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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  Bought it used, but it still had zero problems! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By gpokhare - January 26 - 11:19 am

  Bought it w/ 120,000 KMs and as a rebuilt title. Amazingly fun car to drive in the summer, and is extremely reliable. In 2 years owning it, outside of having to change the brake pad and battery, I only had to come in to the shop for oil changes and tire changes. However, the car is not good for heavy winter driving. Because its RWD and fairly light, you have to be extremely careful when driving it in heavy snow roads as it tends to slide. The stock stereo is unbelievable. I tried a 2014 BMW this year, and the stereo on that didnt even match the 03 Lexus IS stereo. Also, this cars safety features protected me very well when I was t-boned by another car. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Good interior but bad quality - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By DMj - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car less than 3 weeks ago and now I already experienced some problems in the car. Some personnel on the dealership are harsh and told me to comeback if the car reaches 5k miles services before they check or diagnose the problem. Engine vibrates when it is in power mode and doesnt reach 35 mpg average. This is a big mistake for buying this car brand and choosing this dealership.

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  Best Luxury Car Available - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Mike Price - January 25 - 3:23 am

  Having owned BMWs and Jaguars, my LS430 is a welcome relief from frequent unscheduled visits to the service department. The LS430 might not have the style of a Jag or the sharp handling of a BMW, but is a great compromise of those features with confidence-inspiring reliability. Lexus has included as standard equipment, many details not found in other luxury cars. At a starting price of around $55,000, it is the best bargain on the market.

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  Absolutely love it! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By karen kline - January 23 - 9:36 am

  We purchased our hybrid on 5/2/05 (ordered it last May). We absolutely love it. The interior is very modern - at first wasnt sure if I would like it - but I love it now. We also have 2 tvs for the kids - one on each headrest. We have navigation in our other Lexus so we had to have it again (it was actually a standard). There is a button on the steering wheel for voice operation - it does everything you ask it to - its a lot of fun. I mainly do all highway driving and average 25 mpg (great for a SUV)

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  Not what I expected :( - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By Jenny - January 22 - 12:43 am

  I was SOOOO excited when I heard that the full size Lexus was getting redesigned. Everyone I know who has the LX470 simply LOVES it. I had a baby in August and waited for the new one to come out. I was really disappointed. The interior is not very comfortable. I have had many issues with the electronic system (it seems to have a mind of its own). The built in blue tooth is difficult to set up and once set up, the receiver has a VERY difficult time hearing you. For some crazy reason, I did not test drive any other SUV. This, I feel was a huge mistake. I am not sure how long I will keep this car. It is a shame, because I was very excited to have my own LX570.

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  Fuel Economy - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By mer - January 21 - 5:20 pm

  Picked up my RX 400h about 3 weeks ago and I am very pleased. Overall gas mileage is 27 mpg for the first 844 miles. My usage is about 50% highway and 50% in town driving. Lowest mileage was 25.8 and highest was 29.7. The car is extremely quiet and comfortable. Build quality is excellent and the interior design very good. It has exceeded my expectations.

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  Love My LEXIE - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Caroline913 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, fun to drive and I feel very safe on the highway. I love all the toys and the interior is so classy. Ive owned other SUVs, but this time Ive found a gem.

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  The Perfect Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Allen04 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  When you first get in the LS, you experience a wonderfully plush interior with less of a technical assault than the BMW 745i. The technology is easy to use, and its got to be the most comfortable car in the world. With ample power, the car accelerates 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, which is fast enough for just about anyone. You could be going 100 mph and not even know it. This cabin is incredibly quiet, and the bumps are non-existent. The rear back-up camera is a very useful gizmo. Overall this car is wonderful, and if its anything like its Lexus predecessors it will hold up to its value. And at thousands less than its competitors, this is one great buy.

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  Lexus GX470 2004 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By narin - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This Lexus is better driving than my wife Mercedez-benz E320. It is very easy to drive and handle. My wife is enjoying her driving my Lexus than her car.I am very happy with this GX 470 than my previous RX300;however, rear view is limited and has to be very careful backing (since I do not have rearview camera).Cargo space is also limited with the third row seats.

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  04 Black ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By grm1memphis - January 21 - 2:00 am

  As usual, Toyota/Lexus has done an outstanding with this vehicle. Fit, finish, and overall quality is outstanding. Glad I waited on the 330 for added power at a lower price than the same car last year. I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle. I expect to be in the Lexus family for a long time.