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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  Great car, but not very sporty - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By The Rupp - June 3 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car July 04 with 37,000 miles on it, and it was perfect. Almost a full year later, I havent had one problem with it at all. Great winter car, too. Gas mileage is great on it as well, Im getting about 21-23 mpg per tank (consistantly) and I dont use the highway very often. This car is PURE luxury. Its not sporty at all. If youre looking for something sporty, try the IS300 or the GS.

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  Third Lexus LX470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By DentalVet - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my third LX470, and it is fantastic. The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet, and the radio is exceptional. The NAV system is great.

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  LX430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By ROBCOR - June 2 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A CUT ABOVE THE MERCEDES,BMW AND ALL OTHER LUXURY CARS IN ITS CLASS. BUILT WITH CARE EVERY ITEM IN IT IS WELL THOUGHT OUT,AND FUNCTIONAL.

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  Review Title - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By LexusOwner - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle. Great handling.Smooth ride. No noise. Easy to use controls. Luxurious interior

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  oh yeah - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By lmiah531 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  All the compliments i get from taking this car to high school is way more than enough for me.

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  Oh What A Feeling... - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By hetheride - June 2 - 2:00 am

  While searching for a Luxury Sedan I looked at them all, It came down to the BMW 525i and the ES330. I loved the BMW exterior but the interior did not do too much for me, and the handling was a bit too "sporty" for my liking. I took one look inside the ES330 and it felt like a dream come true, The test drive was fabulous, the car was luxury all of the way, but still fun to drive. The cabin was so quiet, and comfortable. I cannot imagine owning another make of car in the future. I choose the Alabaster and loaded it up to the gills with all of the toys, including the Nav System.I have had it just over a week and already I am in love.

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  First GX 470! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Mom2Four - May 30 - 3:23 pm

  Purchased my first Lexus from my BFF; GX is 5 years old with 35K miles; interior is in excellent shape, has held up well to 2 kids. Love the comfort selection option, comfort- sport. I have yet to find anything I dont love about this vehicle. There is very little road noise; feature options are excellent; and the sunroof doesnt leak (like in other vehicles weve owned). The rumble seats take getting used to - but easy to pop-up or put-down.

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  I love my Thundercloud - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Stewie - May 28 - 7:20 pm

  I love my Lexus RX 330 Thundercloud. It is fun to drive and it is, in my opinion, the most affordable Lexus you can buy. You get the most interior room for your money.

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  Worth every penny - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Heather Dixon - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream. I generally buy new every 2 years and I plan to have this one and probably a newer maybe different model in the future. The timeless design and the incredible reliability is amazing. I encourage anyone to invest in a Lexus, they are truly worth every single penny.

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  Lexus a hit - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By jerfilm - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is a winner