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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  I dont LOVE it - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Holly - March 28 - 8:02 pm

  After 11 years with a Lexus GX470 that up until the day I sold it still ran as smooth and quiet as I expected from the Lexus brand, I am very disappointed in the 2016 RX350. At only 500 miles, I took the car in as I was concerned about the following: A rattle under the car when the doors were being shut (they did fix that), a "clunk" on the right side when shifting from Reverse to Drive (mainly), I was told that is in all 2016 models. Really, a "clunking" noise is standard. I also dont find the seats as comfortable as the 2015 model, which I used as a loaner car for two days. My biggest disappointment comes with the engine, it is not smooth and quiet. I also think it accelerates slowly and shifts awkwardly. I also get a vibration on the drivers side through the pedals, floor, seat and steering wheel that is driving me mad. The dealership said the car is standard, nothing they can do. I certainly do not recall these things from a test drive, but how much can you really learn from a 15 minute test drive. I havent share my complaints with Lexus, they "thanked me for my feedback." Unfortunately I am probably stuck with this car for a year or so, so I do not lose too much money on the deal. I would not recommend this model to anyone without a very intense test drive.

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  RX 300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By drrice - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car I have owned. It rides like a Lexus sedan, but goes in the snow without a problem. Great traction in the rain as well.

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  From my LX 470 to my GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Kimberly Doebler - March 26 - 12:50 am

  Fun, fun, fun. Going from a 2001 LX470 to a 2004 GX470, the GX is alot more sporty and a hell of a ride. Road trips arent on the constant lookout for petrol, more of the enjoyment of getting there.

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  Great car - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Dennis Appelbaum - March 25 - 6:17 pm

  Love the car. Nothing negative other than General Lexus maint costs.

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  First Lexus - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Gerard84 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought an rx300 in sept. of 2003. So far i havnt had any problems or concerns, suv is still in same shape as I bought it in. A couple days later i was on a highway and the skid controld has saved me from plowing through an off ramp. I guess I was just going to fast without realizing it (engine is very quiet)and the wheels that skid braked to control the car. Im thankful for an great safty feature. This suv is well worth the money.

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  Incredible machine - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Cyclogenesis - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The new LS430 is an absolutely fantastic vehicle. My previous car was a Cadillac STS and I was not at all impressed. It was noisy and long trips became uncomfortable in it. I love everything about the LS430. It is amazingly quiet and so much fun to drive. The radar cruise control makes driving on interstates almost effortless. Tremendous acceleration when needed is a great safety feature as well. The fact that this car actually costs a lot less than the Mercedes S500 and BMW 700 series is mind boggling to me.

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  RX330 Disappointment - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom from Richardson - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I am rather disappointed at my vehicle, because I had high expectations for this Lexus SUV. I am sure the engine and the mechanicals will probably be trouble free for many years. However, I dont think the Lexus engineers have paid enough attentions to small details. There are some little rattles and twisting/grinding interior noises. The brake pad also makes noise when release too quickly. The center console is weird. I cannot even find a place to put my cell phone. This vehicle also shares too many components with other Toyota vehicles, such as the engine, steering wheel, and gauges. It makes Lexus look cheap.

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  GS 300 - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Raquels Present - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Low maintenace, good quality vehicle. Superceeds BMW 525

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  We love this car !!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By keiko - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Powerful...Smart...Luxurious...Cute... beautiful...Confortable...want to drive more!more!more!, when it start to drive!

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  A Lot of SUV for the money! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MattSF - March 24 - 2:00 am

  The GX470 is a lot of SUV for the money. It comes with about every detail imaginable and certainly more than you thought you ever needed. We feel spoiled in the car. It definitely stands up to the Range Rover - certainly in quality - but even in styling. I really dont know what else we would want in a car. DVD/Sound system is amazing (5.0 DTS!!!), Leather and wood are first class, navigation system is as good as it gets. This SUV is not the biggest, fastest or cheapest but it may be the best.