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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  Love that Lexus - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By jp - September 20 - 8:03 am

  Have owned just about every luxury brand there is and for my driving, Lexus is the best. Smooth, soft,and speedy is the rule. The 400h performance far exceeds the 330 RX. The gas mileage is about 1/3 better than the non hybrid.

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  Reliabilty, are you kidding me? - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Lexus??? - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, instead of the Mercedes I used to drive as a "change of pace". My friends bragged about how great their Lexus were. Boy did they fool me. The cars electronics are bad, bad, bad. The stereo system cuts in and out, the CD players skips and the sunroof leaks. My airbag lite is always on and my dealer cant fix it. I think they are tired of seeing me. The ride stinks, this is not a performance car. The ride in this car is something my grandparents might enjoy. Too mushy, handles badly.

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  Love it! - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By t.a. - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic build quality. For a used vehicle, no one can believe this vehicle has 79,000 miles on it! Whisper quiet, silky smooth.

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  Rx 450 - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Al - September 13 - 5:36 am

  We bought the 450h awd w, nav, 19 rims and a few packages. Great decision. We drove it 2000 miles to Canada last week and got 31.5 mpg cruising with a full car of kids and gear. We have no complaints. Smooth and not able to tell when the motor transitions. Tested all gas and hybrid suvs and only one other came close: the highlander. This has more power, better mileage, and cvt. We like the style, comfort and handling. 3000 miles so far and no trouble.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Leon - September 12 - 4:26 pm

  This is my first 6 cylinder car ever and what a ride. I took the 05 Avalon Limited for a test drive and although the engine may be more powerful the refinement and luxury of the ES is umatched. From the simplicity of the controls to the real wood throught the cabin. The comfort is unmatched. Owning a Lexus is great. Ive had people comment me on how great the car rides and this is from owners of s500 and the GS300 as well, so that says a lot.

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  Great car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By jtg - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car for my wife. She loves it. Really well built. Quiet. Sound system is amazing. Smooth/classy. Very happy with this car

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  2008 Lexus ES350 engine troubles - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By JJ - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new and have had an engine noise from the beginning that sounds like a valve lifter. Lexus started out claiming no noise, then no abnormal noise, than piston slap and finally less than premium gas in the tank. I have all gas receipts and theyre all premium. The NCDS (National Center for Dispute Settlement) funded by Toyota wasnt interested in the evidence disproving the Lexus claim. The noise had gotten worse and Lexus refuses to address the issue. The value of this car will be greatly diminished at trade in time.

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  My dream come true - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By K Sahlin - September 10 - 7:56 pm

  This car is by far the best car I have ever owned. It looks great, and is VERY reliable. I have now owned the car for about 4 weeks, and Im still like a kid with a new toy, when Im driving it. I love the quality of the materials used inside - ie, the leather seats. I love the navigation system with its backup camera. The sound system is exellent And the engine isvery powerful, much more than youll ever need. I also like the keyless entry/ignition system. But most of all, I think I like the overall look of this gem. It is a GREAT car. And I think with the reputation of LEXUS, I can sleep good at night

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  Total Comfort - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By JG - September 10 - 8:36 am

  My second LS,and as expected, quite satisfied with the overall performance, and comfort. I only have 1600 miles at this time, and have had no bad experience with wind noise. Average miles in the city 21, and 28 on the hwy. Only regret was not getting the Mark Levinson system.

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  Almost Perfect - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Bill Osters - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Quality oozes from this car. Styling, handling,comfort, and space are all excetional. The ride is pure pleasure and not a rattle anywhere.