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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  The Best Lexus Got Better - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By martin brodsky - August 14 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Lexus RX300 for 4 years, I saw the new RX330 and loved the styling. After driving the RX330, it was apparent that Lexus really put a lot of thought into the new model. Its a total luxury suv with more extras than I thought possible on an SUV in this class and price.

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  My favorite vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mysie - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the best driving, most comfortable car I have ever owned. It also is reliable. It drives more like a car than an SUV.

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  A review from the desert! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Irvine Robbins - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The RX330 is a keeper! Formerly drove the RX300 and difference is quite apparent. Much quieter, smoother, and easier to drive. Turning radius improved, and larger gas tank is an advantage. They will have one hell of a hard time improving on this model.

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  Luxury on Wheels - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tameko Moss - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the ride. The car seems to glide down the road. I love the interior design. The leather interior with the wood trim and chrome is excellent! I think I could become a lexus driver for life.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JMLarson - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It is a fantastic Vechicle

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  Love it - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Josie - August 13 - 10:56 pm

  This is the nicest car Ive owned. Its beautiful, comfortable and easy to drive. Gas mileage is better than advertised. Nav, bluetooth are easy to use and self-explanatory.

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  09 Lexus LS 460L Love it - 2009 Lexus LS 460
  By lj - August 13 - 2:10 am

  Second LS for us. previous 2003 LS w/ 185,000 miles and did have some issues w/ suspension reliability, but otherwise bullet proof. 2009 LS Luxury package, longwheel base, is a real cruiser, loads of power, owned now for 6mos. w/o any complaints. Mark Lev.stereo is a dream. recent cross country trip, was shocked to look down to notice speedo @ 100mph by mistake on open road and ride was effortless and under total control, scary quiet. best mileage at 65, was 28mpg figured by hand. still discovering buttons and features.

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  Better than expected..... - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By MyNewLex - August 10 - 2:30 am

  I purchased my new ES 350 a month ago today. I must say I continue to look forward to every time I drive it. Sometimes I think it was built for just for me. The driving experience has been very fabulous, the creature comforts incredible, and my fav feature is that its not Camry looking. I have the Nav system and its great (first vehicle with it). Sometimes I just want it to get dark outside so I can see my HID lights adjust as I turn. Acceleration is much more improved over the ES 330 and the transmission is agile and responsive. You will not be disappointed with this car. Im gonna buy a spoiler for it as this will complete the sporty look with the awesome dual exhaust. No regrets here!!

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  I now understand the meaning of quality! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Rick in Lyndhurst - August 9 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased this car about a year ago with 180,000 miles on it. Since then I have put about 15k on it with absolutely no problems. I have had Toyotas exclusively in the past, and have loved them. I figured I would give this 9 year old a shot since it was priced at only $3500.00 and I needed something different. I could not be more pleased. It rides like a dream and I get surprisingly 25+ mpg on regular gas. Only problem was when I took it to the NJ state inspection. They said I had an "exhaust leak". I must have been the designated "quota failure" that day, because I drove it back to the same station in the afternoon and passed with flying colors. 2 words... GREAT CAR!!

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  the past in the present - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By MITCHELL ROWE - August 8 - 2:00 am

  the lx470 is a throwback in automotive times . from a real radio antenna to a muscle engine in peace + QUIET .