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 Buy!! 2006 RX330 AWD - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Lis Lex - October 10 - 5:13 pm

  This is my first Lexus, but not my first SUV. There is no comparison. I fell in love with my best friends 03 Lexus RX 300. I did my research using the Auto Consumers Buyers Guide and found that the RX 330 AWD was the best buy for this vehicle class. The RX 330 was rated number one for price as well as best drive and comfort for luxury SUVs. I am happy with my recent purchase. I love to drive my RX 330 on the open highway. This SUV is sleek and demands attention because of its shape. It is classy and smart.

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  love my Lexus - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By L. & C Kelly - October 10 - 1:36 pm

  I love my Lexus, I had a Jeep before the Lexus RX 470. The Lexus is an 8 cylinder and the Jeep was a 6 cylinder and we are getting 18.7 miles to the gallon on our Lexus. The same as the 6 cylinder Jeep. I drive about 160 miles a day back and forth to work and home. Gas mileage and comfort is important to me and this SUV delivers everything i could possibly want and more. This March after a snow storm I came upon a patch of road near the river that had frozen and two cars had landed in a ditch the Lexus drove right over the patch of ice and did not slide at all, I did not have the SUV in 4 wheel drive. I feel so safe in this SUV. I love the RX470 and it is well worth the price. I use the GPS all the time.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Soxcyclone - October 10 - 2:53 am

  The long wait for the RX400h has been more than worth it. I have only been driving it for just a few days, but all I can say is wow, what a vehicle! The power and acceleration is incredible for an SUV with a V6. It is also very quiet (sometimes totally silent), and comfortable. I would say though that the most surprising finding to this point is that I believe (from testing so far) the EPA estimate of 31 mpg (city driving) probably can be beaten if one is careful with the accelerator. I am saying pleasant surprise since I had been hearing from message boards, etc, that it will not attain EPA estimates. Wrong! The highway mileage so far has averaged at about 27 mpg. Lexus has a new big hit.

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  Comfortable to drive - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By charlespig - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I drove this car the day I got it. I drove it from New York to LA because I was so excited! When I drove it I found out that its very comfortable and convenient. I suggested this car to some of my friends.

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  luv it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By luv it - October 9 - 11:20 pm

  I get a lot of attention when I drive this car. It feels solid, sticks to the road and doesnt bounce around. I understand the gas mileage will increase with more miles on the car than what I have.

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  2002 SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By pizazz - October 8 - 9:30 pm

  Purchased used in Dallas. 3 after market chrome wheels out of round. Dealer is reimbursing my cost of repair. Higher fuel usage than my ES 300. Very comfortable interior Smooth, quiet ride. Integrity of this car is perfect.

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  All But the Transmission - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By FunkyTrans - October 6 - 12:40 pm

  I traded a 2004 ES330 for an 05 LS430 because of the jerky transmission shifting. The LS isnt much better, at a slow roll, shifting is very erratic. Again, the mechanics say its "normal". For $60K the transmission (or computer that controls it) shouldnt be "confused". Sadly, my $15K Dodge pick-up shifts much better (seamless) for a fourth of the cost. Big disappointment.

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  Burts opinion of his Lexus 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Burt Pittler - October 5 - 10:33 am

  I am delighted with the quality of my Lexus. I have driven Lincolns for the last fifteen years and feel that that the Lexus 330 quality is equal to, or better than Lincoln

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  Survivor Story - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By Alive!!! - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The best thing one can say about this vehicle is that it ALWAYS lived up to the hype, even in a major accident. I was hit by a full-size SUV, who ran a red light at 55 MPH, no skid marks. I am 6 7" and I walked away. The car was totalled, but it did its job. The safety cage around the passenger compartment held completely - not even a tear in the leather! The roof did not buckle - with the sunroof open! I will never own another make of vehicle.

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  lexus is - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By matt pickett - October 5 - 10:00 am

  love the look handling and performance of the car