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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  New Car Review - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By WEM - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet and rides well. With the top down, you can hear the passenger talking at normal voice levels. Stereo system is very nice and GPS works very well. Seating and climate controls are very good. Accelerates well once it is moving, but has a distinct hesitation before shifting that can get you into trouble while merging into traffic.

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  Wonderful car to drive!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By bdesigner - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Lexus, and the LS430 just cant be beat. Its not only comfortable but all the features have improved. We love our navigation and use it often on trips. I would highly recommend to anyone that drives a luxury car.

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  MY SIX LEXUSES - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By charles hasper - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 6th 400 series Lexus. Each time I get ready for a new car I try all the supposedly comparable models and then know none of them could satisfy me except a Lexus.Since 1990 in the previous 5 cars I have NEVER had anything go wrong----and wherever Ive traveled the local Lexus dealer treats me as if I were a local.

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By fleetfoot - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After several weeks with the vehicle, theres not much to dislike about it. It rides and looks great, the build quality and materials are all top shelf, and we expect that the legendary Lexus/Toyota reliability will be there.

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  the best car ever - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By yourmother - June 11 - 10:00 am

  i own it.Fun sporty but yet respectible.

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  Sore Back - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Soreback1 - June 11 - 4:30 am

  I got a great deal on the car but in my 112 mile drive home my back hurts so back I need to return the car. My rear and back really hurt and this morning I am still hurting. I love this car totally but am so bummed out that the seat is so hard that me as well as my passenger could not get home fast enough after the first 50 miles. I am so disappointed as it is the most I have ever paid for a car. Everything else is amazing.

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  The best - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By jetbell - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have own many different sport cars and hands down by far this is the best yet. The quality and reliability of lexus is 1st class.

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  nick review - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By nick1010 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever had. it has everything from smart key to heated and cooled seats in the front and back!If you are thinking of buying one and you live in minnesota go see Erik at maplewood lexus.

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  Unrefined RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Johnnie - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is for people who do not want quick acceleration and solid corning. The vehicle leans too much when turning, and the acceleration is horrible. The drive-by-wire feature needs to be redesigned to allow the driver to be the decision maker, instead of some computer programs. There are also various interior squeaks and rattles. Very un-Lexus.

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  Value Performance - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By driver108 - June 9 - 10:08 am

  At the price point, it cant be beat. 65K miles, one owner, $9K. The straight six is super smooth and the automatic shifts predictably and powerfully. The interior is very cush and the entire car has a very solid feel. It has very strong passing power, but could be faster 0-20. Also, the auto gets momentarily befuddled when shifting into 1st when coasting at around 5mph when you then hit the gas. If you want a car that is all about performance, the GS300 is not for you. However, if you want a comfortable ride, nice appointments, a smooth and powerful engine that gets to 110mph pretty fast, its a good choice. Average 25 mpg on the freeway