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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  trans failure - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Mike J - July 25 - 6:13 pm

  Trans failed at 87000mi.(out of warranty) Had dealer replace trans ocos $4000. Maintenance schedule does not suggest or state to "service trans" by replacing trans oil/filter. Just states to check fluid level. Will not purchase Lexus or Toyota againg.

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  Lexus - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Marie Phillips - July 25 - 9:49 am

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  Nice but mpg? - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By coldcase - July 25 - 7:50 am

  Nice car, like it. But mpg is not what I had hoped for. I owned a Camry hybrid for last 3 and average was 39mpg for the 75k miles. So, I know what to expect from this hybrid with the same horsepower, gas and electric and the torque. EPA rated slightly better than Camry but working to get 34 mpg...not good enough for a light footed conservationist??? All else is well but would like a few more storage cubbies tucked into the car.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Doc T - July 25 - 2:03 am

  I bought this car used 64k, it has been one of the better cars Ive owned. I have had all the big ones except Jag. This is up there with the Benzs and Bimmers, I have only replaced the battery and tires but it has been very dependable. Gets 25mpg on hiway. Nice sound system. One Sunday I drove 12 hours from Jersey to Detroit sleeping for about 2 hours in the car, attended a service and turned around and drove 12 hours back. 60 miles from home before I had to stop and sleep again.

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  Nothing else ever again! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Beth - July 24 - 11:06 pm

  I love my new (to me!) Lexus. We traded in a 08 Town & country for a 05 LX470 with twice the miles and were happy about it! This car is wonderful. It is spacious and fun to drive. My only complaint is that the trunk area is small with the third row seat down, I cant even get my stroller in. But, we will make do. It is the best car I have ever had, even better than my husbands 08 BMW!

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  My Lexus - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By pboedeker - July 24 - 8:36 pm

  My 2004 LS430 is a real delight to drive. The optional Smart Access is a wonderful idea. I utilize the Parking Assistant and find the multiple seat positions quite comfortable on long rides. The real beauty of this car is in the handling. Until you have driven a 430 you just cant understand... its as smooth as warm butter.

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  I sweat the details - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By danstock - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1994 LS400 bought new. I tested everything before selecting the new LS430. I bought it with every option including PCS. I suggest you shop nationally because I was able to save 11.25% off list but it required a flight to Salt Lake City. Its not the options that are impressive but the way the all work together presenting the total driving experience.

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  My Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By kfoscaldo - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! It makes you feel special when you ride in it!!!

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  Superb experience - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By discvrsun - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV with comfort, reliability and luxuary.Also own another Lexus and never experience any problem with it.

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  Luxury meets Reliability - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By G - July 23 - 12:58 am

  The 4th generation RX offering from Lexus is the best all around luxury SUV in the market. Ive driven all of them including the Mercedes GLC, BMW X5, Audi Q7, even the Highlander, Pilot, etc. etc. All of them. The RX strikes the right balance between ride comfort, power, fit and finish, beauty and technology. To get the same safety features on the RX, one would have to pay massive premiums on the Audi/BMW/Mercedes. Best bang for the buck and not only that, youre dealing with the most reliable brand out there.