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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  What a SUV - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Barry Williams - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I am a very large man and did not think that I would be able to really have the comfort I had in my Navagator.I was wrong. It has lots of room and there is good head room. It runs like a champ and the people at the dealership are just tops in all departments. The ony thing I would like a better number on is MPG and that is not real bad but it is just OK. I could not be more pleased and plan to always own a Lexus and it should be a LX470. :-)

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  the best - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By denger - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I am 77 years old and this lexus is the best car I ever owned.

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  IS300 is amazing - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Mattrre - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing in every respect compared to its competition (G35, A4, 325, c230, etc). Although it is not as powerful as some in this list, it makes up for it in superior handling, better brakes, and a much more beautiful design, inside and out. Since these are not top sellers in this country, you can easily find one fairly affordable and at the same time have a car that you dont see everyday (like the 325i). I bought mine for 33k black/black auto with navigation. This car could easily go for 30k or lower. I suggest you check this out if you are looking for a car in the 30k price range. Also, this is the most relibable lexus.

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  IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Lancezl1 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Tight vehicle, no rattles, fun to drive, looks great. Could use a little more power as usual.

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  My second IS 300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By DirkDigler - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, the speed, the handling, the feel.

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  Best of both worlds. - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Skip Martin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I really wanted to get a sports car (Im 53yrs old), but didnt want to look like the old dude going through a mid-life crisis. This IS 300 with the 5-speed is the absolute answer. Now all the young kids say "kewl man" and all the old folks say "hey, nice car"!! Not only is it a delight to drive, its a sound investment, as the blue book value remains relatively high for a longer period of time. Thanks Lexus!!!! Sincerely, TD (Skip) Martin (Old dude having fun)

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  sc430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By les16 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  fun, fun , fun to drive

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  My SC 430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Stonie1942 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Proud to be seen with the top down. Nice to be able to afford this great car. I get so many stares from other drivers. Other drivers try to accelerate faster than this car, but they are amazed how fast it is. I have to be very careful as not to drive too fast. It is like riding a wild stallion and pulling back the reins so it will not run away with me.

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  Love my Lexus - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Pam 180 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Love everything about this car: fun to drive, distinctive, sexy, and everything works. A total pleasure.

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  Excelence in luxury sports - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By TobySC - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Luxury luxury in a sports car. Hard to find. This baby is a bentley in disguise, but for a bargain. Xenon, run flats, navigation system, all leather, no plastic, even the dash. Dont forget the philharminic sound system.