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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  Add cust svc category to ratings eval - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By waialae-iki - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is one beautful piece of work! I was never one for SUVs but wifey wanted to try an SUV...This one really tops the list - all round best. I am not too keen on the location of the gear shifter nor the movable center armrest. But other than that, the que cards call for APPLAUSE!

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  Grams fun car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Unique in Omaha - August 8 - 8:20 am

  Since purchasing this car 18 mos. ago with 7000 mi on it, it has been one of the most fun, reliable cars I have ever owned. My grandchildren love riding in it and I can haul my plants and flowers with seats folded down. I get so many compliments on the looks, even from total strangers.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Baker 4 Real Estate - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Need a little more interior head room. Minor insturment glare on windshield at night. Passenger cant input addresses when moving (navigational system). A couple of steering wheel mounted radio controls would be nice along with a constant display of the outside temperature. All else is great.

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  Solid as Gibraltar - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Thrilled owner - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought as a demo w/9k miles on it. Now has 188K and havent had any unscheduled maintenance on it yet. Runs like new. Unbelievable reliability. Cant recommend enough. All the fun of a sports car in a sedan. 5-speed manual is a must for driving enthusiasts. My gas mileage is nearly identical to the window sticker rating, so I dont know why people gripe about the mileage. Besides, even though I might save $500/year in gas with a BMW 3-series, it would be offset by the several thousand per year extra I would have to spend on repairs. Im willing to pay a tad extra for peace of mind.

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  Great Car, But Can I Have My Caddie Back - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By JRB - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is amazing. Ive got 2000 miles on it now and there have been NO issues; perfect in every way. If you like gadgets and electonics, this is the car for you. And even better, everything works as it should. And did I say quiet? Oh, and perhaps I forgot to mention that the ride is like skating on smooth ice, yet sporty enough to get off the dime quickly and take a tight turn on command? Styling is nice, but not distinctive. My 94 Fleetwood had a distinctive style that stands out in the crowd. The Lexus looks like any other import. The LS430 is an outstanding car. But will my next car be a Lexus? The jury is still out...I still think about my Caddie.

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  worth the bucks - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By bill scheu - August 8 - 2:00 am

  this car does everything well. i know that it will be around for a long time and the relialibility is what makes me want to never look at another jag. the dealer treatmet will keep me from another sl. mb treats you like they did you a favor taking your money. it amazes me that jag and mb still do not get it ! i gusee they will loose all their market share before they give a decent rent a car during service bill

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  2002 ES300 outstanding car - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By okie - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the 2002 ES300 for 4 1/2 months and love the car. It is very quiet and smooth around town and on the highway. Very comfortable. It could use a more power but is adequate. Build quality is outstanding.

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  A poor excuse for a Lexus - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By GX 460 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd GX vehicle 05,08 and now a 10. This vehicle with all the hype about how this one was suppose to be the best. No power, very uncomfortable, when opening the door sounds very tinny and cheap. On a trip, seats are very thin when compared to the 05 and 08. Engine has no zip like previous models. I strongly recommend someone to check these items prior to purchasing.

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  Needs a few things - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By don skaggs - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Dual exhaust. A better remote start system that keeps the car running rather than killing the engine when the door is opened. Side molding for door protection. Chrome front grill. Ambient lighting for foot wells.

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  Disappointing quality - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By wdh - August 7 - 6:52 am

  I purchased my RX after owning a GMC Envoy. Unfortunately, I cannot say the RX is any better than the GM product. I think Lexus is really slipping on their vaunted quality. On the plus side, the RX is very well behaved on the road. It handles well and is a comfortable ride. Luxurious interior and nice ameneties. My problems began shortly after the warranty period expired. First, the clips that hold the cargo cover in place quit working. They just snap loose and will not hold. The next problem was with electronics. The sun roof stop sensors quit working, so that the sun roof overshoots the closed position. Very hard to get a rain seal. The switch for the left rear window also quit worki