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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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Pip - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought car used in 2000 with 41000 miles on it. Smooth, classy, sporty, and just the best built car I have ever driven. Could have bit more power, but it has more power than 95% of other 3 L engines. One problem caused by me, getting too much H2O around engine led to 2 days at dealer. Another problem now is FM reception in nil when weather is hot. Still, would not trade for any other luxury car PERIOD and I have driven numerous higher end cars.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By fsufan8 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 95 LS400 4 months ago with 96K miles and this car runs much better than any car I have ever owned. The only problems I have had with it was a defective radio antenna ($135). Also, the top glove box that houses the CD changer is coming apart ($150). Also, a brake light bulb went out yesterday. All in all, these are minor repairs for a car that is nearly 8 years old w/ 100K miles on it. Nothing else has needed to be replaced. Gas mileage is around 18 mpg. Acceleration is smooth for 4.0L engine but not as fast as some cars I have owned. The very smooth ride makes up for it. I would recommend this model/year Lexus to anyone!

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  Bad Battery - AGAIN!!! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By DissappointedInFL - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Nuerous problems with battery and electrical system. Spent several days in dealers shop on numerous occaisons.

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  Not the most exciting but nice - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Michael OBrien - June 8 - 9:03 pm

  The standard fit navigation system is good but not very user friendly. Lots of nice interior features. The low driving position is not to my liking but comfortable with the top down.

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  The ES is unbeatable - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Scott - June 7 - 11:00 am

  I purchased my ES350 in January 08 and it is a comfortable, luxurious and beautiful inside and out. I considered the Buick Lucerne, Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and BMW 3-series. The ES won out on looks, performance, comfort, quiet ride and gas mileage standards. The car certainly turns heads and gets stared at. Its very roomy and the trunk space is adequate. The interior controls are not busy and very easy to operate. This is my second Lexus. I always heard that once you drive a Lexus, nothing else will live up to it. I agree!

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  U GOTTA GET THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By In LOVE w/ my IS300 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I drove a Civic DX for 8 years. The last 2 of those years I was getting the new car itch. I would get excited about some other car models but would shortly lose interest. BUT as soon as I seen the IS300 - I KNEW it was the one! It was like love at first sight. I bought one in Feb04 and couldnt be happier. Love the fact that not many people have this car. People ask me all the time "Is that a Lexus?"...or ask much or say how much they love it. Lexus out did itself w/ the IS300. It handles like a dream. Its the perfect combo of luxury and sport. Euro-car kids wanna race when they see me...LOL. Ive never owned the same car twice, but when I do go to get a new car it will be ANOTHER IS300.

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  Transmission and Brakes - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Alabama Gal - June 7 - 10:00 am

  My brakes had to be replaced at around 15,000 miles due to warped rotors. This also meant replacing the tires. Fortunately Lexus covered the cost. I just had them replaced again at 39,500 miles, at my cost. Was told that the area I live in is to blame since it is slightly mountainous. My husband has 70,000 miles on an 02 Yukon and has never had brake problems. I also would have like a smoother shift in the transmission. They did the computer changeover, but it is no better. When I took it in last I was told the brake replacement at 14K+ was a recall. When I called Lexus I was told there had never been a recall on the 02 Lexus.

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  RAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By DON HENNEL - June 7 - 10:00 am

  HAVING HAD 01 AND 03 OUTBACKS I CAN SAY I WAS PLEASED WITH SUBARUS BUT THIS BEING MY 6TH LWEXUS I WOULD SAY THE EXTRA 10K IS WELL WORTH THE MONEY DIFFERENCE

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  RX330 new - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By nmsss - June 7 - 10:00 am

  As close to perfect than anything I have owned. Acceleration is no problem, something that I worried about given 3.3L engine vs larger in competitors. This is the quietewst care I have ever been in. Great for commuting.

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  RX330 dont think of anything else! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Mr. HWY - June 7 - 10:00 am

  If youre thinking of a BMW or BENZ suv, dont bother! The RX330 rides smooth, comfortable, and is a pleasure to drive. I was pleasantly surprised by the 26.4 mpg on my last road trip. Both the BMW & Benz looks outdated. The Benz dont even have a locking gas door, what a joke for a expensive vehicle! My suggestion - Buy one, there is no substitute!