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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  lexus review - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By wordelman - January 24 - 10:00 am

  much better driving and more comfort than former Mercedes S320

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  The Best Car I have ever owned - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Glennpearson - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Oustanding car would by another when I am ready to trade. By far the best I have ever owned, Lexus owns me as a customer now as I have forever left Mercedes.

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  I love my Lexus---& McGrath Lexus Dealer - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Diane Salach - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My car is my office. I am always proud to invite my clients to ride in my car. It is comfortable, reliable and best of all BEAUTIFUL. I have been driving Lexus since 1991 and will never go back to my other luxury automobiles of the past! Thanks for keeping your standards above the rest!

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  Luxury at its best - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Maishe02 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very excellent auto. The finish is flawless. Performance leaves nothing to be desired. Has every luxury feature I could desire. Particularly like the moving directional vanes of the A/c and the satellite navigation without the necessity of CDs.

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  Amazing - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By G S Mc - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The most fun and stylish car I have ever driven. The performance is absolutely unbelievable. An extremely quite and smoth ride

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  JL Rave GX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By jlonthroad - January 24 - 10:00 am

  all better than expected,and compares better than BMW X5 4.4 just traded.

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  A Dream Come true - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Thomas Barrett - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe I am driving a SUV each time I get in this vehicle. It drives like a luxury sedan.

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  THE LOVE OF MY LEXUS - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By JUDY LOVIC - January 24 - 10:00 am

  MY AUTO IS 4 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE HAD MANY OTHER AUTOS AND I STILL TELL MY HUSBAND HOW MUCH I ENJOY DRIVING MY LEXUS SUV. WHEN I TRADE I WILL DEFINITELY PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD 2 LEXUS AND LOVES THEM. AT THIS TIME HE HAS AN EXPLORER FOR HEAVY HAULING (NOT ALLOWED IN MY AUTO) AND THE REASON IN RICHMOND, VA. THEY WOULDNT DEAL WITH HIM ON A TRADE IN. NOR DID THE MANAGER EVER CONTACT HIM. THE NEXT TIME HE PLANS TO PURCHASE ANOTHER LEXUS. IN ANOTHER CITY.

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  1st time owner - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cngriffin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Lexus GX470. The continuing service from the dealer has been outstanding, and I would not hesitate to purchase a new vehicle from them sight unseen. In fact, I did just that for my wife--an LS430. She has been equally satisfied. We are now Lexus "die hards!"

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  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By bozey - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Seats are buttery smooth Drives like a car Awesome stereo Best dealership Ive ever purchased from From backup camera to nav system, this car is the best toy Ive ever owned.