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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  Engineering Masterpiece - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By jmh - March 21 - 8:26 pm

  I understand the lack of trunk space - where else to put the battery. Worst mileage is around town at 23; best mileage 28.5 at avg. 75 mph on a 500 mile trip. Navigation system and electronics, particularly LED interior ligthing, are way ahead of competitors. This one was equipped with the collision avoidance package - speed matching on cruise takes some getting used to but is easy to over ride with the gas pedal. I honestly believe you could set the cruise at 80 and head for a obstacle or wall and the system would stop the car well short of it.

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  Love my RX - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Barbielou - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Have now put on 25K miles on my Lexus RX 300....still couldnt be happier after three years driving. Cars were just transportation before I got this now I have a whole new outlook on getting around. Also, everyone who rides in in loves it as much as I do. No repairs yet worth mentioning.

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  Review of LEXUS RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Roxanne - March 19 - 7:43 am

  This is the third SUV (LEXUS) we have had since 2000. They keep improving each year. Nothing ever goes wrong with these cars although we admit that we do not drive them hard nor do we put a lot of miles on the vehicles. The major factor is that they are very safe vehicles along with all their luxery.

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  Love it - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By dan - March 16 - 3:16 pm

  I have had my ES 350 for a month now and I love it. I looked at a lot of other cars before buying this one and it is well worth the money. After buying this I would recommend this car to anyone who is thinking about buying one.

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  I LOVE my IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By angelzeyez0377 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned! I love the sportyness of it. 4 door comfort, luxury and style but you feel like racing in Nascar with it =)

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  A very stylish and reliable used car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Kevin Maturey - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Lexus and I am hooked. This car has lived up to my expectations. I have put over 50,000 miles on the car in under 2 years and it rides and drives the same as when I drove it off the car lot. The Certified Pre-Owned warranty is a worth-while investment. I had to have the left heated seat element and the motor mounts replaced. I have had no mechanical problems at all. I have kept up with the scheduled maintenance and it has cost me roughly $1500 for the 50,000 miles that I have owned it.

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  Love the Rx 350 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By jennyrn - March 15 - 2:45 am

  I have driven the Lexus RX series for over seven years now. I will never drive another car again. It has to be the smoothest ride that a car can deliever. The luxurious feel it provides and it is so spacious that you never feel smooshed no matter if you have a full car load or just two people. Everybody who drives my car always states how nice it is to drive and it is not the least bit bumpy. I highly recommend the Lexus RX series to anybody. It never disappoints. I bought this one at the Lexus in Watertown. I will say it started out as a rough transaction but they have gone above and beyond to make the customer happy. I would recommend them, especially Steve. Very helpful and considerate.

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  Great Car - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Adrian - March 13 - 1:00 pm

  I have owned this car since it was new. It has been fun and very reliable. It is quick and stable. The brakes are excellent.

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  Lexus 2003 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Bfcranke - March 12 - 10:06 pm

  This vehicle is outstanding; it drives like a dream. I previously owned a 2000 ES 300, its performance and style were excellent and top notch; but the LS 430 is even more comfortable and luxurious.

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  JD Power #1 rated car in history - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By DPDretcrd - March 11 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for a smooth running V8 300 hp vehicle with zero defects, this is the one.