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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  Always buy Lexus! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Tom - July 9 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car with 50000 miles on it, now it has 166000. It still runs and drives like it did when I bought. Im so sold on Lexus now, that Im looking into getting another one. I love the ride, its amazingly quiet and comfortable. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering. I drive 60 miles a day to/from work, and this car does great. I live in the country in Texas, and drive to the city. Like I said, Ill buy another one.

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  Great Vehicle -- Needs some Updating - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Mike - Kent. WA - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I love the vehicle though it lacks a few things that its competitors seems to have. I chose it over the MDX mainly because of the lack of color choices in the Acura product -- Lexus has the best exterior color combos -- hands-down. I really love the two-tone exterior that is, unfortunately, going away in the 2004s. Great vehicle and fun to drive.

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  Its a Lexus, need I say more... - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Douglass Ackley - July 9 - 1:05 am

  Though this model is a bit pricey with all the "bells and whistles", it is worth it in comfort, convenience, and reliability.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By mrbongo - July 8 - 5:16 am

  4th Lexus bought largely on the capacity. has about 25% more space than competitors. interior quality has slipped with each purchase. 1999 gs was first and best. main complaint is the use of vinyl on seats and arm rests. it cant cost that much more to put leather on instead of vinyl. quality of leather has been progressively less with each Lexus i bought. "99gs, 2003 rx, 2008 gs and now 2010rx. passenger seat being replace due to wrinkles and bumpiness. poor quality control. the quality of the carpet is not as good as in prior yrs. being nit picking but lexus is not the luxury car it was in "99. i will probably buy a different brand. was impressed with Hyundai Veracruz.

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  99 Lexus RX300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Lyle D. Mitchell - July 8 - 1:16 am

  2nd owner of this 1999 RX300. Everything was fine until the auto trans went out at 77,800 miles with no warning. Lexus remanufact trans costs $5000. This failure was very disappointing.

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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dean - July 7 - 10:40 am

  Overall excellent vehicle, typical Lexus high quality. Easy to read dash, radio, overall controls excellent. Rear back-up camera is excellent.

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  Lexus IS 300, A smart buy - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By tweeter - July 7 - 4:36 am

  After seeking out the best car for the money and be fun to drive, I would seek no further than the IS 300. With its reliability, resale value, power, handling, options and price this car is the best all around. Thumbs Way Up!!

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  Second IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By cubsfanct - July 6 - 5:41 am

  This is my second IS300. I have owned 63 cars in my life (I am 33 and get bored easily). I have owned 12 BMWs and thought myself to be a lifelong BMW addict. The IS300 changed all that. The styling, the responsiveness and dependability won me over. I have never had an issue with either IS300 I have owned. They are the only cars I have kept longer than three months. My current one I am tastefully modifying. Owning a GS300 in between the IS300s I am now a Lexus (2JZ) convert. All around service all my have-to-haves. Sportiness, Luxury, Speed and Dependable. The IS300 is truly the complete package.

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  Unmatched luxury - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By J-WEST - July 5 - 12:43 pm

  This is a great suv. It really shines in the snow, when everyone else is slipping and sliding Im glued to the road with unmatched luxury. Plus it seems the gas mileage gets better over time. Also its super quiet and refined. The only problem for those of you who like to get up and go is the horsepower, but thats all right.To sum it up: the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.

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  GX470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Dean - July 4 - 8:26 pm

  Excellent car and great service as usual from Lexus. Rear transaxle gets loose and needs to be tightened every 10,000 miles. Lexus stands behind every detail.