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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  IS300 Perfection - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By mr magoo - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and with the exception of a 2001 GS430, the best vehicle I have ever driven. I would recommend this car to any one who desires the perfect blend of aggressive styling, handling, performance, and class. This car is definitly a Luxury Sport Coupe.

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  ES300 IF YOU WANT LUXURY & QUALITY - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By CATZRULE - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Waiting for delivery on new 2003 ES300. Interior unsurpassed in its class & even the classes well above the ES300s price range.Interior is extremely well thought out.Controls are right where you need them & easy to use.Exterior is gorgeous,sporty but not quirky looking.Fit & finish top quality.Seats are so comfortable.Even better than its predesessor.Got Levenson sound,but even the base sound system is great. Navigation system is unusually easy to learn how to use.Easiest to use out of others I looked at (Infiniti, Mercedes and BMW.)

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  Satisfied customer - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By patrick mackenna - July 12 - 10:26 pm

  From the test drive to my 1st 400 miles its been a pleasure to drive. My hazardous experience, a driving rainstorm, left me feeling safe and comfortable. The suv held the road and the windshield wipers reacting to the amount of rain made the ride fun.

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  sweet car - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By mark simon - July 12 - 10:00 am

  great all around car

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  Lexus ES 2002 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Patricia W. - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Although I do like this vehicle, I have to say it totally lacks get up and go. It has major hesitation when trying to pick up speed QUICKLY such as getting on an interstate or crossing a lane(s)rapidly to get out of traffics way. It has stalled badly in critical situations. I know in the years subsequent to 2002 the engine has been upgraded to a 3.3 litre but I just wonder if .3 is enough to do the job. I doubt I would ever buy another ES unless that engine was significantly bigger--

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  Likes and dislikes - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By V9995 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car, easy to drive, comfortable ride, no annoyances like rattles,etc., no wind noise.

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  Best I have owned - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By xman - July 11 - 10:33 am

  Owned a Benz, Cadi Allante, Buick, too many to mention including a Subaru and this car is built, looks great and has not given me any problems whatsoever. The fuel economy, while taking premium, runs circles around most cars. 33+ on the open road, average around town over 22. I am not sure I would even think of trading it in on anything else.

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  One of the best out there - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Dunde - July 11 - 4:03 am

  I like the drive of the ES 350 better than the 01 BMW 325xi. It is quiet, smooth and has a lot of power. Handling is equally good. I do not do 70 on a 35 mph ramp. If you want to do that then the bmw will be better (provided you have good tires). The ES 350 has an exceptionally quiet ride. I absolutely love this kind of ride on long road trips. When the car is cold, the transmission is a bit jerky. Within a 2-3 miles it becomes smooth but still it is not as smooth as BMWs. I love the keyless entry.

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  Always buy Lexus! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Tom - July 9 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car with 50000 miles on it, now it has 166000. It still runs and drives like it did when I bought. Im so sold on Lexus now, that Im looking into getting another one. I love the ride, its amazingly quiet and comfortable. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering. I drive 60 miles a day to/from work, and this car does great. I live in the country in Texas, and drive to the city. Like I said, Ill buy another one.

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  Great Vehicle -- Needs some Updating - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Mike - Kent. WA - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I love the vehicle though it lacks a few things that its competitors seems to have. I chose it over the MDX mainly because of the lack of color choices in the Acura product -- Lexus has the best exterior color combos -- hands-down. I really love the two-tone exterior that is, unfortunately, going away in the 2004s. Great vehicle and fun to drive.