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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  LaTreses Lexus!!! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By latresec - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Lexus. My heart was set on the X5 but after driving both, the Lexus has a smoother ride. The dash isnt as massive as the X5 and I just believe for my style the Lexus is a better match.

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  Good, but not sporty Enough - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Loon - October 2 - 2:53 am

  As a college student this car is very nice. Performance is not bad for the sticker price. I bought this car with almost all options. I was neutral about the design of this car but when I bought it in Black/Black and tinted my windows, it appeared a lot more appealing to me. I wanted a comfortable sedan since I usually go with more than two people and commute for over 2 hrs. I wish Lexus made their sedans more sporty which now in the 2006 GS model they are sportier. Nice ride, great quality, easy navigation system, superb handing, good sound system and great for the value! After all, it is a Lexus (VERY RELIABLE!!)

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  Dont Do It! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Linda G. - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I like driving this car. That being said: 1) tires. The car comes w/performance tires which means they are soft -- i had to replace them at 20,000 miles. there is only one replacement tire right now -- it cost over $1,000 for 4 tires. 2) reliability. a few weeks ago the car died in as i was accelerating in an intersection. it was towed to lexus who tried to fix it for 2 days to no avail. on the 3rd day the car miraculously started ... no explanation whatsoever. lexus customer service was not helpful and pitiful. i am thoroughly disappointed with this car.

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  Fabulous - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By g clements - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a fabulous, fun car. I dont care for the cupholders. Doesnt hold bottled water very good. My only critizism.

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  Wow the Neighbors, but Watch the Bumps - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By I ERNDIT - September 30 - 10:00 am

  SC430 offers the luxury car owner an uplifting experience. Make sure you wont be driving in a snowstorm or on a road surface that has not been recently repaved. The run-flats are poor performers on any surface other then what is shown in the alluring Lexus brochure. Solve this and it could be one of my all time favorites and I have been fortunate to have owned a 911C4, SC400, Delorean (well thats another story) Have a spare SUV in the garage, then wait for the great spring or fall day, crank up your favorite tunes on a sound system that is as good with the top off at 75 mph as when its up, and enjoy what very few others will ever know.

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  Simply the best - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By ChiefCarmen - September 30 - 10:00 am

  It is the best luxury car I ever drove. They thought of everything when they built this.

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  Best Car Yet - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By lsopko - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We love this car mostly for the roomy and comfortable interior.

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  fantastic car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ted johnsen - September 30 - 10:00 am

  best car i have ever driven in this price category. sold mercedes fo 28 years and quality is exceptional. mb has dropped the ball in the last few years due to overproduction

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  Great car ahead of competitive cars - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By 6110 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Love this car.first foreign car I ever bought. Love interior,great quality so far. Have 3200 miles right now. When pushed hard the transmission doesnt grab the request. Hesitates..Seems confused initially. Nav is a lifesaver..I love it.Back-up camera would be very nice..Its not available.

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  buy it! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Perez - September 30 - 10:00 am

  very comfortable, awesome, buy it!