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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  Style and Grace - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Ron Huber - February 2 - 2:00 am

  When it comes to great style with grace lexus has it.It purrs down the road and travels with its head up high. Some would say its stuck up but its just showing off its beauty. Trat this lady right and she will stay with you fo a long time. Lovely!!

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  Fantastic sports sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By James Bond - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a BMW, until I drove this car! It is beautifully equipped for thousands less than a comparable 330i and the performance is outstanding. It never fails to get comments wherever I go, and I love to drive it.

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  Well Built SUV - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By S. Griffith - February 1 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our 1999 RX with 32000 miles on it in January of 02. We have loved it ever since. I do wish the fuel tank was larger, but that is my only complaint!!! This is a great SUV.. even afer 3 years and 32000 miles it feels and performes like new. My wife and I are both over 62" and we even fit PERFECTLY in the back seat... a HUGE surprise. We drove tahoes and it seems as if we have more leg-room in the RX. Dont let the size fool you!!! While I dont expect we will ever own a new Lexus, we will never own another type of vehicle.

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  Early 2008 RX 350 AWD - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By StuShark - January 29 - 6:00 am

  Just got this SUV about 4 weeks ago, and so far it is perfect. None of the noises or rattles that I read about and feared. With the 18 inch wheels, it handles pretty much like a car and not a truck. It also now has plenty of power. Very comfortable, and mileage is around 18-19, which I consider terrific for a new car weighing over 2 tons. So far, I think I made the right decision but it is still very early in the game.

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  Much to love for price paid.. - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Previous 6-spd drivr - January 28 - 10:00 am

  5spd auto "Sport Design", it is very tourqy for what its worth. Excellant gearing, performance will not be lost due to poor gearing as seen in most autos. Smooth shifts, and tourqiness. 0-60 in over 7 seconds, you wont soil yourself but spirited enough. Handling is as good as its going to get while maintaining a comfortable ride. Handles corners well, with slight body roll. Ride quality a shade behind the bimmers. Overall, im very pleased, even in 04 this car still recieves compliments. Options available for straight bolt on turbos, 300-500HP from stock internals, when warrenty expires.

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  This car rocks!!! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexo16 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  this is my first car. I have had this car for about a year now and every time me and the friends decide to go somewhere, guees whos car we take....mine They love my car When I was in the market for a car I was iffy on buying a lex because I thought it would be expensive to drive one Its actually not as bad as Id thought The only thing Ive actually done to it was wash it and change the windsheild wiper blades My friends drive SUVs and they drink gas REALLY badly which is another reason why we take my car my car is really classy I myself carry around a KORG Keyboard and it fits in the trunk pretty well for a car Lexus has great build quality

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  The Perfect Drive - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By P. Mac - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This is as close to the perfect car as I have ever driven. The driver and passenger are left to want for nothing - - all accessories are provided. Comfort, luxury, excellent ride and power are provided in large measures

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  Great Value, Excellent Overall SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By bsa - January 28 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our GX 470 for about 2 months and are extremely pleased with our purchase. Very comfortable ride, drives like a car, solid pickup. Good in-vehicle gadgetry. Great dealer support. Gas mileage appears to be worse than reported.

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  Baddabing - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By tlcbjc - January 28 - 7:03 am

  The 2002 Toyota Avalon I drove was my favorite. Not true since I bought my 2005 ES330. The luxurious interior and standard equipment of the ES330 outshined the Avalon. I have had many compliments on the Silver/Black interior. Truely a beautiful ride. For more bang for the buck, this car cannot be beat.

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  Long term winner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Davidinbend - January 27 - 8:33 pm

  Our friends said we overpaid for a "fancy Camry". Now we are laughing because this car is as good as new. They all have had to trade for new cars and cant believe our Lexus runs and looks so good after four years. Not one mechanical problem,great highway mileage and the navi/Levinson setup ROCK.