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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  Perfect with a few mods - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Umbo - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am thrilled about this car. The stock handling can be improved significantly with new stiffer antisway bars from Daizen. They make cornering much flatter, tighter and more controlled. I have the runflat Dunlops which are jarring when hitting potholes. I will replace with conventional tires when they wear out. One other aftermarket item that makes the car sweeter is Luxlink. It is a remote convertible operating system that uses the unlock button on the key to open and close the top. No more holding the switch on the dash for 30 sec. They are sold at Luxury Motorworks for $230.

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  Love my new SportDesign ES330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By chgoRX300 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Just got my 2nd Lexus 2 weeks ago! Lease due in Dec.2004 but Lexus wants to keep their happy customer offered me a 6 mo. payment waiver program. Basically I drop off my 42 mo. old RX300 and bought a new ES330 without any hassle. I picked the SportDesign Special Edition which has a sportier looking wheel and Black-eye Maple wood trim and smoky black finish in the back, GPS and ML is the best in the market, rear sun shade is cool. The ride is quieter than my RX300 (SUV) and the engine runs silkily smooth. I already have over 500 miles on my new baby.

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  Best Car EVER!!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Maggie Rehman - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This has been the best automobile Ever! Its comfortable, gracious, Femenine, elegant, it has it all. BEST CAR EVER!

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  This is My ultimate SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By jayt - March 6 - 8:16 pm

  Ive only had this car for about 3 weeks. After owning several domestic SUVs and cars this lexus is my ultimate SUV. Its really comfortable to drive on long trips. It handles well. Very quiet cabin. Excellent interior quality. Great mileage for a vehicle this size 28 highway and 35 city. The engine is a bit whiney when accelerating hard (Im used to a v8).

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  An improvement over the 2004 model - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By tricky73 - March 6 - 8:00 pm

  This is my second LS430; the first was a 2004 model. I tried the ES 330 instead but missed the amenities of the LS and went back. The most striking difference relates to the improved documentation that comes with the 06. The 04 and 05 ES seems primitive by comparison. One can now actually find information and the description of how to do things now seems to be quite accurate. My only complaint is the reluctance to integrate a satellite radio completely. Leaving the placement to the judgement of the dealer does a disservice to the appearance of the vehicle if not done properly.

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  lexus rx330 review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By kjflesch - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This is our third Lexus RX. We are obviously satisfied and loyal buyers. The RX330 has refined the previous models and improved gas mileage. All told-a great car.

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  Love My Car! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By dgrant1518 - March 6 - 12:00 am

  I love this car! I purchased it with 38,000 miles. I am now at 256,000 with no major problems at all. I have only had a couple sensors and the alternator replaced.

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  CT 200H F Sport... Love It! - 2013 Lexus CT 200H
  By melissaboyle - March 5 - 1:41 pm

  My husband and I, bought the 2013 F Sport used. It had just under 9k when we bought it, nearly a year ago. It now has 26k. I took it on a road trip this Summer, from WA to NM, AZ, NV and back to WA! I managed to fit myself, 3 dogs (2 med. 1 sm), my overweight friend (sorry friend!) and all our stuff! I was comfy, my friend and the dogs not so much... Mainly because my friend took up most of the room, with herself and her bags. We were all fine on the way back, without my friend. I did pickup my niece whos about my size. 54/115lbs. So 2 average adults, 3 dogs and everyones stuff fits fine and we were all comfortable!

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  More Style and Comfort than a Prius - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Car Freak - March 4 - 10:46 am

  Car had wind noise that was corrected by the dealer. Smooth but firm ride quality on highway.

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  Best car for the money - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Mike - March 4 - 1:36 am

  Im in the finance business so I drive a lot. This is my 4th Lexus in 12 years all LSs. I went to test drive the MBZ S-Class, the 750 BMWs and the Infiniti M45 and I still come back for the best ride for the money. Reliability is a major factor in my decision plus Im not a techno guy. Always looking for a solid ride and this car delivers. It helps that it has beautifull spacious cabin. Another 50 to 60hp will help against the Germans. Im in my early forties I do feel the car styling a bit old fashioned. I know that the 2007 model new looks will help attract a younger crowd. Will trade up for new model can wait.