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 RX x 2 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By chiatjh - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the second RX (mines is the hand me down)The new RX330 is a sexy beast. Plenty of leg room head room and Vroom. Previously, we were Ford owners but this car is a real head turner.

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  I had a better transmission on my Yugo - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Rondell - June 12 - 2:00 am

  A fine SUV except for the tranny. Its horrible. Ive had 3 other Lexus autos and every other tranny was smooth, but this one jerks and hesitates at 2nd and 4th gear. I threw away 46 grand.

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  Very disappointed for this ES350. - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By mineg - June 10 - 3:29 pm

  Very disappointed for this ES350, its 19km now. I bought it for its serene and comfortable reputation, this vehicle is not quite at lot. 1. The car vibrates when it stopped and the engine is engaged, the vibration makes me so uncomfortable that I have to switch to neutral whenever stopping before traffic light. I took it to dealer to check, I was told its rotors problem. I dont think thats the case because it vibrates also when I dont press breaker.

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  everything is perfect!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By wildboyzz - June 8 - 10:00 am

  AMAZING, NOTHING WILL EVER BE BETTER, THE MOST AMAZING CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVIN, I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER CAR, BENZ AND BMW ARE OVERRATED, AND DONT COMPARE, CANT EVEN HOLD A CANDLE TO THE LEXUS LS 430

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  I Love Lexus - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By eny2 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle. It feels heavy and safe and has fantastic pick up for passing. The only negative is the navigation system is a bit confusing and can only be reset when the vehicle is stopped.

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  1st Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By miracle - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned an Audi, and an Infinity. This is my first Lexus and I am thrilled. The comfort and smooth ride of this car is excellent. Quiet is a main concern of mine and this car is like no other I have owned in that respect. I did notice the shifting hesitation when I was driving slower. I think this does need to be addressed.

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  Not as good as I thought.... - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By MYNULEXUS - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I wished I had more time to shop around before buying this car. Like many reviews posted here, I found the transmission sluggish which makes me feel dangerous when merging into traffic. The car gives me the feeling that I might lose control over it when changing lanes on highway with speed between 60-75mph. The performance is not even as good as my previous 96 4Runner.

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  The Best Car Ive driven! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Sam Consiglio - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I like the quiet and comfortable ride. Also the power is there when I need it for highway driving.

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By WBEnterprise - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Relaibility is of the utmost. This vehicle has been the most reliable vehicle ever owned. Will never buy any other kind.

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  My 7month old Son Loves His New Car - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By New Mom - June 7 - 7:43 am

  I love this car. Like they say once you go Lexus you never go back. The reliability, comfort, and customer service cant be beat. Like I said my seven month old son loves his new car.