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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  Just an owner for over a month, but what a car! - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Dorkyman - September 24 - 1:39 am

  Bought a 2010 RX450h from the Portland, Oregon Lexus dealer a month ago. Weve taken it on several 4-hour trips and Ive driven it every day on suburban roads with some freeway. Overall about 26mpg regular or premium, so well stick to regular gas in the future. Ive noticed that I can nurse the mpg up to perhaps 28mpg by babying my acceleration and braking, but I prefer to drive in my normal fashion; anyway, gas is cheap and saving gas money wasnt the motivator. Pros: beautiful and luxurious. Surprisingly economical. Like a gorgeous woman who still loves tacos and beer. Minuses: Has middle-grade stereo, boomy bass at about 100Hz, (Im an audio engineer, this really bugs me but what the heck), unknown future battery replacement cost (but other Prius hybrids have lasted for 200k+ miles, plus its a Toyota/Lexus). UPDATE December 2016: Now that its cold outside, it takes ~10 minutes before the engines toasty warm, and meanwhile the fuel economy is lousy. So if my trips are just 10 minutes every time, I get more like 22mpg. I would assume the EPA tests are done with a fully-warmed-up engine, which is why there is such a large discrepancy.

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  Love my hybrid! One year and counting! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By leslie_n - September 22 - 6:53 pm

  Ive had my Lexus HS250h for a year now. 23k miles. Getting 38 MPG! Very comfortable! Im 52" so Im grateful to find a car that "fits". Interior and exterior are wearing well. Performance has been fine. If youre looking for a sports car acceleration experience, this isnt it - it is a nice, hybrid ride though. Has enough pep to get you out of trouble if you need it (and you can always use the power mode). Brakes well and handles well. Very quiet. No problem to date. Great pick! Very happy!

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  Delivers Best Performance & Value - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Andrew - September 22 - 1:30 pm

  The RX 330 really delivers performance and value. This vehicle is packed with all the features one could look for in a sport utility: leather interior with wood accents, power seats with drivers side presets, navigation system, rear adjustable seats with beautiful center arm rest, one touch power windows and sunroof, powerful engine, turns on a dime and the best feature of all; the power rear liftgate for easy loading and unloading of all those items you will be able to afford with the money you save from purchasing this vehicle. I cannot stress enough how wonderful the RX 330 is. We love it.

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  2012 200CT - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By donce - September 22 - 12:00 pm

  Thumbs up! I also own a Prius so I knew what I am getting into with CT. Great build and finish. Overall very tasteful interior layout and exterior. Very stable/controlled in turns. I am averaging about 42-43mpg so far in mixed driving, but have to keep in mind that I only driven it since mid-February to Mid-April in Connecticut. To all hybrid newbies: fuel consumption falls down more significantly in hybrids in winter season compared to standard cars. So I am expecting better mpg as we head into warmer season. One more thing, if you drive any car 3 miles and its parked there all day, and then drive back home the same distance, you will never achieve advertised mpg on any car except EV.

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  Great Car - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Zooma - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun and easy to drive.

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  Luxury/Quality/Performance/Fun - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By pghharshmans - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Lexus continues to improve upon perfection.

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  no place to put change! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TheMasterTailor - September 21 - 10:00 am

  5 cupholders but NO change bin! Dealer donesnt know how to install the cargo net!

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  Convert - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By dmpiech - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Having been a loyal Jeep owner for years, I already had my deposit down on a 2004 Overland. One day I passed the Lexus dealership an thought why not test drive the new RX330 just for something to do. Had no intention of buying because of the price difference between the two. After sitting in it, taking a short test drive and seeing all the creature features I gave the salesman my deposit orderthe the 330, picked it up five weeks later and couldnt be happier! I am now a Lexus convert.

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  Lexus - December to Remember - 2016 Lexus ES 350
  By Robert - September 21 - 7:50 am

  I was looking to buy a left over 2015 Lexus ES350 but the 2016 is a redesign and looks better in my eye. Dealers will discount 2015s msrp by 10% But when they did the same with the 2016 it was a no brainer. Do get the navigation package - its worth the extra IMO. One last note - if the VIN starts with "J" like jar its made in Japan which my mechanic sez is a good thing.

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  Headrest issues prevent a sale! - 2016 Lexus ES 350
  By Cristo - September 20 - 2:30 pm

  This automobile was on my short list. Now, after several years, I am finally prepared to purchase a car that will last me for the next 10-12 years. Overall, I was very pleased with the 2016 es350 Ultra Luxury Sedan, and would have "plugged the trigger" and made the purchase. However, due to the terribly designed headrest in this car, I will sadly have to pass. What a shame! The car is everything I need and want. Unfortunately, there really is no way for me to be comfortable while driving. I tend to sit fairly erect when I drive, and the headrest makes me very uncomfortable. I am 60. Now, I am considering my other choice, 2016 Toyota Avalon Limited. Of course, it will lack several "luxury touches", but the headrest is not as intrusive as the es350. I wish Lexus would make an adjustable headrest that you could adjust an inch or two backwards. I know this is for safety, but I feel certain that I am not the only person that feels this way.