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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  AWESOME Car - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By DS - August 20 - 7:03 pm

  Picked it up a few weeks ago after trading in my 07 Lexus ES350. Love the handling and comfort. Nav system easy to use and mouse set up is perfect. The seats are extremely comfortable. Swiveling Xenon lights with auto high beam dimmers are great especially in the mountain areas that I live. Chemical order fairly strong but not annoying. Need to get rid of Eco light. Miss the larger temperature reading in middle of console.

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  Great but has problems - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By HikeAz - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Lexus. We purchased this brand to avoid trips to the dealer for repairs, etc. Unfortunately, it hasnt turned out that way. We have had either an engine or transmission howl that is getting progressively worse. Perhaps if the rest of the car wasnt so quiet, we wouldnt notice the howl. To the credit of the dealership, they have bent over backwards to attempt to correct the situation but so far, no results. After this experience we would think long and hard before we spent the extra money on a Lexus. I think we will go back to good old Toyotas ... same or better quality at far less cost.

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  Not up to Lexus Quality - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By R. Thompson - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Love the way the car drives. Love the look inside and out, but---- Much noisier than the RX300 I had before. Transmission very rough and jerky. Air conditioner VERY noisy. Too many interior rattles. This one has to go back to the dealer for many problems--transmission, air conditioner. Not used to taking Lexusin for problems. Car has been disappointing--overall.

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  Best Car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Charles, Georgia - August 15 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car with 42K miles on it and have had it a year and a half. I also traded a Lexus ES 300 in on it b/c I wanted a SUV. Lexus is by far the best car on the road. Ill never drive anything else.

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  Happy with our Lexus - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Clint - August 14 - 8:40 pm

  I bought this car off lease with 40K trading a 91 300D Mercedes. The overall build quality is better than the MB. The V8 is excellent and fast. Also good economy. This car is exceptional in every way. Will buy another. We now have 100k on the car and it is as good as the day we bought it. Very reliable with no problems at all.

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  Love this car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Red and jeff - August 14 - 8:26 am

  I have had this car for a year now and I love it. It is fun to drive, comfortable and I am 58". I love the power hatch dr. That is so handy when pulling up with groceries or whatever. My husband and I love the power memory seats too. Yeah. Only dislike, that Lexus says they are aware of is with the drive. It apparently has a computer memory and memorizes how you drive and adjusts. After about a month or so our car was reving at high speed and seemed like it was stuck in a higher gear for a few before slipping down. They reset it and it is working ok again.

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  The Best of the Beasts - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By L A G - August 12 - 3:13 pm

  Always wanted a luxury SUV. I test drove the RX 330 and the GX 470 but neither one has the comfort , the ride and the sheer power of this heavy SUV. I love the looks inside and outside. Several times a year I am on the road up and down I-95 and traveling at about 85 to 90 miles using the air condition and we get 20 to 21 mpg on an almost 6000 pound SUV.

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  Good Choice - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Rich and Fred - August 11 - 10:46 am

  Ive had my car for a year now. However, with the recent recall of Toyota Im think about trading it in. So far the car has met my expectations. Very beautiful, great on gas, roomy, and an extremely smooth driving experience.

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  Over hyped - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Gramps42 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Am finding this vehicle transmits road noise into the cabin (not a quite or particular smooth ride). Ride is so/so and not as good as the Rivera we owned before we bought this car. Handling is ok not stellar. Transmision is the best and smoothest I have ever driven. Engine is great. Would not purchase another Lexus as I feel that they are not worth the $ for a pre-owned. The certified pre-owned is not worth the extra $ either.

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  Absolutely fabulous - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Airbusman - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has quality all over it. We especially like the hard top. No noise with the rag top. This thing runs like a sewing machine. Its quiet with the top closed, and quiet with it open. Amazing!