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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  A great driving experience - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ABCDEFG - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The SC 430 is all we have come to expect from Lexus-well designed inside and out, a comfortable (if a bit stiff) ride and perfect workmanship. The driver and passenger seats are reasonably high so the visibility and comfort are terrific for a sports car. We also own a 2003 430 LS so an added plus is that the controls are similar in the two cars. Lexus service remains without peer.

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  SC2004 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By J. Tait - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the car but I recently had a severe accident with it. The car took the hit very well It is solidly built and I think saved my life. After teh accident it ran well even though severely damaged

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  Jack C Richmonds Love of his Lexuss - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Jack C. Richmond - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my 6th LS400 series Lexus. They all perform, ride perfectly.The best cars I have ever owned. How the Company manages to keep improving each years model is amazing. Each auto I have had has been improved with each new model, and when I have been driving them, I cant see how they can make the car any better, but they do!!

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  The Best - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Kathryn Smith - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent in all aspects. Runs well, easy to handle, ride is super, just overall A+.

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  Satisfaction - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Jack Jen - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our third Lexus. I am completely satisfied in every feature of the Lexus LS 430. The styling, quality of workmanship, detail and overall performance is unmatched in any vehicle I have ever driven. The lack of road noise is another great feature. The gas mileage, for such a big vehicle, is outstanding. The great ride is the finest in the industry. We also have a SC 430 which we consider the best in its class. If, and when, we sell the SC 430, we intend to purchase the RX 430 beacuse of our satisfaction with our other models of Lexus. We would NEVER change from our Lexus habit.

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  Phils Lexus - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By pjhoffmann - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Extremely comfortable and user friendly. Controls are logical and easy to use. GPS guidance system is great. Fit and finish are superb.

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  LS 430 Review - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By John Benvenuti - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My experience with the automobile has been extremely satisfactory. The ride and acceleration are great and the engine and drive train operate impeccably. I have had no problems whatsoever with the vehicle. I do think that the styling is somewhat conservative and should be redesigned to be much more distinctive and eye- catching.

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  Toms Review - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Thomas A. Miller - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My first consideration is performance and maintenance reliability, it is very strong in this area. Riding comfort is excellent, it is quiet and comfortable. The car is beautiful and subtle. The features on the car are practical and convenient. And one other thing the car "gets out and moves". I am 67 years old and it is without a doubt the finest car I have owned.

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  A MAGIC CARPET, NOT AN EGO TRIP - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By ALLSAND - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The best highway cruiser Ive ever owned. A delite on the U.S, interstate systems.If youre looking to take highway off ramps at 50 mph or low gas consumption this is not the vehicle for you. Pure comfort and reliablity along with the most indulgent service ethics you could wish. My second Lexus. I shopped for the best price but not for another manufacturer.

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  A TOP PERFORMER - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By tomoffutt - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be happier with a car. This is without question the best car I have owned (and I have owned all of the top US brands). It is really worth spending a few extra bucks for the very best.