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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  A very good automobile - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By N2DOOWOP - January 6 - 10:20 pm

  One of the better built automobiles. It is very reliable. Only two negatives. One is gas mileage. I get better mileage in my SL500 MB which has more hp, is 700 lbs heavier and has a V8. The second negative is the rear power windows (sometimes one works and the other has stopped working). This car is one of the most comfortable cars to drive.

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  Reviewer Say What? - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By G2 - January 6 - 10:40 am

  My Lexus 400h is the best car Ive ever owned, and Ive own Beamers and Mercs. I get 28.5 mpg on mostly interstate driving during the summer and 25.5 mpg in the winter. Somehow my 21 year own son can get 32 mpg, swear on my mother. Believe me when I say I dont know how, because he has a lead foot. This car is smooth, and quiet. Love the CVT and I dont miss the transmission shift bump. Im buying the 2010 RX 450h when it comes out and Im trading my wifes 2006 IS250 for the HS250 when it comes out in the fall of 2009.

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  AS GOOD AS IT GETS - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By mitchell rowe - January 2 - 8:43 pm

  The gx has a way of adapting to the drivers personality. Well call it a friendly machine. When it snowed last week, I drove 190 miles both ways to north jersey as if it were 85 degrees and sunny. On a warm day it seems as if youre driving a bmw 3 series. The levinson radio is real. The current generation navigation system actually works. The 5 speed tranny doesnt miss a shift. And most important to my wife, its easy to get in and out of the front or back. We rate the gx a 10.

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  First time but not the last - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Tony Siegle - January 2 - 1:26 pm

  Graduating from an Infiniti J30 and an Audi A4, this car tops them all, clearly superior in comfort, dependability and class. In addition to a comfort upgrade, it has features the others omitted. The interface of the control panel takes some adjusting to but allows one into the 21st century. You have to check to see if it is running as the engine purrs flawlessly. It handles superbly allowing you a genuine feel of the road.

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  Love it - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By C a - December 30 - 10:08 pm

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  The latest Tech for an SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By LAL - December 30 - 4:33 am

  I only have this SUV for one week but have put over 500 miles on it. I really enjoy the comfort and the gadgets in this vehicle. When you start it you hear nothing except the heating or air system - just a "ready" indicator on the instrument panel. The pick up is very good and handling seems very reponsive. I have driven in heavy rain and wind and felt that the car held the road exceptionally well. I have not yet gotten the mileage stated but the dealer told me I will when I have broken in the gas engine, probably @2000 miles. I really would have liked a place for change on the dash or a place to put a phone. Women will love the place for a handbag. Overall after 1 week, I love the car

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  Worth the extra bucks - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ray - December 29 - 6:13 am

  I labored over spending over 40K for transportation but got over it as soon as I hit the road. Did a 2600 mile road trip to Taos, NM within days and averaged 30.3 MPG doing between 70 and 80 MPH. Not too shabby for a vehicle with all this power. Ran midgrade fuel and never had a hiccup. Vehicle is super comfortable, quiet, smooth and powerful. The Navigation is a must have although a bit intimidating at first to use. The ventilated seats and swiveling headlamps are great innovations and extremely practical to boot. I have had to do some serious reading in the manual to unlock the mysteries of all the new technology but am doing nicely.

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  Good 1st Impression - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By dalav8r - December 28 - 9:26 am

  Ive owned an AWD 450H for about 2 months now Overall Im impressed. Well built, supple ride, handles well, and quiet...all things youd expect from a Lexus. So far Im averaging 27.5 MPG which is actually fairly close to the EPA estimate. The math doesnt pay for the hybrid though. I recommend it if you want to be eco friendly, but if it is just a straight $ decision, purchase the 350.

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  IS 300 Superb!!! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Carlos Dextre - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I do love this machine.

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  Fun Cruiser - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Chris Parker - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I tested the M-B S500 and the BMW 745L, but when I drove the LS430, there was no choice. Ive never driven a car this large that was this much fun. The comfort, safety, luxury tweeks, stereo, and build quality go without saying. If there is a better car-per-dollar on the market I missed it... but I have no regrets.