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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  A great car! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By RazorWinger - March 10 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car with 58,000 miles on it; no problems except wear & tear. It started using oil for a while and I expected the worst - an engine re-build. But after an independent technician replaced the PCV valve ($10!), the oil usage stopped. I sure hope my next Lexus has better cup-holders; theyre far too shallow. The key to the Lex is keep it maintained and no telling how many miles theyll run. A great value.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By G W - March 9 - 10:36 am

  Love the car. Would consider buying another SC 430 in the future, if they ever come out with a 4-wheel drive version, as told to me by the dealer sales agent.

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  The Best! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Long Tran - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great nothing but a great car ever built!

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  2004 IS 300 review - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By novagator - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Love the interior and the handling of car. It is very responsive.

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  Lexus IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By LexusIS3OO - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Awesome little car with a lot of luxury

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  2003 LEXUS 430 SC - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By rt stewart - March 8 - 2:00 am

  pOSSIBLY THE BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED AFTER PREVIOUSLY OWNING SEVERAL MERCEDES, 2 PORSCHE 911 AND 2 CORVETTES. I ONLY HAVE ONE WORD AND THAT IS ... OPTIMUM

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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By palmjumper - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned including Cadillacs, Lincolns and even a Rolls Royce. It is fun to drive and the engineering is impressive. There is power when you need it and even massaging back seats. The radar assisted cruise control takes the drugery out of long trips. It automatically slows you down or speeds you up depending on traffic. You can almost "set it and forget it."

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  Awesome Driving Experience - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Larry C - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We drove and compared the 330ES to the Acura, Volvo, BMW, Accord and Camry. By far the best handling vehicle of them all. A smooth quiet ride like I have never experienced before. Interior is elegant and comfortable. the people at the Lexus dealership treated us wonderfully, all and all agreat car and a great experience. I am sold on Lexus. A whole lot of car for the money.

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  First Love - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By chelms - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I shopped for three days before finding the love of my life. I never wanted any type of SUV until I saw this one sitting in the show room. I test drove the GS 300, a Cadillac CTS, and a small Lincoln. After having driven a GS 300 for the past ten years, I wasnt thrilled with the new model. I felt like I was in my same car. The Cadillac and Lincoln just impress me. However, when I eyed the RX 330 and then test drove it, I fell in love. I had no doubts that this was what I wanted and I have no regrets after two months! It is like driving a sports car but with all the comforts of a luxury car. That is why they call it an LUV, not an SUV!!

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  sexy lexy - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By hiyo silver - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely an amazing car, everything Ive always looked for. Great stereo, Nav System, zenon lights, cd changer in dash, heated seats, memory package, graet interior (second to none much better than mbz,bmw)-- why get anything upgraded? Great service from dealership always with a smile.