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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  Everything I expected...PLUS - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By lexislady - August 6 - 4:23 am

  We sold our Rx300 1999 to our daughter and since we are retiring, wanted one final new purchase. This vehicle is everything anyone could want in an SUV. We did not have Nav on the other vehicle but do on this...have on our other vehicle so are spoiled and knew we wanted it. Back up display is great, heated seats, smooth drive on car body. No complaints...

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  Not like they used to be. - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By succeedinlife5 - August 3 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased this 2006 Lexus GS300 AWD in the 2008. It was a lease return with a clean record and was being offered as a CPO vehicle no accidents noted on the CarFax. Since purchasing the car, it has been recalled 6 times. Steering, brakes, gas line, bolts, carpet, floor mats. Since purchasing the car, I have had a great deal of issues with the quality. 1) Dash will not stop rattling. It has been into the dealer 5 times for this and the rattle comes back every time. 2) A/C system will smell like mold when it is starts. 3) Wheels bubbled. 4) Mirrors would not tilt up 5) Inside mirror rattles 6) Tires wore out VERY fast 7) Console rattles 8) Sunroof leaks and has wind noise

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  Maintenance - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Mary - August 3 - 4:56 am

  You are all in for a SHOCK! 30,000 mile checkup: $657.09 (Labor was to be $395.42, the rest was for air filters, wiper blades, brake fluid, and... $28.95 labor to check the air pressure of the tires). I told them I would just have the Oil filter and oil change (new 10,000 mile synthetic oil). The oil change cost $120.00 . They said they did not and do not check the fluid levels along with the oil change. The 35,000 mile check up (no oil change), just fluid checks inspect, clean battery cover,check air pressure, tighten nuts and bolts: over $400. 00 (because that labor costs $342.00 of the $400). I am looking for a Ford and/or a new mechanic.

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  Awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By VivaDnA - August 3 - 3:20 am

  Other than the average fuel economy, everything about this car has met or exceeded our expectations. With the five-speed its a blast to drive!

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  2005 ES 330 Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By ES 330 - August 1 - 5:20 pm

  I have had my new Lexus just over three weeks. (I had a 2001 ES 300 Lexus.) I really enjoy my new car. I love the way it handles driving in the mountains and curves. The car turns on a dime. The power is available when needed to make a manuever on the freeway. The car is extremely comfortable to ride in. The sound system is really great

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  Happy with the Lexus 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By CharlieMac - August 1 - 2:30 pm

  the first thousand miles have been exactly what I expected. At the age of 48 I considered the Acura TL. What you give up in performance and look is more that offset by the older need for comfort and luxury.... My only suggestion is the HP needs to be goosed a little, say to 250-260 HP.

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  Third Rx and improving - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Bob - July 30 - 9:50 am

  This Rx is the third Ive purchased since 1999. I must admit Lexus got me hooked. I particularly enjoy the sports tuned suspension with the low- profile tires and increased horsepower. The gas mileage is exceptionally well I routinely averaged 27 miles to the gallon on the highway. One experiment on Route 80 from Lake Erie to Jersey border with cruise control set at 65, I actually received 31 miles per gallon.

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  I think my SUV is a great vehicle - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By dbeez - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle after selling a 2003 Toyota 4-Runner LTD. I like the stability I felt when I took this vehicle skiing. I purchase a loaded version and my kids love the DVD.

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  My love - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By brooke - July 27 - 10:26 pm

  I think that she handles very well. It is front wheel drive so snow isnÂ’t the best, but for everything else itÂ’s amazing. Gorgeous lines and interior. Great acceleration as well as sound system.

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  Transmission concerns - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By ESLexus - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Nice ride, but needs more power. Exterior a little boring, but interior is excellent quality. I am waiting on the Re-design of the Acura RL.