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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  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.

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  excellent - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By J. Helmer - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Love the reliability and the performance. Cant wait to take trips with it, as the driving comfort is excellent.

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  GX470 - wonder car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Rennie Jones - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is terrific!

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  my gx - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By kdoylke43 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  love gx lexus,luxurious smooth quiet ride,relaxing.perfect midsize ,some design flaws on inside dash/panel not rommy enough for business folders,papers,checkbook,no loose change holder but outside design beautiful!!!

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  My first ES - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Don Good - January 24 - 10:00 am

  After having owned five LS sedans, I opted for the ES this time around, and I have not been disappointed. The ES is a super quiet, comfortable ride, and the V6 engine is adequate. All this, and on regular fuel, too.

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  Love my ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By carl derosa - January 24 - 10:00 am

  As a prior Acura owner, I never thought that I could find a nicer luxury sedan, but the Lexus ES 330 is a better ride than my Acura was. The styling, quiet ride, plush interior, smooth and comfortable ride, and navigation control feature make this the nicest vehicle that I have ever owned.

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  Lexus 330---A Great Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By paintguy - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned a Lexus 330 for several months and cannot say anything but good things about it. Its comfortable, reliable, well-built and alot of fun to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By John Dial - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned BMW and Mercedes as well as Ford, Chevy, Nissan, Volvo, Volswagon, Buick and Pontiac. The Lexus is the best I have had in the overall satisfaction.