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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  12 Years Old - still looks great and runs excellen - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Steve G. - March 31 - 12:02 pm

  I purchased this in 2013 - one owner car who traded it in at the Lexus Dealership. I bought it with 78,000 miles on it and now has 163,000 miles - The paint is perfect, with some fading only on the rear bumper. A highly reliable car, runs smooth, comfortable, and gets up to 26mpg on the highway and about 20mpg around town. - Solid / I added Bluetooth (Parrot) and have put Michelin tires on it (they are the best for both ride comfort and low noise) - I do expect to get 300K - runs as good now with 163K as it did with 78K. Great car - highly recommend it.

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  Superb Ride - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By sivadiel - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, superb ride and comfort. Build quality is better than any other vehicle I have owned. Dealership experience is actually worthy of the vehicle. Only complaint, and its minor, is the amount of power available. Could use 25 more HP and 25+ft/lbs of tourque

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  Wonderful Purchase - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Robyn L - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the perfect used car. Quality, comfort, style, and reliability. Awesome gas mileage, so quiet I cant tell if it is running. No problems. Great warranty with car that I havent even needed.

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  Fabulous! Absolutely PERFECT! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By leebarnhouse - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely fabulous car. There are no words to describe how nice this vehicle is. Absolutely the best luxury vehicle on the road. I HIGHLY recommend it!

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  Excellent And Bland - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By David P - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I agree the ES does not offer GT sedan performance. Kick in another $30K, if thats what you want and get the 430. I do not feel that the power or the transmission cause any safety problems. You can lock in a lower gear ratio, if the situation calls for it and the engine will give you what you need. I dont care about Porche, G35 Coupe, GT Sedan performance any more. Thats why I bought the ES. If you dont care to have high performance handling and throttle/transmission response and if you do want a quiet comfortable ride with very nice interior appointments, excellent sound system and plenty of luxury features, this car is a great buy.

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  Lux Ride - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Jay Gee - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just got my RX330 with the Navi.. It is by far the most luxurious suv in its class. The ride is the smoothest I have ever experieced in ANY vehicle..BUT there is one aspect where the lex falls short and that is in handling. Although everyday driving is wonderful, spirited driving leaves something to be desired. I guess you cant have it all. I drove the FX prior to opting for the RX, the Infiniti handles incredibly well but the ride comfort is VERY poor.

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  A converted SUV Hater - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dr.Jesse - March 29 - 10:00 am

  As a previous SUV hater,and having been severly injured by one with a drunk driver 9/03 spending 6 weeks in a hospital/rehabilation unit, I am very suprised and pleased to say that I am enjoying owning and driving this beautiful and luxurious vehicle!!! Its been much more than I had expected in terms of comfort,style and safety (more airbags than any other vehicle in production).

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  Great RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By poipu - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Have had the 2004 model for almost a year and still love it. It is a sturdy, stylish and performance oriented vehicle. Having driven all of the other brands in its class, the RX330 is superior in quality and price.

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  own one of the best cars in the world - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By ondro1977 - March 29 - 8:13 am

  I purchased My 1997 Lexus LS400 with 150 000miles for 4000,-$ in February 2011. But I can assure you, that this car is more reliable than any German car of those years or newer. Sure 97 BMW 740,is more powerful and is a bit more fun to drive and MB-S430 is more luxurious and even a bit more spacious, but in overall performance/reliability/luxury.... this car outperform any of them by a long shot. Previous owners did not took care of it properly and didnt use premium fuel and use some shady trans fluid, but car is still awesome. Do yourself a favor and change transmission filter ,gasket and toyota t-IV ATF. keep your regular oil change and always use premium fuel.

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  Interior art gallery - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Col. Bob Olson - March 28 - 8:36 pm

  Im an octogenarian so when I give up driving myself I know the rear seat has plenty of room and comfort.