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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  Outstanding Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Roy8908 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Excellent performance. Outstanding quality. Silent ride. With a little forethought (see suggestions below) they could have taken this car to a much higher level.

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  LexusLS430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Paris - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The car is a great value. Overall very happy with vehicle and service support of Lexus dealerships. I cant wait for the 2006 new Lexus model.

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  Outstanding - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By gpob - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding experience. Went back to a Lexus after driving a BMW for last 5 years. Just as much fun driving the Lexus without the headaches of numerous trips to the service department to fix all the little things that break on BMWs.

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  smooth - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ted Tierney - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Quietiest, smoothest vehicle I have ever driven.

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  Teds Review - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By T.R.J. - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best auto Ive ever owned. Suprisingly good gas mileage. Will replace with same or equivlant model but with sport suspension and navigation system.

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  Wow, what a car!!! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By blair - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We have a LS400, and thought that was great, but nothing compares to the LS430, its the best car weve ever had. Not only does it ride well, but it has everything youd ever want in a luxury car.

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  An excellent car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Topcat - July 30 - 10:00 am

  A great deal of thought has gone into the design of this car. From interior design to collapsible side view mirrows, parking assist, comfortable ride, fuel conservation, eye appeal, an engineering marvel, this car is really, really great.

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  The Perfect Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By forrestoil - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. Ive had no problems with it and I love it. Its 30000 dollars cheaper than the BMW 7 series and 40000 less than the Mercedes S class plus might I add its much more reliable and has no i-drive.

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  Happy to get rid of my sports car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By new user - July 30 - 10:00 am

  In this car I just sit back and enjoy my music in quiet as the car floats down the highway. Everything in the interior and exterior is flawless.

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  Wonderful - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ramstein - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car to drive and to ride in. It has the beauty of both worlds. A car and an suv. I love it and this car has made a Lexus owner out of me for life.