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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  Have owned mine since it was new - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By fyrcat - June 17 - 4:57 am

  I had owned my 1999 rx 300 since it was new. I currently have 78000 miles on it. No problems until I hit 65000 miles and my transmission went out. My dealer here in the SF bay area wanted 6500.00, so I shopped around and found an independent tranny shop who did it for 3500.00. Other than that, I love this car! I have never held on to a car for more than 6 years, but I still adore my Lexus. I just repaired the leather on the drivers side that ripped from 13 years of in and out. Otherwise both the interior and the exterior look great. I am hoping to keep her for 2 more years, and when ready to replace her, I would buy another Lexus in a heartbeat.

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  Ill buy again and again. - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Kevin B. - June 16 - 6:00 am

  Ive owned the car for 5 weeks now. I love the quiet ride and the feel inside. I love the bluetooth option for its safety and convenience. When I go easy on the gas pedal, I get 28 MPG overall. When I need to pass, the power is there. You gotta try it to believe it.

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  Gravite back to a Lexus - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By bmwkrzy - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I have looked at the 2003 BMW 745i, Mercedes Benz S Class, and ended up with a great Lexus LS 430. I-Drive on the 745i was a downer for the BMW, Mercedes S Class was too expensive for a lesser car. The 2004 Lexus LS 430 was rated first place is a comparison test in which BMW 735i ranked 3rd and Mercedes S Class ranked last at 6th place. The 2004 Lexus LS 430 is exactly what Car & Driver described it.

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  very good car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Siemarabbit - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very good deal. But it would need faster acceleration

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  Bullet Proof - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Henry - June 13 - 10:42 pm

  This is the best car ever. Nothing to repair and it was 11 years old when I bought it. Timing belt, a couple of sets of tires, oil change, cabin filters and windsheild wippers and thats it. My goal is to put another 80000 miles on it.

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  I Am A Believer! Loving My ES !!! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By cashmere1 - June 13 - 4:20 pm

  My v6 Honda Accord Coupe got totaled and I worshipped at Hondas feet until I met my Lexus ES 300. After only a few days I see why people invest in the Lexus Brand. It is smooth as silk and I hate to even stop and get out of it because it is so much fun to drive. I love its responsiveness which I need getting in and out of city traffic. We are going to have a great time together.

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  Love IT! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By bcparish - June 13 - 1:40 pm

  This is the third Lexus I have purchased. They are always wonderful vehicles to own. I have never had any trouble with any of them and I have kept them from one to ten years. I love driving all of them. Thanks for making such great vehicles.

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  Im VERY happy. - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By DPhillips - June 12 - 5:26 am

  I knew when I bought my car I was going to love it. I have always liked Lexus vehicles and I have not been disappointed. This car is obviously marketed towards the 21-25 age demographic (a demographic that I am no longer in). Im sure eventually Ill upgrade to a bigger car, but Im confident that it will be a Lexus as well.

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  Lexus Perfection - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Adam - June 12 - 12:53 am

  Just purchased the new 2007 RX 350 AWD with Premium Package Plus with options (18" wheels, towing, HID auto level, moonroof, gen 5 navigation, auto rear hatch function, bluetooth wireless). Simply a work of perfection! New cars are my vice and this one is at the top of the list. Even more refined than the 03 Lexus SC430 I had. The power and handling is far superior than the RX 330. A bit pricey, but if you are looking for a reliable, luxurious, sporty but classy medium sized SUV, this new RX 350 is worth considering.

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  I love her - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By JamesTx - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have a Graphite pearl grey with a 5spd. It is great. I love the dash layout and the seats. Also the aluminum pedals and trim looks great (unlike that cheasy wood). The exterior is beautiful, I love the front end, and the Euro ligths look nice too.It handles great, and the engine picks up quick. The inline 6 is the same one that toyota put in the Supra.