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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  Bullet Proof - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By buzzy - July 9 - 9:10 am

  This car is unreal, its my third Es. You cant beat this car for the money, fuel econ. and re-sale... I am getting 23 mpg in the city... with that much hp what a well built car.

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  Great Ride-Instrumentation Poor - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Rudy - July 9 - 8:09 am

  Great ride but the instrumentation is not for the "Grey Hairs"! Control switches are scattered about and difficult to read. Software has nice features but requires a smart phone. Phone Tech Support is lacking as agents are NOT really knowledgeable about all the features. Gas mileage on a recent 1,200 trip averaged about 25 MPG. Frontal view is terrible as it is very difficult to judge where the "real" front is located......be careful!

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  Watch That Dealer - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Janice - July 8 - 8:36 am

  Recently purchased 2005 Lexus 330, absolutely FABULOUS! Replacing brake pads and rotors because dealer pulled one over on me, but this car is my dream. One note: gas pedal seems a little sluggish, not sure if its the high heels or not. I couldnt decide what to replace my 11yr old Mazda with and decided to go with a total luxury vehicle that is reliable and gorgeous. Believe me, I did my homework. This car "rocks"!

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  Best entry level luxury - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By frommx5tomz3 - July 7 - 9:30 pm

  This is not the perfect car for me (Im a driving enthusiast who wants a sportier car). However, for someone who really wants a classy, reliable, beautiful car focused on luxury (my wife), this car is a good value and a good choice. I enjoy riding in the car and driving it is pleasurable for a daily commute. If great handling is your thing, look elsewhere. If you want a luxurious car with great build quality and great creature features for a good price, I highly recommend it.

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  Disappointed! - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Bobby - July 7 - 11:56 am

  Poor infotainment system, poor acceleration, very poor steering and you cannot lock the doors and disable the alarm together, thereby making it impossible to leave my dog in the car without fear of theft. Nice luxury , though the seats are a little hard.

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  Great vehicle, good value. - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Ist time Lexus Owner - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought the GX after looking at the Cayenne and the BMW. Better deal for the money; quality is better. Ride is stiff over heavy bumps in the rear, but the ride and cabin quiet is typical Lexus excellent quality. Engine is adequate for the vehicle; interior appointments are high quality. The rear door looks goofy and is impractical, particularly when towing our trailer. Stereo is excellent, and the nav system is very well-designed and easy to use. I like the size of the shifter, but there should be more of a gate between D and 4. Overall its a great vehicle; great size, good power, great quality.

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  Got A Good One - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By scottb - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Worried about vibration problem, but test drive before taking delivery eliminated as an issue. First time Lexus buyer; currently own 2 BMWs. Almost bought X5, but quality issues steered me away. Glad I chose the GX470 - head and shoulders better than X5.

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  I made the right decision. - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Julie C - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my GX. I reluctantly traded in my RX (which also was a great car) because I wanted a little larger vehicle. I am so glad I did. It drives like a dream. I highly recomend this vehicle.

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  Superb - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Heathcliff - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Superb car, the best Ive ever owned. Great looking, fun to drive and its a Lexus. Beats BMW I sold to buy it by *miles*.

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  A decent utility car - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Lee - July 5 - 5:53 am

  This car had a transmission problem at 94,000 miles that caused me over $3,500. Other than that I guess it is reliable. The brake pads are incredible; I am still on the original ones after more than 110,000 miles. Has not changed the timing belt yet, mechanic recommended at 120,000 vs. Lexus 90,000. My biggest complain is fuel economy, a full tank of gas gets only 230 miles. Pick up from get go is good however it lacks power at medium speed. The suspension is a bit soft and the turning radius is too large. I would want to have a little bit tighter body. I also want to replace this one with the hybrid.