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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  SUV 2 enjoy - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By flysuv - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Like the feel, comfort, low noise of the SUV. Build quality is excellent. Feels like driving a smooth sedan (our other Mercedes); just at a higher ground level. Love the Mark Levinson Sound. Cargo space.

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  Perfect Balance - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By DETschantz - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Its not the fastest sports car, its not the most plush luxury car, but the balance of sport, luxury, and fun is hard to beat. At a whim (or stop light) you can go from a very solid hardtop coupe to a convertible. You can let the automatic transmission smoothly take you from 0- 60 or you can manually advance the gears to provide that little rush of adrenaline. Within its category it provides maximum flexibility with minimum commitment.

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  Love Lexus - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By SandiR - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my Lexus. Has been the best vehicle I have owned. Was hit in the drivers side front corner by someone running a red light one year ago. I remember the firemen and EMTs telling us we walked away only because it was a Lexus. Lenghty repairs(10 wks) but have not encountered any problems afterwards. Because of the accident, I learned many things about its construction and safety features, especially the airbags. Mine did not deploy but later found out they were not suppose to because of the location of impact. Negotiated price $33,000

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  Lexus GX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Kalvin - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus GX470 is a capable and comfortable suv,overall it is the best possible choice for consumers who desire a 7 seater suv without wanting to spend 60,000. It has immpecable relibility and reasonable handling. It is able to encompass everything that is needed and wanted is an suv today, without being oversized or overpriced

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  Absolutely heaven - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Shel - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I waited 2 months for my 330RX - it was worth it! I got it fully loaded and look forward to driving it everyday. This is our familys first Lexus - weve only owned Mercedez for the past 22 years. The luxury ride,tighter turning radius, better gas mileage, and camera sold me! I love my vehicle!!! Initially, I was reluctant to change from a German driving car, but the luxurious drive convinced me to switch. Try the auto rainsensor option...its effortless to drive w/ all my extras. Excellent DVD quality.

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  Best SUV ever. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Janie - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had 5 SUVs. The ride in this car is phenomenal. I test drove all of them and this was by far the best!

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  best purchase ever made! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By shemaga - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Forget the M class mercedes! Forget the BMW X5! I wasnt sure about this car until I drove it. he others felt like I was driving a truck. The X5 made me feel like I was in an 18 wheeler. The interior design beats both the Mclass and the X5 out of the water. Very sleek, chic and the leather is great. The navigation system is amazing and very easy. I had to wait 10 weeks to get this car and it was well worth it. It will be hard to ever change to another SUV!

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  Love My Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By prince eric - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I upgrated from the RX300 to the RX 330 and could not be happier. I was going to try another maker, but I could not find a better driving SUV

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  Love my birthday chine - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Susanne - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Sporty, easy to get into...and take the Thanksgiving trip to New Albany, Ohio. Sturdy feel. Went to the dealership with the intention of buying a sedan when the 330 caught my eye.., Took sedan out for a drive, as that was my intention...but went back and said...let me try this cutie out...called my husband on his cell phone and told him to join me for a test drive...we met up at the dealership and my husband wanted to try out a sedan first...then came back and once he tried out the RX, his mind was made up...all he wanted then was a silver RX to match his 100th anniversary HOG...

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Liz B - August 14 - 10:00 am

  this is def. one of the greatest cars i have drivin. im so glad i got one!!