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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  Everything is Excellent - Except.... - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By azrick - July 4 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. Already own an LS and thought the GX would be a great addition. As usual, the car is a great Lexus product, but they should have continued the thought process on the last 6 feet of this vehicle. The rear door is terrible. The way that you have to manually lift up the third row seats is something you would find in a $10,000.00 SUV. The head rests are so big, you cant recline them and move the seats behind. Using a strap to hold the third row seats up is also a bit cheap, inconvenient and un- imaginative. Come on Lexus, you have an absolute 10 if you would fix these problems. Everything else, perfect!!

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  wow! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By stevel - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Quite simply, its the best car I have ever owned---and that ranges from a Miata to an E-class. Luxury, reliability, performance. For those of us that dont go on that curvy roadside road but are suburbanites with varied driving habits, its the perfect 2 seater. Needs a better trip computer, and the run flat tires are so-so for the winter, but wow, whata car!

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  The best of the Best - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Jakehoo - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Switched from an Avalon to the RX300. Very pleased with this decision.

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  the best - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Carmen - July 2 - 6:46 am

  Simply put, this is the best car i have ever owned or driven in. I have had it for a year and never had a problem. The ride is so smooth that it still feels like the car is not turned on. There is not another car on the rode that offers the smoothness and comfort along with enough power to handle my needs. I wouldnt change a thing in this car for right now.

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  SC430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Larrry B - July 1 - 6:43 pm

  I have owned lots of cars over the years,the Lexus convert is one of the best cars that I have driven and Lexus is the best Co to deal with . They really stand behind their products.

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  Dont Buy the Navigation System for This Car - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By usmcstrategist - July 1 - 5:22 pm

  This is our fourth Lexus. We bought the last three new. Until this model, we liked the car, the value, and the features, even though the latter are pricey. Our beef is with the navigation system. The Obamacare people could do better. A $270 voice-activated off-the-shelf Garmin 2797LMT runs circles around this $2,600 rip-off. Its awful. Based on what Ive read about the 2013-14 models, nothing has changed. That affirms the arrogance of Lexus USA executives. Another tell-tale sign: If one calls the 800 Lexus number, one learns that Lexus management refuses to give the phone reps the tools to do their jobs: they cant see my instrument panel on their monitors. Therefore, they cant help.

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  2015 RX 350 may not be a sports car but........... - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Jamie - June 30 - 2:29 pm

  I read some of these reviews and think whoever wrote it either does not understand what this SUV is or should have bought a different vehicle. I knew going in this is not a sports car but it is a great SUV. I had a 2010 RX for 60K miles and did nothing but required maintenance. The battery died at 55K and Lexus replaced it free of charge. This 2015 is another fine trouble free SUV. Just did 15K service, 10K was free, 15K was $100. Thats it so far. And this RX is quieter and more refined than the 2010. I am 60, owned all kinds of cars and this is by far the best ownership experience I have ever had. I use Lexus of Palm Beach in Florida and they are just great. They honestly strive to make you 100% satisfied and dont settle for less.

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  Classy, classic and reliable - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By beccabon - June 29 - 6:50 pm

  This is my 2nd SC 430 and I absolutely love it! Its 8-cylinders give me confidence on the road, the convertible gives me a sense of freedom and style and the Lexus brand spells quality. I love the new 2006 colors, but will keep my pearl white for a while!! I like driving the original; the imitators are cute, but less classy/classic.

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  SENIOR MOMENTS - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By KORT - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I took my Lexus SUV into the service department for its 3000 mile checkup and while it was being serviced I strolled around the showroom and also the car lot. That is when it happened. I fell in LOVE. It was sitting there in the sunlight with the top down gold and beige interior and gold body. I felt it was calling my name. I took it for a short drive and knew I had to have it. My husband drove the SUV home and I, at 69 years old drove home the most magnificent auto I have ever owned, an SC430. I am having the most fun in my senior years with my wonderful car.

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  IManCsNew RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By IManC - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I waited for the new 4Rnr design and was very, very dissapointed. I then discovered plans for redesigning the RX for 04 and I like the look in a sneak preview. It has a smooth ride that is unmatcked in its class. The interior speaks for itself and it says luxury with smart use of wood trim. The change I really like the most is the sliding console...I didnt like the gap. The new sleek exterior styling is a real eye catcher. I have been stopped at red lights several times The response is always one of of awe The engine is not quite as powerful as I expected but powerful enough. In short...I Really Love My New 2004 Lexus RX330 SUV!!!