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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  Remote start - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Ken - April 10 - 5:30 pm

  Don Skaggs wrote: "The remote start on my 2010 RX is poorly designed as the engine stops when the door is opened and you have to restart the engine which for all practical purposes defeats the usefulness of the remote start". I dont know if you have some state requirement, but my engine does not stop when I open the door. A few times I wished it did when I had not turned it off. You might check with the dealer. Love this vehicle. Have a 2002 RX300 which is a world away from this. I have 140K on it and never needed a "fix". Just brakes, oil etc. It was built on a Camry chassis, but the new one is built on its own chassis. Big difference. Much better than my X-5 (junk).

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  What a great car - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By chbeyer - April 10 - 2:16 pm

  I finally upgraded my 95 LS 400 after 180K trouble free miles and bought a used LS 430 that looks new. What a car. The engine has tremendous power for a luxury car. The interior is stunning and the luxury accoutrements are wonderful. Lexus makes the best cars in the world. What a pleasure to drive. With Sinatras hits playing on the premium sound system whats not to like!

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  The BEST car ever? - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By olan022 - April 9 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my black 96 ES 300 with 21000 miles on it in 99. Its nearly 08 and I have 94,000 miles on it with virtually no maintenance besides oil, batteries and tires. I cant say enough about how much I love this car. I do have a valve leak problem now that seem to be very common with this car and was thinking of selling it until I read the forums for the respective cars I was thinking of buying (SAAB, Audi, Mercedes/Benz) and finally reading about how many fellow ES 300 owners feel the same way I do about my car. Needless to say, I have a renewed loyalty to my car and now feel happy to get the oil problem fixed and drive this a bit longer just to see if it ever dies on me. It might not.

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  Theyve Improved a Great Car! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Mark Alpert - April 8 - 5:50 pm

  Traded in our ES300, and was pleasantly surprised to find the 330 is faster and handles better, and even gets significantly better fuel economy, despite being larger and more comfortable. Handling is helped by 17" tires, and mileage by the lowered drag coefficient 5-speed automatic. The engine showed about 2200 rpm at 70 mph on our first trip, on which we averaged a surprising 29.5 miles per gallon. This is just about an ideal sedan, with a nice balance of handling and comfort. Glad we chose it over the BMW and Accuras we test-drove.

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  Lady Driver - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Lady Driver - April 7 - 10:50 pm

  I researched alot of SUVs before chosing the Lexus RX 330. Ive had SUVs in the past, from a Hummer to an Escalade to an Expedition. Of all, this one is obviously the best gas mileage, but it also drives and handles great. I read all the reviews, and yes there is a slight blind spot, but as long as you look over shoulder, its great. Also read about slow gear change. I tried it on test drive and could not get it to miss a beat at any speed. I drive 75 miles round trip to work and love the way it handles. Only thing Id change is the arm rest, its just a bit awkward to me. Most of the so-so reviews are by men, and I think this is a definite ladys vehicle. I love mine!

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  I guess I got a lemon. - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Jack Fitzgerald - April 7 - 3:33 am

  This is my third new Lexus. I still drive my first, a 1993 SC300. 177,000 miles and other than routing maintenance, no problems. My 2001 is a good car in a lot of ways but I have had many problems with this vehicle. The steering column need 3 parts to make it right, Both side view mirrors needed to be replaced, both trunk struts needed to be replaced, One of the factory wheels developed a crack around the lug nut hole and needed to be replaced. The drivers seat needed to be repaired. All of the above was done under warranty but as I only have 60,000 miles on my car now, I can only expect more and very expensive repair work that wont be covered. I think Ill look for another make vehicle.

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  Unmatched Quality and Reliabililty - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Bison72 - April 5 - 9:13 am

  This by far is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Oil changes, tires and brakes only. The style, quiet ride and care-free maintenance has converted me to a Lexus fan for life! I keep wanting to buy a newer Lexus model but cannot justify getting rid of this SUV when it still runs and looks like new. My friends are shocked when they learn it is 8 years old and approaching 90k miles.

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  I Love It! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Jackie - April 4 - 6:50 am

  I love this car! I just got it and its wonderful to drive. My kids love it too.They love the DVD player. I really love the navigation system.

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  2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Annie - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned a BMW. I like this classy look of Lexus SC 430. I enjoy the hard top convertible of this car. This care gives me a quiet ride and fun to drive. It is very comfortable to ride especially on a weekend trip.

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  Better Than My RAV4! - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Dan - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Awesome ride and so comfortable. Everything is easy to use and practical. I cant imagine a car driving any nicer than my new Lexus ES.