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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  Reliable but just ok - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Scott - September 17 - 8:53 pm

  I owned an ES 300 from the mid 90s and loved it. I have owned an ES 350 for 6 months and am less excited about it. The seats are uncomfortable and it feels very small for a person who is over six feet tall. Having said this, I think it will be a very reliable car, because I do believe Lexus is all about quality.

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  My new "H" - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Judy - September 17 - 7:03 pm

  The new hybrid handles very well. So far the gas mileage is not close to what had been promised, but I have been told it will improve after 2,000 miles. I was told, and the manual says, that it uses Regular gasoline. The dealer, the shop manager have all said to only use Premium or the car will not run as well as I would like. The front seats are narrow and stiff. Do I like it? Yes. It is great to drive, the upgraded sound system is wonderful and it is detailed very well. Would I buy it again...time will tell but at this time I am not sure.

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  WOW - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By WARD - September 17 - 6:13 pm

  The car is outstanding. I moved down from an XJ8 Jaguar, and thought I would miss the Jag features. The Lexus doesnt have the flashing performance of the Jag but is a splendid automobile. Just returned from a 450 mile trip and the car is just a delight in every aspect. The navigation system is great, and the car performs flawlessly.

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  The Fastest and most fun to drive LEXUS - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By DAVE - September 17 - 11:40 am

  Went to the taste of lexus event and loved the car. I traded in my 2002 LS 430 (which I loved). I love the hybrid, not because I am saving gas money (currently getting 14 mpg, due to my style of driving). It is incredibly fast and can keep up with most porsche cars. The sport transmission is amazing, and the car is up to par with what I had in mind. Very sexy design, but if you want to spend less money buy the GS 350, it;s only 37 less horse power.

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  Close to Excellent - 2012 Lexus RX 450h
  By dc_area_driver - September 17 - 4:40 am

  The buying experience was great. Other brands could learn from Lexus and how they treat their customers. . The mileage on the vehicle is as advertised. The ride is smooth and quiet. It is a great road trip vehicle. The Enform system is great! So why isnt the vehicle excellent? The navigation/audio system is 2nd rate. In a vehicle that costs this much money the sound/navigation system should be outstanding.

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  RELIABLE LEXUS 300 - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By WABU - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a more reliable car which makes it "a keeper." Gas mileage is 21 mpg. Excellent car.

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  Awesome vehicle! - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By Conifer Dan - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus LX470 is the finest SUV Ive ever driven. I live in the Colorado mountains and "use" this vehicle like a sports utility was meant to be used. This vehicle is a fine example of a high end Lexus... Very quiet and smooth. It feels like youre floating on air!

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  One happy IS owner - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By happygolucky - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The drive to work is not quite as painful anymore. This car is so fun to drive. The drive is smooth, and very quiet. It handles bumps like a champ, and takes the corners beautifully. I love my car! Im one happy camper!

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  GX470 OWNER - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By CHAUNSAY - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE DRIVING, CAR IS SMOOTH DRIVING ON THE ROAD, I HAVE RECEIVED SO MANY COMPLIMENTS ON MY COLOR(MERIDIAN BLUE) CAR IS NOT SO BIG THAT IT FEELS LIKE A TRUCK, I OWNED AN LX470, AFTER 3 YEARS IT STARTED SOUNDING LIKE A DIESEL TRUCK, THE GX470 IS QUIET AND MORE COMFORTABLE.

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  Lexus ES330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Icesk8r999 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Lexus. Love it!