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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  6-month Update - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Lexus Loyalist - August 29 - 6:13 pm

  Ive had the car about 6 months now, and just completed a 3500-mile round-trip to the frozen north for the holidays. Driving 10 hours per day, the front seat left me feeling refreshed when I arrived at my destination. The XM radio entertained me, the climate control and seat heaters kept me comfortable, the nav found fuel stops for me, and all of the cars equipment performed perfectly. I prefer the new front seat armrest/console cover to the old bony sticks that folded down from the front seats. I averaged 22-23 mpg at 80 mph on hilly terrain--I think thats pretty good for a loaded SUV. Overall, a great, great car.

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  Fantastic car! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By BeemerBill13 - August 29 - 12:13 pm

  I bought a 2002 LS430 with 78,000 miles on it in Feb. 2008. I sold my 1997 LS400 for this and what a difference! You wouldnt know this car from new, no dings, dents, or scratches! The previous owner serviced it with regularity. The car has the Ultra Luxury package so it has every option offered. I drive mostly highway miles and am impressed with getting 25+ (up to 27.5 already) driving it! A good solid ride. I am very pleased with it after 8 months of ownership and 9,000 miles.

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  best car in the world for 35k - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By jim morand - August 26 - 3:00 pm

  great car for the money......drives like a 50k car for 15k less

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  GreatValu - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By FIJIP - August 24 - 9:53 pm

  This is my 3rd LS and, in 10yrs & 150K miles, Ive had only one repair incident (pinch-control on sun roof.) Great car, great value.

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  A Dream To Drive - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Black Beauty - August 23 - 11:20 pm

  Proud owner of my first SUV. This is a dream car to drive. Perfect size and easy to handle. Lots of power. Short on gas mileage.

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  A 30-year-old guy buys ES 350? - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By dehw - August 20 - 8:35 pm

  I just turned 30, and previously drove BMW 320, MINI Cooper and Lexus IS 250. As you can see, I am a typical young guy with some money to be spent on cars, loving sporty cars. I was looking to replace my IS 250 and was looking at GS 350 and Audi A6 at first. While searching, the new ES 350 came along. I wouldnt have even considered ES 350 previously since it looked just too much of a grandpas car. The new styling got me. Comparing the three cars, I noted that ES 350 was the best bang for the buck. Yes, it does not drive like a sports car. For that matter, I like the new GS 350. However, it has more space and its ride is slick and balanced. Switching to Sport mode does help fun driving.

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  2005 LS 430 Excellence number 7 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Don Taylor - August 20 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned seven Lexus LS model cars. Each one has been better than the previous model. I have owned many other brands of automobiles in my life and none have been as totally satisfying as the Lexus. Nothing ever goes wrong with these cars. My latest LS 430 gets 21/22 mpg in all around driving and 26/28 mpg on highway trips.

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  GS is a great car - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Super Johnny - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is great, you cant here the motor let alone the road noise, mine has navigation and it brings out the beauty of the dash. I also enjoy the frame work of the dash in relation to the windsheild. The heated seats work awsome for when I travel to the snow or on a cold night.- My chick really diggs it too. On the exterior I have onyx black paint with a spoiler. I dont care to much for the grill which I am going to have replaced, HID front lamps are awsome, dont care to much for the lexus crome 16 in rims so will be replacing those.

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  08 ES 350 Ultra - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By mbdriver - August 17 - 3:26 pm

  We did months of research for a ML 320 replacement and this sedan came in on top. The ES is smooth, quiet and comfortable The privacy tinted glass roof gives the car a look unlike others in this bracket. Nice job Lexus. MBDriver Apex, NC.

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  lexus does it right...again - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By lovelexus - August 15 - 10:00 am

  this car is hands down the most awesome car on the market! Never gave me a single problem, ive been a lexus driver for 10 years,recently replacing my ES for the new GS, perfect ride,awesome nav., and super interior design-plus, it always takes me to the dealer to pick up my sister when her benz breaks down.