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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  Its a Lexus, need I say more... - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Douglass Ackley - July 9 - 1:05 am

  Though this model is a bit pricey with all the "bells and whistles", it is worth it in comfort, convenience, and reliability.

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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dean - July 7 - 10:40 am

  Overall excellent vehicle, typical Lexus high quality. Easy to read dash, radio, overall controls excellent. Rear back-up camera is excellent.

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  Lexus IS 300, A smart buy - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By tweeter - July 7 - 4:36 am

  After seeking out the best car for the money and be fun to drive, I would seek no further than the IS 300. With its reliability, resale value, power, handling, options and price this car is the best all around. Thumbs Way Up!!

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  Second IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By cubsfanct - July 6 - 5:41 am

  This is my second IS300. I have owned 63 cars in my life (I am 33 and get bored easily). I have owned 12 BMWs and thought myself to be a lifelong BMW addict. The IS300 changed all that. The styling, the responsiveness and dependability won me over. I have never had an issue with either IS300 I have owned. They are the only cars I have kept longer than three months. My current one I am tastefully modifying. Owning a GS300 in between the IS300s I am now a Lexus (2JZ) convert. All around service all my have-to-haves. Sportiness, Luxury, Speed and Dependable. The IS300 is truly the complete package.

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  Unmatched luxury - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By J-WEST - July 5 - 12:43 pm

  This is a great suv. It really shines in the snow, when everyone else is slipping and sliding Im glued to the road with unmatched luxury. Plus it seems the gas mileage gets better over time. Also its super quiet and refined. The only problem for those of you who like to get up and go is the horsepower, but thats all right.To sum it up: the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.

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  GX470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Dean - July 4 - 8:26 pm

  Excellent car and great service as usual from Lexus. Rear transaxle gets loose and needs to be tightened every 10,000 miles. Lexus stands behind every detail.

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  Everything is Excellent - Except.... - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By azrick - July 4 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. Already own an LS and thought the GX would be a great addition. As usual, the car is a great Lexus product, but they should have continued the thought process on the last 6 feet of this vehicle. The rear door is terrible. The way that you have to manually lift up the third row seats is something you would find in a $10,000.00 SUV. The head rests are so big, you cant recline them and move the seats behind. Using a strap to hold the third row seats up is also a bit cheap, inconvenient and un- imaginative. Come on Lexus, you have an absolute 10 if you would fix these problems. Everything else, perfect!!

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  wow! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By stevel - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Quite simply, its the best car I have ever owned---and that ranges from a Miata to an E-class. Luxury, reliability, performance. For those of us that dont go on that curvy roadside road but are suburbanites with varied driving habits, its the perfect 2 seater. Needs a better trip computer, and the run flat tires are so-so for the winter, but wow, whata car!

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  The best of the Best - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Jakehoo - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Switched from an Avalon to the RX300. Very pleased with this decision.

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  the best - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Carmen - July 2 - 6:46 am

  Simply put, this is the best car i have ever owned or driven in. I have had it for a year and never had a problem. The ride is so smooth that it still feels like the car is not turned on. There is not another car on the rode that offers the smoothness and comfort along with enough power to handle my needs. I wouldnt change a thing in this car for right now.