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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  Great Ride - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Jan Fry - November 16 - 2:00 am

  We liked our 1999 LX470 so much that we replaced it (100,000 miles) with a new 2004 LX470. The vehicle was wonderful and we never had a mechanical problem. Were confident that we will have the same experience with our 2004 version. Not as pretty as the Range Rover...but very dependable and great in the snow & ice.

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  LS 430 with European Sport Package - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JayMac - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love the car. I chose the Modern package of Navigation, Levinson sound system, reverse camera and 6 disc CD changer with XM satellitle radio as an option. The Premium package with front climate controled seats, rear heated seats, and intuitive parking assist. The e European Sport package with euro-tuned suspension, P245/ 45R18 tires, 18" x 7.5 JJ alloy wheels, and full size spare tire. And finally the Smart Key feature. The car looks, feels and rides incredible. I think I made a great decision in both dollars and reliability choosing this over the S430 Mercedes.

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  A thrilled customer - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By jim040558 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Luxury at this price point is unbeatable. If you have a wife or if you have shorter legs, the $140 adjustable pedals are a must have. The variable suspension on the fly is great fun. Build quality is superb, and Ive never owned a car so quiet. Front wheel drive handling isnt torquey, and the options, like NAV and Mark Levinson are well worth the price. External styling is sporty but refined. Inside the car you are enveloped by a luxury that no other competitor at this price point can touch. Lots of wow factor at a very reasonable price.

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  lexus is300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By obaid - November 14 - 10:00 am

  awesome car really great, reliable, dependable, fast, easy, car...verrrry fun!

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  Loving It - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By cpearson - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car... The ride is smooth as silk and the interior is top notch.. I Love my dealership because when every I need an oil change they come to me and pick up the car. Great service!! I would like to see a better controll in a high speed turn like the volvo convertibles STS controll.

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  Great Convertible - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By parispick - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We have had absulutely no problems with this car . It is a joy to drive. The retractible hardtop is supberb. Very quiet with top down. Handles great

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  Best SUV Around - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Mark - November 11 - 8:00 am

  Test drove just about every large suvs on the market and the Lexus was heads and shoulders above the rest. We were looking for a quality used vehicle that would be reliable. After owning the LX 470 for over a year and a half we are still singing its praises.

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  Good Choice! - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Bill nelson - November 10 - 6:10 pm

  nice vehicle over all. For the consumer that requires "high end" luxury i.e Real Estate Brokers like my self, I find that my clientele gives exceptional feedback to the vehicle. Amenities are prevalent throughout. Regarding dependability I personally have had zero issues. Service the vehicle regularly and it should give 300k in mileage in the end. As a fast paced Realtor, dependability is key to my success. Id highy recoment the LX 470 for those are accustomed to higher level of excellence.

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  Perfect luxury SUV - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By naveen - November 8 - 7:40 pm

  An exceptional SUV with uncomparable comfort. All wheel drive performs well while driving in snowy or rainy conditions. Acceleration is bit dull while starting from full stop. But is good after picking up speed above 40 MPH. Interior is plush and cozy. Front seats are very much comfortable with spacious leg room. Over all its a very good choice among luxury SUVs.

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  Very Impressed - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ray - November 8 - 10:23 am

  I have only had the vehicle for a month and a half, but I am extremely impressed with the performance. The car has a smooth ride and many usable features. I can now drive in comfort, stlye and class. There have been many compliments too!