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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  GREAT RIDING CAR BUT MPG LOW - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By GREGTHEQ - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My Lexus ES330 is the smoothest and quietest riding car I have ever owned. The design and comfort is extremely nice and others really like the car. My wife loves the dual front seat heaters that can be regulated separately. My biggest disappointment so far is in the miles per gallon. I drive highway miles and Im only getting 22 MPG when the sticker said it would get between 20-28. Since I bot the car a few weeks ago Im hoping that the MPG will get better as the car is broken in.

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  Almost Perfect!! - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By 3rd lexus - January 19 - 9:53 pm

  This is my third Lexus and my second Lexus SUV. In my opinion, this is the most advanced vehicle Ive ever driven!! And as such, is a pretty good value for the buck!!!! I will be purchasing another RX 350 very soon, unless the new LS 600h stickers for less than 70 grand!! HA HA!! Anyway, if youre out there trying to decide on a new luxury ride, the RX 350 is your best bet!!!

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  A Superb Vehicle - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By mel - January 19 - 2:36 am

  First class dealership selling a first class car. The ride and comfort are incomparable; all the bells and whistles that anyone could want. The only negative would be that it is not supposed to do well in snow- so, have another vehicle ready for thoise infrequent days!

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  Luxury without quality - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By econpasha - January 17 - 10:03 am

  After reading about the quality issues of the BMW 750 and Mercedes sedans, I bought the Lexus 460. Lexus 460 developed engine trouble after the first 100 miles or so. The car started shaking badly, even at idle. After phoning the dealer, we limped home. Tonight, the dealer picked up the car with a flat-bed truck and took it away.

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  Better than European cars - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ryan - January 15 - 10:50 pm

  I have owned a BMW and MB but the ES 350 is very fun to drive and much less expensive than its European counterparts. And its a Toyota! Will last for years to come! I considered the G35 and the Acura TL but I test drove all three and was sold on the ES 350. Better interior, handling, smooth ride and features.

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  RX 330 - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By consumer - January 15 - 2:40 pm

  We bought a 2006 RX 330 in November, the mileage is over 3000 and we only went to the dealer for a oil change. Nothing is wrong and the comfort is great. The front seats can lay back flat and the back seats can recline to. There is a back up camera and sensors. There are I believe eight airbags but I did not fully count it. The GPS is great but sometimes will lose its accuracy. Very very reliable. I am waiting for the 2009 Lexus RX 350.

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  MY NEW CAR - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By NYKNITS - January 15 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR WITH ALL THE TOYS TOO

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  Wind noise 2010 RX 350 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By spagirl - January 14 - 5:50 pm

  The wind noise is evident even at relatively low speeds. The ipod is very hard to plug in and the gas mileage is about 14 mpg in the city.

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  Great Car - 2008 Lexus GS 450h
  By scratchurite - January 14 - 5:46 am

  I ordered mine in early aug. I picked it up 3 days ago and it is a dream! I do have a few issues though. As a tall man, the entry is a headbanger! Thats why I gave it a 9. As a heavy man, the center console is not sturdy enough. Also Hi-octane gasoline is an economical nightmare in Tokyo. Thats why the 7. I dont need to drive so fast anymore(did that with my Supercoupe)! Cant fit in the Prius. But all things considered, I am super satisfied with it. I plan to keep it about 5 yrs, and I am now confident that I will have no mechanical issues. I have owned and driven many autos, American, Japanese, German, but this is the best so far. Im also happy to be the first to own one.

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  The BEST Car! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By 757s bezt - January 12 - 7:20 pm

  I love my 97 Lexus ES 300, its my baby! Every time I pull up to work people stop and stare! It looks very nice and its real dependable. I make sure I get my oil changed on time and anti freeze changed. The only thing is the radio and clock...they dont last that long...lol but other than that its excellent. My mom has 300,000 miles on her 94 ES 300 and it still runs better than any new vehicle out there!