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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  Top Luxury Med SUVDriving Experience - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By msclonly - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Finally, a comfortable SUV, that feels and drives like an Sedan. Does NOT feel like driving a truckor a tank. Easy getting in and out of with great visibility. Correct posture while driving prevents back and leg pains compared to a low sedan, which are not made for easy access, low back comfort, or healthy leg positions. The Navigation System has saved many miles of going around and around in circles, even with directions from several people, if they know anything at all. Great directions to unfamiliar locations. The NAV comes with the upgraded Levson sound system for the finest music heard in an auto, especially Classical. Picks up distant stations, eas

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  Problem with rustling noise - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By mml - November 22 - 4:33 am

  I bought a new one a month ago. Four- wheel drive with every option available. The car drives really nice. It feels solid and quite on highway. However, I have been hearing this rustling noise from the driver side door/window area when the road is bumpy. See if you all can produce this problem. I believe its a design issue. I was very annoyed by it at first. When the road is bumpy, or any slight uneven road, I can hear that rustling noise from the driver side door/window area. It sounds like the side window is not installed tight/correctly. Imagine you have something loose in your pocket and you hear the little noise when you jump. I heard the same thing when I drove a loaner.

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  SC 430 is a fabulous car! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By tmetty - November 21 - 1:06 am

  The SC 430 is the most exceptional and fun vehicle I have ever owned. Im hooked for life!

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  Very disappointed - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Roger Mager - November 20 - 9:13 pm

  After owning 2 Hybrid Toyotas (PRIUS 02 and 04) I am quite disappointed with the "REAL" MPG vs. Toyota/Lexus estimated MPG. Even on a "good" day driving metro Phoenix, Az; by good I mean no need for air conditioner the best we get is 24- 25 MPG. Summertime takes it down to 21 mpg. Frankly, I didnt need to spend 52K to get a few more miles to the gallon than what a regular RX 330 gets. This IS my first Lexus, but will probably be my ONLY Lexus. Yes, its a nice vehicle, but the disappointing mileage have madeit "in my view" a poor discretionary use of my $$

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  I love this car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By IS300 driver - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Want a fun car to drive with saftey features? Then this is the car!!!

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  Great vehicle but vibrates - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By musicman2721 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, particularly for a SUV and higher off the road. Good for higher water in Houston roads. Engine vibrates though when car sits idle at redlights. Only feels normal when shifting into neutral while at light. Rear door has quality problems with fabric covered plastic.

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  cream puff - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Evernham - November 20 - 2:00 am

  car is smooth as silk, very nice interier, handles well and quite. lots of room for a car its size.

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  Luv our ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By eskay - November 19 - 2:26 pm

  This vehicle is outstanding. Couldnt ask for a better made, truely fun to drive car. Great acceleration, tight turns, excellent features.

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  So far I LOVE everything about it - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By luv2drive - November 16 - 1:16 am

  Just bought a 2009 ES 350 - got a smoking good deal as the dealers are getting ready for the 2010s and want to move the 2009s out. $200 under invoice on a fully loaded model, premium plus, navigation, etc. I really like all of the features and have not experienced the GPS or Bluetooth probs another reviewer mentioned. Car handles like a dream, smooth, quiet, plenty of power. I drove and researched many other makes and models such as the Infiniti G37, Hyundai Genesis, etc. The ES 350 was the best of the bunch and the best bang for the buck, too. So far, so good.

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  Happy with my 5th Lexus Rx350 - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Keith Vinnecour - November 14 - 5:53 pm

  I am happy with the deal I received at Keys Lexus, which was not matched by a local dealer or three that were recommended by Edmunds. I would have liked different interior choises. I could not get grey, what I wanted and so I chose Palomino. This came with brown dash, which I am less than thrilled with. The car drives and handles superbly and the ride is the best of all of the RX 350s I have owned. I would have loved to have more technology, but they were cost prohibitive for me. My last one only got 17 MPG and I am hoping for much better mileage in this car. I have not owned the car long enough to rate this car correctly.