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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  Enjoyable vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JCOREGON - December 2 - 10:00 am

  RX330 is pref. to my old RX300 in every way. Love the safety features, NAV., B/U camera. Dealership experience was average.After a few minor creaks,dealer seems to have fixed all. Nice pick-up, smooth ride, well designed quality interior. NO tranny problems. Lexus illuminated entry skid plates dent easily. Nice looking exterior. Does very well in PacNW snow/ice/rain.

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  Staying in the family!!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By lhester - December 1 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased this car after my in-law totaled my 2001 GS300. What an improvement. In the previous car I didnt have the Mark Levinson, satellite or other upgrades normally found in the GS 430 or LS 430. This car is definitely an upgrade over the previous. Ill stay with Lexus as long as theyll have me.

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  Seabiscuit of the automotive world - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By SEANDRIVER - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I looked at just about everything - I ended up with the LEXUS for various reasons. It was different & not a million of them on the road like every other make. Handling was far superior that anything else out there & i did purchase the Sport Design but the ride was comfortable. Not stiff to jitter your bones & not so soft that your driving a caddy. Safety equipment was standard,great power & may i say proportionate power. navigation system freely available, excellent service from Concord Lexus, great handling & ride quality, uniqueness & proportionate power made me a sucker for the IS 300. The Navigation controls are well placed & far better than BMW & MERC

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  fun to drive - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By pmirm - December 1 - 2:00 am

  great fun, especially as a covertible!1

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  RX330 2004 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Sharon2353 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle! The Navigation system is by far the easiest to use and to see of any I have seen in the industry. The DVD system functions well and the kids can use it without assistance. The front passenger seated is weight sensitive so you can place a small child there is need be and it will automatically turn off the airbags. Turns and stops well. The backup camera is good to see objects, however, cannot be used to judge distance or in lieu of actually looking yourself.

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  FAVORITE OF THE YEAR - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By APRIL BONNER - December 1 - 2:00 am

  THE RX 330 IS THE NICEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED I WILL BUY ANOTHER ONE IT IS VERY SMOOTH RIDING AND HANDLES GREAT.

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  My Lexus RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Trek610 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Love everything about my SUV. Does great on long road trips. A piece of mind because of the Lexus reliability.

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  Love this car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By N D Shutt - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is well designed inside and out. It is a smooth ride and has plenty of power. It handles nice and is easy to park.

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  I LOVE MY NEW LEXUS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By angjomich - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Although I may only have had my RX330 for a little over a month-I can honestly say it is the best ride Ive ever driven. Ive been driving for over 25 years-many cars/suvs/vans, etc. but this one is the top. I also own a Lexus 300 and thought that was the best it could get. What a delight to find out I could drive one better!! Id recommend Lexus to everyone and the RX330 is my number one choice, SO FAR!!! Keep em coming Lexus, you rock!

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  Good Car Better Dealer - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By dougsc - November 26 - 3:23 am

  This is a great car. It is comfortable, easy to drive and quite utilitarian. The buying experience was outstanding and the service experience has been excellent. I have been waiting for over a week for a new brake booster, which seems to be a somewhat common problem. Dealer was conscious of my needs and provided a loaner (an RX-330). If something is broken they fix it. I want my next vehicle to be a Lexus, too.