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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  This review for 2001 -- Still has bugs - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By RL3 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1998 LX470 with several problems. It always pulled to one side or the other (steering wheel never centered correctly) on highway; emergency brake cable rattled near/at right rear wheel; tilt/telescope motors went out several times. Lexus never could fix either problem; took back under lemon law. I bought a 2001 just like it hoping they would have fixed problems. New 2001 pulls to left at highway speeds; same emergency brake cable rattle at right rear wheel; tilt/telescope motors already replaced once; transfer case replaced (vibration); Several rattles interior. Very disappointing to have basically same problems on same vehicle 3 model years later.

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  Way better than a BMW - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By kthakore - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Its simply awesome. I test drove the BMW 325CI but this car is way more fun to drive. It has a bigger engine, a lower sticker price and the Lexus nametag. The handling is awesome. Its just a joy to ride. If u r in the market for a BMW, test drive an IS and u will know what I am talking about. This car is the real deal.

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  great car, needs a facelift - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By bbenner - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the car, but its not as good looking as i would like. Better ride that the S-Class.

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  2000 RX300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By cokapromise - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a great vehicle that performs really well. The handling is great.

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  Best Vehicle Yet - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By hlfreeman - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The most reliable and best functional vehicle I have owned. Works great in snow and wet road conditions. Super smooth auto transmission and decent MPG. Excellent back seat comfort and leg room.

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  Everything but the "New Car Smell" - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By dale gifford - September 3 - 12:40 am

  This car gives the best ride Ive ever experienced. (That says a lot since Ive been driving for over 50 years.) Yes, Im an "old guy", but that doesnt mean Im looking for a car with the performance of a hearse. This is a very stylish, elegant vehicle that has the grip and go that a fella needs to move through freeway traffic with ease. All of that while providing the quietest ride possible. My wife says that riding in this car is like riding around in musical sound room. Although it is two years old it is free of any squeaks or rattles that usually come with age.

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  My New 2010 LS 460 - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By David J.Lilley - September 2 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had the car for a month just had the free 1,000 check up. The car has been great fun to drive a dream on the highway but the gas mileage has been low around 14mpg combo driving the only thing I dont like is the sound of the motor it is louder than Im use to you dont notice it much in the car but with the window down you can hear the lifters tapping like a car that needs more oil. Im told this is normal and others have complained as well. I dont love it but Im sure Ill get use to it maybe Im just sensitive. One other thing the cd player was not reading my cds they said they put one of theirs in and it worked but I didnt see it Ill try some newer ones later so well see.

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  103,000 Miles and going well. - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By TimSmith - September 2 - 8:16 pm

  I have put a lot of miles on this guy and have yet to do anything but scheduled maintenance. Rides like the day I bought it, gets great mileage, and still is in very good shape.

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  All good but mileage - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By BCOHEN - September 1 - 11:46 am

  Very comfortable car to drive. Really enjoy sitting up higher than other SUVs. Only complaint is the mileage - 17 on a good tank.

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  Even Better than the Last RX - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By john0922stamps - August 29 - 5:46 am

  Time to trade in my 2006 ML350. Although I agree that the Lexus is not quite like a German driving experience, the overall design of the Lexus is superior. Too many quirks in the German cars. Ive had the new RX for a month. My city MPG is 21, highway 25. Im impressed. Navi system is awesome. This is our second RX, and, Lexus has really improved the details on this SUV. I really wonder if the next gen will be able to improve on this.