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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  My Lexus - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By pboedeker - July 24 - 8:36 pm

  My 2004 LS430 is a real delight to drive. The optional Smart Access is a wonderful idea. I utilize the Parking Assistant and find the multiple seat positions quite comfortable on long rides. The real beauty of this car is in the handling. Until you have driven a 430 you just cant understand... its as smooth as warm butter.

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  I sweat the details - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By danstock - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1994 LS400 bought new. I tested everything before selecting the new LS430. I bought it with every option including PCS. I suggest you shop nationally because I was able to save 11.25% off list but it required a flight to Salt Lake City. Its not the options that are impressive but the way the all work together presenting the total driving experience.

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  My Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By kfoscaldo - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! It makes you feel special when you ride in it!!!

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  Superb experience - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By discvrsun - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV with comfort, reliability and luxuary.Also own another Lexus and never experience any problem with it.

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  Luxury meets Reliability - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By G - July 23 - 12:58 am

  The 4th generation RX offering from Lexus is the best all around luxury SUV in the market. Ive driven all of them including the Mercedes GLC, BMW X5, Audi Q7, even the Highlander, Pilot, etc. etc. All of them. The RX strikes the right balance between ride comfort, power, fit and finish, beauty and technology. To get the same safety features on the RX, one would have to pay massive premiums on the Audi/BMW/Mercedes. Best bang for the buck and not only that, youre dealing with the most reliable brand out there.

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  love it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By robinsutom - July 22 - 4:16 am

  I have had my lexus for only 2 weeks and I love it. Everything about it says luxury. I had a Buick Roadmaster for 12 years and was looking for a car with the same smooth ride the roadmaster had. The ES330 out did all my expectations. Bumps in the road are hardly felt.

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  Lexus is our choice - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Jack C. - July 22 - 12:56 am

  We researched several automobiles since coming off our lease for a 525 BMW. The 525 was nice but the dealership wasnt great. We wanted something similar to the BMW but did not want to be in the $50k category. We looked at the La Crosse (impressive) and the Ford Taurus (equally impressive. Both terrific cars with all the bells and whistles but the Lexus appeared to be the industry standard for luxury, comfort and performance. Dealership is also over-the-top for service (I bought and RX there)and sales. Helped me get out of my lease early too!

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  Probably the Most Reliable Ever Built! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Sim - July 21 - 8:46 pm

  Drove confidently from NV to IL with just under 199K purring like a kitten (and still purrs). Had to replace front struts and control arms, thats about it. Went through over 3 dozen new and used cars (BMW, Acura, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, GM, Dodge, Mazda, VW, Saab), but none, NONE like the ES300. This is car is ultra reliable and it can probably go for another 100K. This is really why many are loyal to the Toyota/Lexus brand. Its hard to beat its quality and reliability combination. The engine will most often outlast the body and suspension. If there is a need for used car, this is the best one to get.

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  It was a tough decision... - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By BuckeyeChuck - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Struggled with our choices upgrading from Maxima SE. Owned miriad of sedans (Avalon, Accord, Camry, Legend) liked move towards sporty sedans. Wanted to stay sporty - looked long and hard at the Infiniti G35; it was sporty and roomy. Unfortunately, build quality was not up-to-par and Infiniti does not have the Lexus reputation (yet). We decided to put our "driver enthusiast/performance" mindset on the shelf for now and go with the undisputed champion of the near-luxury class, the ES300. So far, weve not been disappointed.

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  Perfect Car - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By ikeb - July 20 - 8:26 am

  Ive owned 3 jags prior to this car and this car is the best I have ever owned. Feature after feature and a great smooth ride make this car great. Handling is almost perfect. Have had the car for a month and all is perfect.