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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  I Love This Car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By M.M.W. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We tested all of the cars listed as "compare to" on the Edmunds site except for the VW. We also tested Mercedes and BMW. We were ready to buy the Infinitiy until we tested this Lexus. From the moment we hit the road, we felt enveloped in an unbelievabley comfortable "cocoon." The smooth quiet ride, exceptional handling, close turning radius, pickup on the interstate, and the outstanding safety features all contributed to our utmost satifaction.

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  2003 Lexus ES 300 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By NAEXECT - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Absolutly the best vehicle I have ever owned. I cannot believe the ride, comfort, and quality for this entry level luxury sedan. I have had nothing at all go wrong with it - currently 7000 miles. One suggestion - use high test gasoline. The dealer informed me that regular was all that was necesary. For the first 6 months that was all I used. The car ran well but I thought it was a bit sluggish. I switched to high test recently and seen a dramic increase in performance and better gas mileage.

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  BestValu - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By fijip - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 5 Lexus and havent had a single complaint (other than the coffee cup holders)about the cars performance, reliability, and cost of ownership. Best value in a luxury car...bar none. Good & safe driving.../frank

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  There is nothing like a Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Esquire - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Lexus has really outdone itself with the 2004 ES330. The car is beautifully designed, exquisitely appointed, and very well built with attention to every detail. In addition, it drives like a dream. The only thing that can compete with it is another Lexus. I can understand why the dealers insist on selling it as close to the sticker price as possible. It is worth every dime. Some of the German and Japanese competitors have good features as well, but none of them has the combination of beauty, luxury, perfect fit and finish, reliability, and value that this car has, at least not any car under $45,000 and few if any above that.

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  Impressive - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Steve Michaels - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Shopped for months, and test drove many models before the decision on the ES 330. My first import in more than 20 years. This is a beautiful automobile. First considered the Cadillac CTS, then the Infinity G35 (really nice sports car), but went for the comfort of the Lexus.

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  A good Upgrade - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By cobra1234 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a really nice car. They have made it alot better than the previous models. It looks and handels alot better.

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  Dont even miss my BMW - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By dms666 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I always want to drive this car. I hate it when my wife wants to get behind the wheel! :) Totally thrilled with this vehicle. Exceeds all of my expectations. Gorgeous inside and out. Handles like a dream. I dont even think about 2- seater BMW I traded in for it.

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  the best suv ever - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By sexyrph - September 26 - 10:00 am

  as an owner of a 2004 lexus rx330 i love it. by far the best vehicle i have ever driven. it is perfect in every way.

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  No regrets - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By AyeSyt - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice SUV. It is almost too cushy, but for the type of driving I do, why not be comfortable? I was fortunate that the dealer had one on the showroom floor in the color I wanted, but it had the performance package, a $5000 option. That package is what makes the car. I love all the options that are included, and I doubt that I would have chosen them individually. This car is a wonder of technology. If you like gadgets, this is the car for you. This is the first time Ive ever had to read the owners manual.

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  Disappointed - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By koehler1200@gmail.com - September 26 - 9:36 am

  I was super happy to buy a Lexus, but now wish I had stuck with my Nissan. After only 10000 miles, the car has had many many issues that they can not fix. For starters, it whistles loudly some times depending on which way the wind is blowing, and I have a video of that. The power locks do not always work and I have to get the key fob out to unlock the doors. But the most concerning to me is that I get a message the the breaking power is low and to pull over immediately and call service department. They can not fix this issue or replicate in the service department. And now the parking break does not always engage. I am seriously considering contacting an attorney and claiming this as a lemon. Not what you would expect out of a $50k+ vehicle! And when I first bought the car, the airbag on the passenger side would not turn on when someone was sitting in the seat. Update 5.18.16 - They have replaced the break booster as advised by Lexus. Will update again if this fixes the issue.