned! We used to be a Honda/Volvo family, but my husband acquired my stepmothers 2002 RX300 in 2005, and since then, we have fallen in love with the brand. A reliable, QUIET car! Only improvement would be better mileage around town, were getting about 17.5, which is still good for a V6! Kudos, Lexus!

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  In Love - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By my name?? Marty - December 19 - 7:23 pm

  Only have for one week now, but feel compelled to relate how wonderful this vehicle is so far. Dont understand some of the negative reviews. Its a dream to drive with some fun installed. Was worried it would be same old same old, since this is my fourth rx. I miss the side moldings and extra storage in trunk of the 08. But the technology with the mouse pad, nav, etc., is useful and fun. But not for those looking for simple. Takes getting used to.