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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  My Lexus Report - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By roncent - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I found everything about this vehicle to be supurb. An excellent value.

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  Nice vehicle, but overpriced for size. - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By streetstalker - August 3 - 10:23 am

  After selling our 01 RX 300, we leased an 07 RX 350 awd. Nice, classy looks with good comfort. Handling is improved with less body roll. Cabin is quiet, controls are easy to reach. Acceleration is very good and smooth. Like the 18" alloys, but low profile tires give up a little ride quality. Gas mileage has been poor. Averaged 20-23 with 3.0 and only getting 18-19 with 3.3. With few dealers, prices arent as negotiable. Nice vehicle, but overpriced imo by 4-$6000.

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  Over rated SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By limited4runner - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I was very disappointed in the comfort and noise reduction that Lexus stands for. i took it for a test drive. I driven both a Kenetic and non KDSS vehicle. There were no difference just a $4k price increase. The salesman says only notice if its on an offroad terrain. Dont get me wrong its a great vehicle but for the price you are paying you expect a little bit more quality. I own a 97 4x4 limited 4runner (havent had any trouble yet). I hardly know the difference in ride. You can still feel the bumps on the road and hear the wind noise on the windows. I guess Lexus did a great job covering that up with the nav and entertainment system!

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  Just ok - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Neil - July 31 - 12:30 am

  Fuel mileage is not all that great and I had a lot of road noise in this vehicle. The rest of the vehicle was splendid. Awesome driving performance, Mark Levinson Sound, technology, etc.

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  MY LEXMOBILE - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By FOURSTRIPES - July 29 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR OVERALL, FUN TO DRIVE , LOVE THE TOUCH SCREEN NAV, LEVINSON STEREO BETTER THAN IN MY HOUSE. WHEN EXITING CAR ALL DOORS LOCK EXCEPT DRIVERS, CAN BE ANNOYING, ALSO WINDOWS TOUGH TO GET USED TO ONE TOUCH UP OR DOWN IS OK GETTING WINDOW TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE IS THE TRICK, OVERALL A NICE CAR,

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  Great ride....Poor Instrumentation - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By RPHBucks - July 18 - 8:09 am

  The ride is great and the interior is quite comfortable. Luggage/Cargo space is minimal. The instrumentation with its many switches are scattered about and some are difficult to read without their display lighting on. Some software features do not work and Ive been waiting over 2 weeks for their telephone support to fix the issue. I understand Im not the only one with software issues. Their support personal are not very technically savvy with different answers to the same question. Acceleration is not very quick with a noticeable hesitation. Would probably have purchased another Audi knowing what I know now. Lexus has tried offer a high tech car, but, cant get them all to work and then their support is inadequate.

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  Money Pit although very comfy - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By tj49er - July 17 - 12:59 pm

  I have owned this car brand new for almost 7 years. In the beginning I was flabbergasted at the wonderful level of support and service. I trusted the reviews of reliability and long lasting promises of this car, as it was our retirement car and more money than we have EVER spent for a vehicle. We have done every service recommended and not let anyone but the dealer touch the car. It was treated impeccably. It would take several pages to tell you what has gone wrong with this car! Things like shocks/struts leaking, AC compressor, seat belts, battery, interior malfunctions, trunk button/shock lifts, brakes, tire indicators malfunction, auto door closer, ETC! Lexus says, too bad, no warr

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  Lazy Perfect - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Hondo - July 15 - 8:16 am

  This car performs well, handles nicely, and brakes adequately. However, its more comfortable than any car I have ever been in. I own a few other specialty vehicles, but this is my daily driver, and it is exactly perfect at getting me to work and home. I find myself not being stressed out in traffic.

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  Bad Shifting - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ron Stoeckel - July 15 - 6:46 am

  Car sounds like diesel when it is cold.Transmission slips between 2nd & 3rd gears when cold on uphill.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By ramskifast - July 12 - 1:44 pm

  I bought this vehicle with 64K miles on it. Now I have 70K. My worse tank was 24mpg and the best was 29.25mpg. I seem to average between 25 and 27.50 with mixed driving. When I get the higher mileage its usually when most of the driving is at lower speeds as you would expect. I noticed a review of this vehicle by someone stating poor mileage. There was either something wrong with the vehicle or it was due to poor driving habits. Way too many people blast up to the light and hit the brakes. Then they hit the gas hard taking off. Dumb-de-dumb. If you use softer driving habbits you will get 26-29. You have to be thinking hybrid. Smart drivers will see the good mileage.