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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  2000 es300 - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By wp2ztrs - March 3 - 3:43 am

  Very good car! But the only issue I have is the engine torque bar rattles. Overall its a great car. Very reliable!

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  Best cross-over SUV - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Johnny - March 2 - 10:46 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for about a year now, and this is the best vehicle out there for the money. This is a luxury vehicle, not a high performance sports car. Lexus sets the bench mark and now every other cross-over SUV out there is making lookalikes. The cabin is very quiet and comfortable. The ride is smooth, not stiff like some other SUVs. Quality materials and craftmanship is very evident. This vehicle is heavier than your sedan, but it has lots of power for your thirst. Lexus really design this vehicle to not only satisfy your needs, but to pamper you. Also styling is top class, better than BMW X5 and or the Mercedes look.

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  lexus 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By SAMMY - March 2 - 10:00 pm

  overall in one word - "smooth" - handles great.

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  Do I need to explain, its a Lexus.. - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Alienx99 - March 2 - 11:26 am

  Im a Realtor and I spend quite a bit of time in my car so I got everything I pretty much needed: GPS Navigation, Bluetooth phone. I really like the hands free phone because I can crank up the radio and it turns it down and tells me I have a call coming in without having to do anything. Easy controls on the steering wheel: stereo volume, phone, voice activated commands. Yup, you can tell it to do certain things with just your voice if youre feeling too lazy to reach a button. When people get in it, without knowing its a Lexus, I always get complimented on the smooth ride and stylish interior. What else could a girl want?

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  Fun To Drive And Chear to Own - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mik - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Wow great car for the money. My freind bought a 3-SERIES about the same time I bought my IS 300 his car has been in the shop 4 times for warranty repairs mine has not been in at all.Thats a good feeling because I was thinking of buying one before I settled on the Lexus.It really Handles well in any condition I would recomend this car to anyone except maybe somone who likes to visit their dealership on a regular basis.

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  First rate suv. - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Steve Kim - March 2 - 2:00 am

  The RX-300 was not my first choice, but my wife absolutely wanted it. So it took alittle bit of selling on my wifes part. But was I convinced once I drove the car. Unbelieveable ride so quiet and smooth and the quality of the way this car is built.

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  no need to ask - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By bill h. - March 1 - 2:20 pm

  Im old enough not to have to put up with the stiff ride of other cars along with the rattles, difficulty of entry, loud road noise & noisy engines that idle rough. LS 430 does none of this.

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  Fun toys, great MPG, good size - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By bdalton - February 26 - 8:30 am

  I purchased my Prem HS 250h with navigation, backup camera and rear spoiler in APR 2010 and got the 1.9% APR special. (Starfire ext/Black int). I found that I was not able to get the 35/34 MPG from the 1st tank of fuel. From the 2nd and 3rd, it just gets better and better. I am now on my 3rd and getting 36.7 in 50% city/50% hwy driving. The navi menus take some getting used to as well as the predictive text for voice command. Destination Assist and Lexus Enform is really handy (which I thought I would not use). One thing that is a little irritating is that some menu choices in the navi menus are not available once the car begins to move. As soon as you stop, they are workable. Safety issue? :)

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  RX300 vs Audi A6 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Ulf - February 25 - 2:00 am

  After driving a lot of new Audi 100/A6 Avant Q for more than fifthen years I told my self it was time to try something different. After a long period of evaluation my choice was Lexus and the RX model. I have not regretted that choice for a single moment. This car works!! - if you compare with Audi that spent a lot of time with the servicetech. guys. The whole family loves it!!

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  Love the car - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By latona - February 23 - 5:53 am

  I purchased from a lease and will keep this car as long as I am driving. Not my best decision for a primary car to drive my commute to work because I have already had to replace the "run-flat tires" twice! I love driving an almost 4 year old car and the brand new ones look identical !!