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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  Best I ever had. - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By goodlanding - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I got the car for the wife and drove it myself for the first year and a half. I slowly realized that an incredible car it really is and dont want to kill it with miles so I gave it back to her to drive to the market with. It really is the best car I have ever had. It does everything very well. No problems, its just full of understated elegance. One of the best things is that the dealer treats me like a human, not like the chysler dealers that figure you for the idiot that got suckered into buying one of their top of the line POS. My wife and I have agreed that we will always have at least one Lexus.

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  We love this SUV!!! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By cltang - October 7 - 2:00 am

  We got this 2WD SUV with $35,500 OTD. I love the V6 engine and transmission, which is the same as my other car and van (Camry and Sienna). The interior is super. The reason we bought it because of our 10th anniversary. It worths to keep for another decade!

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  Lovin the car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jeff - October 6 - 10:03 pm

  Ive had the 350 for 1 month and compared to the 2004 ES 330, this car is significantly better. The transmission no longer hesitates, increased power and at least 2-3 mpg better. The screen on the Gen 5 Nav is much improved and visible during the day. Moving control to the steering wheel + bluetooth makes functions more accessible.

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  The flaw in an every day city commuter - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By sandy - October 5 - 10:16 pm

  Owning the SC 430 is a mixed blessing. Fit, finish and flawless performance surpass the most demanding of expectations... crucial flaw: low profile tires that are unsuited for the rigors (pot holes, steel plates) of New York city streets. In the last year, 6 tires have been replaced, 4 at the dealers considerable expense as well as sensors and suspension parts. I am not an isolated case. The same frustrating experience has been shared by other owners. Larger tires are not an option as there is no room for a spare without sacrificing the trunk. The otherwise fully satisfying vehicle should have a sticker "NOT FOR NYC DRIVING" Would I buy another?...you have to be joking.

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  More comfort wanted - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Rosalinda - October 5 - 1:36 pm

  Cons - The seat belt on drivers side scrapes the seat, wears on the leather and panel it is on. I would like more padding on the seats because I have a bad back. The brakes scrape; feels like they need work but they dont. The panel where mirror controls are in could be on a more accessible place as well as the cell phone charger. Pros - Great gas mileage, love the certified used car option! I get so many compliments! Right now I have to decide whether to stay with the sporty look and feel or go back to the mid-sedan car for more comfort. I would recommend this car.

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  Fairly easy to work on - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By HomeMechanic - October 3 - 8:36 pm

  Purchased from a private owner with 135k, now 155k. RX3s can have some small known issues that can be fixed by a competent DIYer. Exhaust leak (have a friend with a welder?), O2 sensors (buy a $5 socket), clean the MAF (simple), spark plugs (a chore but not impossible), suspension noise (disassembling a strut is more than most ppl want to do on their own). Suggest changing the driveline fluids for insurance against trans issues. Consistent 19mpg which I think is fair- if you get less, have it checked out, or turn off power mode! All in all, I think its a vehicle you can become familiar with & keep around for a long time. Its versatile, but not too big or obnoxious. My trusty daily driver.

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  The perfect Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Vladi - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Everything was well thought out when the Lexus Enginers thought about redisigning the old LS400. Everything from the huge gas tank, to the huge trunk, cabin. Great gas milliage and accelration that still is on par with the Infinitis 340hp. So i always think my car has 340hp and not 290 because I get the same acceleration as it does, even better i think, also the fuel millage is great. The interior is awesome. A pure lux sedan, and nothing better on the market.

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  I Love it!!!! - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Elliott138 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have been dying to get one of these since 1998, but was stuck in a lease until 2001. I am on 24k now and it is just like I only had it for a couple of months (minus the new car smell) Lexus service is the best I have even been exposed to and that includes Mercedes and Infiniti. Being a Lexus owner is pleasure and look forward to the next purchase in 2005

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  Love it - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Weebnuts - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, great performance, great styling, all with the best reliability in the industry.

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  GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Darrell Luthi - September 30 - 1:50 pm

  Have had 8 Lexus models but this is the very best we have had. The GS 300 is outstanding in all areas and especially in fuel mileage.