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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  My Third Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Cece Krumrine - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Had it since March, 2004 and purchased on basis of satisfaction with the previous GS300 and ES300.

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  acceleration very poor - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By seawolf - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The new and "improved" computer controlled throttle is dangerous. The vehicle hesitates for one to two seconds whenever the accelerator is pressed; generally, when you need to move out or over, there is no pick up at all. Even the Lexus mechanics told me they would not drive it.

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  Good value, great vehicle, - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By British Baron - January 24 - 10:00 am

  So sooth a ride that got a ticket from ayoung cop said we were going 81 in 55 zone. Not another car in sight on a brand new stretch of 4 lane divided highway.

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  CLUNK NOISE FOR 6 MONTHS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By R. A. Berlin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  For the 1st 6 months, I kept hearing a clunking noise when slowing or stopping. The dealer heard the noise but did not have the equipment to repair. Passengers could hear the noise also. Finally Lexus sent the equipment to finally repair. This was very dissapointing for a $40,000 car. It was NOT the dealers fault. FACTORY was at fault.

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  DO NOT buy Black! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Christa - January 22 - 7:26 pm

  I purchased a Black ES 350. I love everything about the car except the disappointing paint color. I choose black and did not know there is not a clear coat on it. I drive 40,000/year and I have owned the car 9 months and have to get my bumper replaced & painted for the 3rd time! The paint chips VERY easily and I dont see why I should have to spend $1,000 to purchase the clear bra when I have never had to do that on the last 4 Nissan Maximas I have driven the same amount of miles per year.

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  First time owner - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By dalfrednix - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2005 ES330 recently and so far Im very satisfied with my choice. I have less than a 1,000 miles on the car but so far no problems and the transmission is shifting smoothly. The best I could do was a $1,000 off the MSRP and a fair price for my trade-in. Dealer politely told me he had others interested in this car. At first I thought this was just talk until the interested party showed up at the dealership will I was finalizing the deal. Ive owned BMW and Mercedes and I was looking for comfort, quality, and long term reliability-Lexus was the ONLY choice.

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  My favorite car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Lee - January 19 - 7:26 am

  Its like driving your living room. Nothing could be more comfortable to drive. Lexus has thought of everything and then some. The electronics are amazing. I was not overly impressed with the Mark Levinson radio which is an expensive item and must come with the Navigation. The service and delivery does live up to the Lexus reputation.

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  01 GS 300 Florida - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By abockstein - January 16 - 2:00 am

  best car ever owned...beautiful, still looks brand new, people still comment on it everyday, no mech problems in 2.5years...However, it is NOT a german car. After owning three Audis before, my next car definitely will be a 5 series BMW, I need more firmness and better handling...Too sum it up, great car, but MUSH!!!!

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  Pretty good, but expect more from Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BryanW - January 15 - 12:03 am

  After reading so much about Lexus reliability and dealer service, Im underwhelmed. Its not bad, but its not great, certainly not a rating of "5" that every dealership employee begs that you give them. Our car had been good - good power, good comfort, decent reliability. The suspension in tuned too soft for my taste, and the FWD is not ideal. In the 33k miles weve had the car, weve had several items break. This includes the HID headlights, Brake master cylinder (took 3 trys to get this one fixed), auto climate control still does not work right, rear power liftgate problems, and driver sun visor. Stock Goodyears wear out in 20k miles.

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  Sunglasses Mandatory! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By OskiGuy - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Was very much impressed with the overall product. Roominess in front and rear was exceptional. Ride totally Lexus. Acceleration and "punch" OK. Quiet like a Lexus should be. Exterior design is appealing and has an "edge" (good one).