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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  The best - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Alvin - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Just the best Out there. I will buy another

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  Could be a bit faster, but I love mine - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By TerenceL - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Cheaper than the 330i, more fun to drive than most smaller sedans, but can also be used to drive clients or parents around (unlike say the Impreza WRX). I love mine. I was also considering the G35, but the reliability differences between Toyota and Nissan put my money on the Lexus.

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  Quiet and smooth - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Ravens - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the comfortable seats as this is my office away from home. I wanted a car that would last as long as my payments. I drive 40k a year so I took the lease for 39 months and will buy it at the end . the lease payments are 399 cant beat the price. I was a GM man now a lexus driver for ever. I noticed the transmission pause as noted in other reviews hope it is software as noted would love to see this fix as it is the only coplaint I have. One thing I would like to see is a power outlet on the dash for my cell phone

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  Wouldnt Trade It For Anything - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By YellowIS - November 30 - 10:26 pm

  This car has been a blast to drive since day one, never failing my expectations, nor failing to put a smile on my face. The lines of the car are only appreciated when hand washing and waxing the car. One of the smartest decisions I have ever made was purchasing this vehicle.

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  Lexus BX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By ivy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT AND IT SITS NICE AND HIGH, SO YOU CAN SEE ALL AROUND

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  Awesome LX470 - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By mej - November 28 - 10:00 am

  By far, this is the ultimate SUV. Nothing else compares with the quality and features.

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  toy - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ramaquois - November 28 - 10:00 am

  this is the best riding car i have owned. it is my third lexus first sc. it is the absolute worst car in any amount of snow. it gets no traction regardless of the snow control gadgits on the dash. the dealership, with tongue in cheek, stated that you shouldnt use it in any snow.

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  A Lexus to Remember - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Leisa James - November 27 - 10:00 pm

  The design of the RX 400h was the first thing that intrigued me about my Lexus. After the test drive I was sold. If youer thinking of investing in a hybrid I would strongly suggest you take the Lexus RX400h for a test drive. A hybrid costs more but I would purchase this hybrid again. I live in the rural area and my average speed is 45 mph. I am getting 25.5 mpg daily. It doesnt matter if I have to suddenly stop or increase my speed it averages the same mpg. The 6 cylinder engine has as much or more power than my former 8 cylinder engines that were in my large suvs. This car gives you all the comfort of the large suvs in a smaller and very sporty edition of an suv.

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  I Love This Car - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Peter Milewski - November 27 - 4:30 am

  This is an SUV that rides and performs like a luxury sedan. It also gets great mileage. I averaged 27 mpg for my first 1000 miles and over 30 mpg on my daily stop and go commute into Boston. I am tall and this is the first car that makes me feel comfortable getting in and out of the drivers seat. The car has every bell and whistle you could want and some you may never use. I love this car!

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  A Great Car!!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Snwht76 - November 26 - 5:36 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!! I traded my Lincoln Navigator which was profoundly unreliable, for the GX470 and I couldnt be happier! I wasnt sure that there could be a smoother ride than the Lincoln but I was mistaken. This car is fun and fast and has all of the options one could want in a car. This was a quality purchase and I am completely impressed with the Lexus product!!