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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  Another Great SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Horsham GX470 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  After 4 years of my RX300, I decided to get the GX470. I love it! Silky, strong engine, smooth ride and great comfort! The navigation system is the best Ive seen. While I think the GX470 is fantastic, there are a few things Lexus should change: My RX300 has more cubbies/storage places! Seat warmer controls are too out of the way. Trip computer buttons should be on the steering wheel (they have two blank spots) instead of mid-dash where they are inconvenient. Major pet peeve -- the seat belt retractors are typical Lexus -- they dont retract well!

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  no traction and exploding tires - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Going back to Audi - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Tires (Goodyear) known to blow out-and did on me! Rear Drive=Poor traction pulling out on wet pavement and no traction on even a little snow. Nice car but poor gas mileage, and transmission bucks every once in a while.

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  Beware of Snow... - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Looneytuna - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Do not attempt to drive this car with any snow or ice on the road. It has absolutely no traction even in the snow mode. I have owned Benzs with rear wheel drive and they at least held the road. Unfortunately this is a warm climate car only. The new run flat tires are horrible, living in NYC, they continue to lose air and get bubbles with the slightest bumps..

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  Good Performance - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Apogeelam - March 13 - 8:46 pm

  I am leasing the RX450h for almost a year now. so far, I like it, but it would be good if Lexus have the service for unlock the door for you if you are the owner and you lock out. I went shopping once at 40 miles from my home, and my key dropped on the seat quietly. I called the dealer, and they told me the only thing they could offer is to come pick me up to get my spare key at home. (but I know even have my home key.) The media USB ports are not convenient to reach. Since the dealer is 38 miles away from my house, I am not sure if a local oil change service could do the oil change for me.

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  Wind noise - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By todd - March 10 - 9:26 pm

  Have had the car 2 months and in the shop twice for very loud wind noise from both front windows. After last "fix" by dealer, noise still a bad problem. Called to complain and they said there is no other fix they can try. I find this unacceptable on an automobile at this price level. Knew I should have stuck with Mercedes.

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  Well, its a Lexus ! ! ! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By fyler - March 9 - 10:33 pm

  When a car is rated as the top selling Lexus for the past 15 years there gotta be some serious reasons for that.After owning SC300 I needed a 4 doors so best reviews went to the ES300 and its bigger sister ES330.GS had mixed reviews, I hate the IS, I cant afford an LS and I dont like an RX SUVs.Dont listen to those who say that the ES300 is a glorified Camry, they probably never drove a Lexus. You will see the build quality in every single piece of interior, the sound the hood, trunk and door latch locks. And NO, these interior wood are not fake, Lexus doesnt use fake woods in its interiors. I have some suggested improvements below (not a deal breaker though, guess I just got spoiled).

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  My Truck - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By dickbarber - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Of course the Lux stuff -- clients/investors ride in style in LA and DC. Always smooth and cool. Best part tho is the utility. Does everything in style. Camped in it for a month in the Sierra (slept in the back). Serious off-road in summer/winter in desert/mountain. Water crossings to 20". Climbs and scambles like a Wrangler but with a Lex ride. Amazing in snow with the adjustable suspension and stock tires. Delivers Docs and nurses in snow emergencies. Handles triple digit speeds in emergencies. Tows fine, not fast, but secure. 7,000K trailer with brakes no prob.

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  BAD MPG - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Mark - February 25 - 8:06 am

  This SUV should not be called a Hybrid. It does not do well on MPG. Not even close to the Sticker info.

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  rx330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By UIS00SN - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car but the gas mileage. Maybe its because the car has only 1200 miles. Ive had rx300 before and rx330 even more comfortable, fast and fun to drive. Lexus fixed the turning circle and now this major problem in rx300 is gone. Highly recommend!

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  Lexus ES 300, 1999, UAE - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By NShaan - February 17 - 12:30 am

  Poor front and rear struts, wind noise in average to high speeds, doors and boot lid feels and sounds very flimsy.