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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  Lexus GS - 2005 Lexus GS 300
  By Amassey1980 - November 26 - 9:30 am

  I upgraded from the ES300 to the GS300. The handling and responiveness is what made me purchase the GS vs. the LS, as well as the GS having more room than the ES and it has a more meaty look than a luxuy sedan. It is awesome on trips, you feel a few bumps but over all it is nice quiet and smooth. There have not been any problems so far with the car. The Lexus brand has made an impression on my and my family so as long as they make good quality luxury cars that look good, they will have me for a customer.

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  2009 Lexus RX 350 Pebble Beach - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Weezy - November 24 - 3:13 pm

  Just purchased the 2009 Pebble Beach edition. Very reliable vehicle. The navigation system is easy to use and access while driving (all touch screen). Very powerful car, good acceleration. The backup camera is a nice feature, but the images appear farther than it actually is. Have no problem driving in sleet/snow/ice thus far.

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  A bargain, if twice the price - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By mitchellrowe - November 24 - 9:13 am

  Front interior room seems wider and higher. Vehicle is faster and more responsive than the LS 430. Leather work is craftsman style as in the SC 430. Enjoying the satellite radio. Strong climate control. No wind noise. The engine is now audible at idle. 8 forward gears. Came with Bridgestones not Dunlops: runs straight down the road - no wandering drift. Stronger brakes than the LS 430 . Easier steering. Larger view from backup camera . This car is a 10. Nothing negative!

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  Practical, Fun car - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Bill - November 24 - 12:33 am

  Had this car for 12 years, trouble free, fun. Best car we have ever had. Moving to snow country, not practical, so with sadness, it must go!

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  2011 Lexus ES350 - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By howard42 - November 23 - 11:59 pm

  bought this car new in late 2010. Having owned the car over 4 years now, it has been a mechanically PERFECT automobile. Other than changing oil, filters and battery, NO repairs. Not even a light bulb.

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  LS 400 - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By joseph - November 23 - 10:20 am

  Awesome car,smooth, great gas mileage, no problem and I own a 95 model too.

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  Love it - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Adrian - November 21 - 9:50 pm

  I have owned a few SUVs, but this has to be the best experience ever. The ride is solid and smooth, the suspension is sporty without being too hard. I average about 19MPG (incl. city driving) primarily because i pay attention to the "eco" mode on the dashboard which has affected my driving behavior (slower acceleration, etc). It is fast and has quick acceleration. Occasionally in taking sharp turns at higher speeds, there is a sense of top- heaviness but no concern for roll- over.

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  2009 LS460 AWD - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By Mark Wooters - November 21 - 9:20 pm

  Have owned the car now 1 year and 4 months and vehicle continues to exceed expectations. Handles great and on recent roadtrip to Michigan driving around 75-80 averaged 26 mpg. I have about 24,000 miles and have averaged exactly 20 mpg since owning the car. Drove in snow and icy conditions and also ran into a snowstorm on way back and the AWD is amazing. Put car into snow mode and you dont even know the weather is bad. Navigation is great and simple and you can enter the phone number of the destination and it takes you to the business/home without inputting any street, city, etc. Auto parking works well; yet, is slower than doing it yourself. Excellent Acceleration and feel for road.

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  I love my LEXUS - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Beth - November 21 - 3:30 am

  This is my second lexus and first RX 330 and let me tell you this certainly will NOT be my last. The 2005 edition is quiet, luxurious, contemporary and just so WONDERFUL. My RX delivers me and my family in style and portects us with numerous saftely features that work so well you dont even realize there working, until you see the driver in front of you spin out into a ditch and you pass without a problem. This is definitely the most appealing SUV in its class. Its reliablity is untouchable, its service is platinum and its ablity to retain its value is amazing. Lexus supplies me with a piece of mind and is undoubtably the best brand!

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  Benzinger - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By cebenzinger - November 21 - 2:00 am

  The car rides beautifully and handles well through curves as well. It has excellent wet weather handling. I would have liked some additional features, including radio controls on the steering wheel, something standard on our Toyota Sienna @ $10K less.