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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  My baby blue bullet - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Magali - April 21 - 10:47 pm

  Safe. Classic. Its feels like an airplane cockpit.

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  Best car I have driven to date - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By M.C. - April 21 - 6:23 am

  I had an 01 E430 for the past 5 1/2 years and decided to move away from German cars in general, mostly because how often it needed to be seen by a mechanic (and it is never a cheap visit). Ironically enough, I orginally went to look at the GS first but it took only 1 test drive for me to know the LS was it for me. I looked at pretty much all of the other cars out there, but this was the best deal for the money. Keep in mind, that this car competets with the S Class and 7 Series BMW, but is much cheaper. All of my friends love this car and I get so many complements on its beauty. You are not doing yourself justice if you have the money to spend and dont test drive this one.

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  Best Luxury SUV Ever Made - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By davywoodruff - April 21 - 2:00 am

  By far the best SUV ever made, especially if you care about luxury. Compared to my previous Range Rover (and even Landcruiser), the LX470 is simply amazing in its ability to deliver quiet, luxurious, reliable performance. It is also beautiful and stylish, despite being around since 1998. Off-road capability (if you dare) is astounding and as good as any stock 4x4 out there. On-road performance is sumptuous, smooth, quiet, relaxed. Driving the LX470 just makes you feel like the world is a more peaceful place. Security in snow and off-road is first-rate.

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  Hott - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Sonny D - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The engine is the best part i found out that the engine is a toyota Supra Engine in it an its 215-hp with a addition of a booster increase the hp to 500-hp

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  The Best of the Best - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By FLPanther - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving SUVs for about 14 years. I didnt know what fun I was missing until I leased my first LUV. The ride is quiet and smooth, the handling is great. Its sleek and responsive - 2 things that were missing from my other SUVs. Im sold! Once you drive a Lexus - youll never drive a regular SUV again.

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  Fantastic RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Larry Jayne - April 19 - 10:06 am

  Best car I have ever owned (and I have owned all kinds). Drives and rides like a sedan but has the features of an SUV. You can see extrememly well when driving since it is higher up than a sedan. GREAT JOB LEXUS - I have ordered an H400 already.

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  Buy one if you need one - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By gelkin - April 19 - 1:00 am

  If you want a luxury SUV that is great to look at, solid as anything available, and 100% reliable then buy this Lexus. I have 13,000 miles on it and it has been trouble free and a pleasure to own. Full time 4wd eats up some gas but the truck is great in some many other areas that you really cant complain.

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  Lexus has a winner here - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By RPA - April 18 - 9:46 pm

  This car is smooth, from acceleration to braking it is one smooth ride and very quiet. If youre considering a 2006 model or earlier forget it, this car is a huge improvement and the styling is much better.

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  Nice Car, Nice value - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ben J. Smith - April 18 - 12:53 am

  Very well built machine with excellent design and power. Very roomy for midsize sedan with good room in back seating area. 3.5 (272hp) engine provices excellent acceleration and smooth power. At 80 mph it seems like you are doing 50 mph. Car is very quiet and smooth. Seating is excellent. Trunk has good space (fits 3 golf bags with ease). Finish is excellent and everything seems to fit.

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  Upgraded from Camry & Lovin Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By whoohah5 - April 16 - 12:33 pm

  Owned a sporty Honda with a lot of zip. Also have a Corvette, but nothing compares to the ride and feel of the Lexus. We bought a Camry and sold it to a family member after they totaled their car. We wanted a comfortable ride and family car. Our 2004 Lexus is a luxurious treat and we love it. Ill drive the wheels off this car.