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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  Not your mamas SUV! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TSFDMDandLAHDO - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This (the 2004 RX 330) is a great car! Comfortable, fast, and fun to drive. Best gas milage that Ive found in all the mid-size luxury SUVs. The quickest from 0-60 mph that I drove (Lexus RX 330, BMW X5, Mercedes ML 350, VW Touareg, Volvo XC90) in 7.7 seconds. A much tighter turning radius than the previous model, a larger gas tank, and even more cargo room. Best mid-size luxury bang-for-your-buck SUV out there.........in my humble opinion!

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  Best bang for your buck - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By fscotth - December 29 - 2:00 am

  When we started shopping for an SUV for our family, we were looking for performance, style, and comfort. We also wanted an excellent value -- an affordable model that wasnt just about economy or shoebox-sized. It would be able to handle punishment from a young family, yet be equally at home on a night on the town. We found our criteria with the Lexus RX330. It has performed flawlessly during our ownership and exceeded our expectations. We have been very happy and would highly endorse the Lexus RX330.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GoLexus - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Everything is so wonderful about the car.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Swiley - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. The current 330 followed our 300. Comfort, style and performance. Would purchase another Lexus without hesitation. Quality and dependability - Great customer service!

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  Great "Car-Truck" - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By DDK - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a sedan but has room and road traction and power like a truck.

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  I love my Lexi..... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ksinrr - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with her the minute I drove her. Ive never felt so secure and solid in a vehicle before as this is my first SUV. I get a thrill every time I go somewhere and feel particularly safe with all the air bags.Fabulous ride and luxury with the fun of an SUV!!

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  My lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Diane Brandini - December 28 - 7:23 pm

  This has been a good car, however i am disappointed in a few things. I am very surprised a car this nice came without heated seats.The stereo cd systems has aready had to be repaired 2 times. And the locking system stinks. I can not unlock all the doors at the same time. I have been told this can not be fixed. It makes it hard since a have a child in a car seat in the back..

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  Good but needs improvements - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Dude007 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Love its sleeky look, handling and interior of course. Engine needs to be replaced with something better. Wasnt the toyota all about reliability, quality and economy? Well Im a Honda lover but this car cought my attention right from the begining, basically I love eveything about it except gas mileage. This car has a worst gas mileage in its class and if you compare it to the performance it really shouldnt burn so much. Even Maxima with 3.5 Liter engine uses less gas and gets far better performance and really Maxima seems to be a better bang for your buck.

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  Best In Show - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By BWRobinson - December 27 - 10:00 am

  The RX300 handles as smoothly as a Lexus sedan - - no "trucky" feel to the car at all. It corners well and handles bumpy Boston roads without difficulty. It has none of the useless SUV gadgetry that youll never use and all of the luxury appointments that youd expect from Lexus. Im 66" so headroom was a priority and I fit comfortably in the front and back with plenty of legroom. The interior is well laid out and attractive.

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  lexus - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By cherry - December 27 - 10:00 am

  very fast and tight car