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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  13 year old LS - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By VILSON DUSHAJ - October 20 - 4:16 am

  Ijust got this car and I think its best buy for the money. It drives like a new LS 460, its amazing. What quality and comfort!

• 

  RX 300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Jason - October 18 - 1:10 am

  I bought this car less than 2 months ago and it seems to be very reliable, however, the gas mileage is terrible. 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. With fuel prices as high as they are, we are considering selling it. It is also very expensive to fix or get serviced. I am one that likes to work on my own cars, but with the Lexus the majority of the parts you have to buy at the dealer at inflated prices. I would think long and hard about buying this car unless you can afford the gas and services.

• 

  It feels more expensive than it is - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Ibsig - October 17 - 2:36 pm

  Great compromise between road performance and luxury. Doesnt handle quite like the TL, but its far more pleasing to sit in. Probably an unfair generalization, but if you are under 40, you buy the TL--if you are over 45, you buy the ES330. If you are 40 to 45, youre on your own.

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  Love This Car! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By RFH - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Not sure what to expect when bouoght it. Continually impressed with its perfomance, qualtiy and "fun to drive" aspects. Refreshing after have three SUVs over nine years. Handliing and responsiveness add to the safety features which are impressive. Great "small" car!

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  Lexus ES330 is a beautiful dream - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ginger florian - October 17 - 10:00 am

  beautiful lines; good sight vision; ample room inside car and inside trunk; lots of luxury features plus, plus; navigation system is a must; stereo system (w/navigation system) is far from a typical auto stereo; quick heating & cooling response; quiet; sharp overall appearance;

• 

  Satisfied Lexus Newbee - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By J Chafer - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Wanted FWD for better milage but none were available in our area. However mpg has been at least as good as the VW Passat 4Motion we traded so no complaints. Also have not had problems noted by some with the transmission or sun roof. Liked the looks of the FX35, but an afternoon with a loaner was more than enough - loud exhaust note was tiresome and the suspension bone jarring on our patched and potholed mid- west roads. Also drove an X3. Handling was great and the suspension firm but not uncomfortable like the FX35. But the X3 interior is sparten and cheep looking. And the small gas tank and low mpg didnt bode well for long trips.

• 

  12 years old and still wonderful - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By lexus lady - October 15 - 10:43 am

  I have had this car for almost 12 years and still love it. From the very beginning it drove so smoothly and quietly; I feel like I am on auto pilot. We have taken great care of it and have had no problems.

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  gx470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Michael Tersigni - October 15 - 12:06 am

  Vehicle handles and rides beautifully. Gas mileage is less than rated and computer indicates better than average. Touch screen navigaion system results in smudges on screen.

• 

  Yeah baby! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By lightning - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is outstanding to drive. Its handling is great, especially when going into a curve. At least once a week I have someone asking me about the vehicle. Get one of these.

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  New 2016 NXt AWD first drive and impressions - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Jim.logemann@gmail.com - October 13 - 9:51 pm

  Great car! Picked it up new a week ago and have had the pleasure of driving around town and a snow trip up to Flagstaff for a ski trip. It handles great around town and performed just as well on the 400 mile round trip to break in the AWD on snow. The car handles like a dream and very similar to the older 2008 328i I previously owned. I was pleasantly surprised how well the SUV handled the elevation change from 1000 feet up to 9500 feet. The turbo is flawless and at all times felt adequately powered. Several times I was surprised I was traveling too fast and had to use the cruise control to not break the law. The AWD performed well on the nasty road up to the ski slopes. I was deciding between this SUV and Subaru offerings. I feel I made the right decision and could not tolerate a 10 week wait for a 3.6 liter alternative. This SUV is extremely comfortable and a joy to drive. All riders tell me how sweet this Lexus drives. This is my 4th Lexus and the best so far.