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 Experience Ever - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Russ H - November 12 - 7:20 pm

  Since buying my 1st car back in 1976, this was the most pleasurable buy. Hands down, the test drive sold me this car and since owning it, we look forward to the driving experience and fuel economy. 23 city / 31 hwy.

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  Best Buy of Luxury Vehicles - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By M. Scott - November 11 - 12:33 pm

  When you really get down to it, there are a few other vehicles that you can buy that will have the same level of comfort, but how often will they be in for repairs? The LS has a great balance of power, comfort, class and reliability.

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  New LS 430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By tiger430 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Traded from 2001 GS 430 and this car is the most comfortable and quietest I have ever owned. We have a 2002 MB S500 and there is no comparison especially on a road trip. The S500 is so poor ergonomically and the seats are so uncomfortable that I feel sure we will be rid of it fairly soon. It also spends way too much time in the shop compared to a Lexus. It is a better looking car---but who cares?

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  Lexus LS400 - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By JoeSchmo - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Every time I drive the LS400 I enjoy it more, it drives like a dream. The exterior and interior are designed nicely.

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  85,000 miles - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By catdog86 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  A very comfortable vehicle - I bought this new for my wife and it has been a good vehicle for us on trips and daily driving and I love the off-road ability. I have been dissapointed with the reliability of the vehicle and the dealer experience has been poor! I doubt we will buy another one. Originally, I wanted a Mercedes but they didnt (still dont) have anyting large enough for our needs. Overall, Lexus tends to be a little guady with styling and getting worse.

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  Jewel of Lexus - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By jimyboy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I can tell you that the SC has been the car I have enjoyed, it is fun! Comming from an LS430 I was used to a very soft ride. I would say the SCs suspension is the equivielent to most German cars, and wonderful!! If you are coming from a Porsche or BMW you will think the ride is a bit softer than what you are used to, if comming from a cruiser then you may think its a bit tight, either way 24 hours and you will be in love with the SC. Seats are much more comfortable the German competitors, and engine is quiet which is nice during long drives. The car has personality and carisma that few cars have. Love it!

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  Best car I have ever droven. - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Anton911 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a shoker. Did not expect this comming. This was the best car I have ever driven. Suspension is the best, great engine and acceleration. Superb handling. Very, and I mean very good interior quality build. The most impresive was the suspension and the quitness.

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  Excellent SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By P.L. Savemart - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent sport utility vehicle. The gas mileage for me is 20.1 mpg. I choose suv over cars because of the better suspension. I am able to haul more weight than a regular car. The ride and handling is smooth on especially on highway and country side.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By sh4n - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Test-drove the audi q5, mercedes glk and rx350. I decided to got with the rx350 because it had an amazing feel to it, very luxurious. I had a rav4 (v4) prior to this, I used to average 10.8L/100km. In the rx I average 11.5L/100km, wow. I also felt like it was roomier than the q5 and glk. It cost me more than the german competitors and it was worth it. I really enjoy driving this car and if Lexus keeps their standards high I can see my self purchasing another one in 4 years. I got mine in Starlight Black Mica (the colour glows in the sun) with the saddle tan interior. I am loving this combination. The LEDs and new corporate grill make this car look much more sportier than before.

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  2004 Lexus GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Jill A. Patton - November 9 - 9:56 am

  Deciding to trade my GS400 for an SUV was a difficult decision. Wanting more room but not a monster vehicle, the GX470 seemed to be everything I was looking for. Having previously driven the LX470 as a primary vehicle, I was not looking forward to a bulky existence. The GX470 is a petite SUV perfect for my petite 5 2" frame. Better gas mileage would be a plus, but the ability to transport two friends each along with my two children has made up for it. I believe this is about as close as I can get to an SUV that feels more like a car. I have grown to love the car and all it provides for me, as a single Mom, and my children. They love the extra room too.