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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  Imperfect Lexus Quality - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By toyzm - April 2 - 3:32 am

  Have chosen Lexus ES because of its well-known quality and reliability and value. Happy with its many well-thought features. Having read so much about uninspired driving experience, I didnt expect much about excitement. Still it has decent power and handling. However, the car already has rattles. A Lexus dealer said the rattle is from right front suspension; the car left in the dealer 2 nights and the issue was fixed under warranty. Now I hear another rattle from left rear side of the car. Researched online and found that Lexus under $40k, IS and ES, have had many rattle issues. Quite disappointed in this area.

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  1998 1 owner review - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By 494tfw - April 1 - 11:13 am

  I have found this vehicle to be extremely reliable. I have taken it in for routine maint. checks only. It is still very stylish even though new styles have replaced it. A car one can drive anywhere and be proud.

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  Great Truck!! - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Rick Walters - March 30 - 2:00 am

  It is a joy to drive everyday even after 3+ years.

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  Gorgeous "SUV" - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By suziqoozy - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my Rx300. I feel like I am sitting in my living room when I drive it. Its so comfy and the ride is outstanding.

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  i love it! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By gx470!!res!! - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Love my GX 470 Never had a suv b-4, bought it on a whim, but its no mistake...its a great vehicle & im not looking back. fun to drive, user friendly, "great" rear door opening to the side instead of up..excellent for everything, easy access!

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  Possible Lemon? - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By lisam - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I wanted this car the moment I test drove it in April - got it in July. Problems started right away with the acceleration, dealer reset the transmission and it is somewhat better. but now there is a creaking/rattle in the windshield/dash area - dealer insulated it but it is back. did I get a lemon - paid 41,900 on a 44,900 sticker? anyone have any ideas?

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  Love it! - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Kristie - March 29 - 10:36 pm

  I have had my new 2007 Lexus RX 350 for a couple of weeks now and I love it. I got it fully loaded minus the DVD entertainment system and also put on chrome rims, the car is hot! Excellent ride, very plush, comfort for all passengers-I really enjoy this car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By davekies - March 29 - 9:08 am

  GREAT car. Had a 98 Camry (272K) which was flawless but started to rust. Always loved the looks and quality of Lexus and when I picked up my ES 330 and drove it home (3 hours) is was the quietest ride I’ve ever been in-even @ 100 mph : ) Stereo is great (musician w/ VERY picky ear when it comes to audio). 4 door speakers-2 front tweeters-8”stock woofer do the trick. Added my aftermarket 400W amp and 10” kick that added NOTHING to the quality. Only had 60K (7,500/year) so it’s like new as most Lexus owners baby their babies! Click in the steering wheel (steering shaft-$800) but that is it. Have been asked if its new many times. Don’t think I’ll ever buy anything but Lexus from now on!

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  Great truck - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By s kim - March 29 - 6:13 am

  Never liked SUV until I got into a GX 470. Doesnt feel like Im in a SUV, more like a flagship Lexus sedan. Enough technology and features to stay updated for a long time.

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  Love it - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Alec - March 28 - 8:13 pm

  Great vechicle for the price. This car stock is a perfect car.