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 Ride - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Leon - September 12 - 4:26 pm

  This is my first 6 cylinder car ever and what a ride. I took the 05 Avalon Limited for a test drive and although the engine may be more powerful the refinement and luxury of the ES is umatched. From the simplicity of the controls to the real wood throught the cabin. The comfort is unmatched. Owning a Lexus is great. Ive had people comment me on how great the car rides and this is from owners of s500 and the GS300 as well, so that says a lot.

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  Great car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By jtg - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car for my wife. She loves it. Really well built. Quiet. Sound system is amazing. Smooth/classy. Very happy with this car

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  My dream come true - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By K Sahlin - September 10 - 7:56 pm

  This car is by far the best car I have ever owned. It looks great, and is VERY reliable. I have now owned the car for about 4 weeks, and Im still like a kid with a new toy, when Im driving it. I love the quality of the materials used inside - ie, the leather seats. I love the navigation system with its backup camera. The sound system is exellent And the engine isvery powerful, much more than youll ever need. I also like the keyless entry/ignition system. But most of all, I think I like the overall look of this gem. It is a GREAT car. And I think with the reputation of LEXUS, I can sleep good at night

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  Total Comfort - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By JG - September 10 - 8:36 am

  My second LS,and as expected, quite satisfied with the overall performance, and comfort. I only have 1600 miles at this time, and have had no bad experience with wind noise. Average miles in the city 21, and 28 on the hwy. Only regret was not getting the Mark Levinson system.

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  Almost Perfect - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Bill Osters - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Quality oozes from this car. Styling, handling,comfort, and space are all excetional. The ride is pure pleasure and not a rattle anywhere.

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  the best - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By lexusguy - September 9 - 2:00 am

  traded a jag conv for this ...best thing I ever did

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  What fun it is! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By JnglRed - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Great engine, beautiful interior. Unlike the exotics, also dependable, and when you put that top down. Well, you have to drive it to believe it. Great navagation system, and the sound system cant be beat.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By jlauch - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Get rid of the run flat tires. They are horrible!

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  Lexus continues greatness - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By gtaber - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Truly the finest car on the raod today for under $100000

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  Driving Excellence - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MichaelCap - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle absolutely outpreforms my last S Class Mercedes. Unbelievable, Simply a superior class car. Way above and hands down the LS 430 is a flat superior automobile to the Mercedes S500