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 Lexus ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Walter Hamrick - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have owned. I have owned Caddie for the better part of 25 years.

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  The cars just OK Not Great - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Susan Ankrom - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is nice to look at for a four door, but is missing out on several qualities that would make it better. THe navigational system is not user friendly, and the hesitation when engaging the passing gear is something that makes me have no confidence that the car will get me out of a tight spot in traffic. I will go back to an Acura which is a very responsive car. The way the CDs need to be loaded into the console leave no room for anything. There is absolutely NO room in the car to put anything...ie: the ashtray is useless...too small. NO real cup holders.THis model desperately needs thumb controls for the stereo on the steering wheel.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By AnthonyG - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Smooth, quiet ride. Luxurious comfortable interior. An amazing buy.

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  Lexus Es 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By fareed - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great deal especially at the price that it is being sold at. Its a luxury car at a fraction of the cost.

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  first time lexus owner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By bob 8147 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Up till now I have always driven a Caddy This car is much smaller and lighter ,but handles very well. For a change I am not always the designated driver. ( The beauty of a 5 passenger car) I like the back up warning system on the Caddy, so I had an after market warning system installed on my Lexus. All in all so far it has been a great car.

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  FIRST HAND EXPIERENCE - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By CHILLY WILLIE - April 3 - 2:00 am

  BEING A FIRST TIME LEXUS BUYER I AM VERY PLEASED THE ES330 GIVES A SENSE OF QUALITY AND SECURITY. I ALSO TEST DROVE THE ACURA TL (REMARKABLY IMPRESSED WITH SPACE AND FEATURES)AND THE INFINITI G35 TOO STIFF FOR CHICAGO ROADS.QUALITY AND SAFETY WERE CHIEF CONCERNS AND LEXUS OUT-PACES THE COMPETITION. A DEFFINATE BUY.......

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  Gods gift to car lovers - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Adam Bajaj - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Its the best car I have yet to own. It beats my LS430 and my RX300. The comfort, the luxury, the class, the build, the color, the exterior....oh, just too sexy!

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By exyrider - April 3 - 2:00 am

  In the Lexus 330 I found what I was looking for. A high quality, reliable car with 5 star safety features. Im 61" and fit comfortably in both the front and back seats. The driver seat is well designed, and my back feels better just sitting in it. The interior reflects great attention to detail. The car accellerates smoothly and fully meets my handling expectations. While the exterior design may not turn other drivers heads, it is great value and comfort. It also gets good gas milage, and uses regular gas.

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  great car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By john mcfadden - April 3 - 2:00 am

  great car all around high expectations met with high satisfactions

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  Happy with our Purchase.... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By SR in NC - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought a 2004 RX330 and absolutely love it! The ride is just like and car and the styling is pure Lexus. The only negative is the fuel economy is not what I was expecting. Overall, we are very Happy!