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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  CT 200h is close to perfect - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By ellah - December 31 - 11:53 am

  I was looking for a sporty car that was also comfortable, and got good gas mileage and fun to drive. CT 200h fits the bill. Not only are the seats very comfortable, but the controls for the navigation system, etc. are perfectly laid out such that your arm is just naturally in the spot to reach all the controls. Genius layout! Getting 41.5 mpg! The car gets a bit pricey when you add all the options including leather but Im very happy with it and plan to keep it 5 yrs or so. The only improvements I could make would be to add more cargo space inside (glove box, center console and doors) as well as rear. Unless the back seats are down, it basically just holds groceries. Even so I would buy it!

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  SC 430 ("02") - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By I.G. - December 29 - 1:23 pm

  Ok, Ive owned this "02" for only about 3 months, but only drives it for weekends only. I also own a "91" LS400 which is still running like new with a 140K plus. The SC is a all that and more from the modern exterior to the flawless interior (except for the cup holder, no biggie). Every time I drive, Im always stopped to ask whether its a 2010 or what? This most definitely was ahead of its time for a "02" Ill tell anyone, once you drive a LEXUS, you wouldnt want to drive anything ELSE!

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  My lexus 407 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By larry Sands - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 407 to drive from Florida to Wyoming and to drive the final 50 miles of poorly graded and sometimes impassable road. The last 10 miles was through mudslick downhills into mudholes of unknown depths and up 45 degree grades of eroded mud and rocks. We made it into one of the most remote ranches in Wyoming without any skids, slides or wheel spinning. The SUV was a muddy mess, but we were exhuberant. After driving back from Wyoming the 407 has led a much more sedate life as a semi-town car, but its still fun to drive. Larry Sands. DeLand, Florida.

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  zoey review - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By zoey - December 29 - 2:00 am

  an excellent car-gas mileage at very high speeds is unusual-26 plus.With 18 inch wheels, the car will run with a five series BMW with a v-8.

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  As Comfortable as Promised - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By over 50 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable and affordable luxury with a history of low maintainace and high reliablity.

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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.