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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  Fabulous!!! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Victorian - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has only been a pleasure to drive and the compliments I constantly get prove that the exterior design is eye-catching. I would highly recommend this vehicle to all.

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  Lexus 430 SC - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By John Burns - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After 7 convertables owned this by far the best. Great retractable top. Great interior with the exception of the back seat.

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  sc430 great second car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By T4321 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  great second carto drive in the city but on a trip the trunk is small and it is only a two seater

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  Love my Lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Dan Devine - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I am on my second Lexus and I am very pleased with the performance, reliability, style and dealer service. My best car experience.

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  W O W !! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Maurice Mitchell - July 21 - 2:00 am

  When entering the freeway, you see an adequate space and you just jump into it, period. When you are in cruise control, you automatically link to the car ahead in your lane and the system keeps your safe assured distance automatically, and warns you when you need to take over. When you are parking, it tells you when you are getting to close. The lights do not get into the eyes of oncoming traffic. It seems to read your mind and then does it. Most fantastic car I have ever seen.

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  I love my car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Harvey Peters - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the road handling of my car. I am amazed by its small turning radius and how easy it is to steer. It is layed out well, is very comfortable and has great features to make it home away from home.

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  A Great Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By RonPar - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Performance, reliability, comfort, ease of entry (front and rear), and economy for a large car meets or beats cars in the $85000 plus bracket. The service is top notch.

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  lexus gx470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By sof50 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  great car, very plush, pleasure to drive.

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  Driving pleasure of the Lexus 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Robert Harpaer - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Lexus 330 I have had this automobile only two weeks and each time I drive it I enjoy it more. It is the finest driving car I have ever owned and that includes two Mercedes-Benz cars, one BMW, one Audi, two Cadillacs, one Lincoln and assorted others.

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  love my 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By peg - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Its the best car Ive ever had in the snow & ice. I can not tell the difference in the road surface at all. Nice sound proofing. THe only problem is the wide rear side panels that block your vision when backing up.