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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  Good value, great vehicle, - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By British Baron - January 24 - 10:00 am

  So sooth a ride that got a ticket from ayoung cop said we were going 81 in 55 zone. Not another car in sight on a brand new stretch of 4 lane divided highway.

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Mary Lee-Butte - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle performs great in bad weather. Great interior and exterior. My favorite vehicle yet. Comfortable ride; great steering; excellent air and heat circulation; awesome stereo!

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  Hazels Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Hazel Macik - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The smoothest ride we have ever experienced.

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  #1 LUV on the the road. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By John Ryan - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a dream. It drives and handles like a car, but rides high and gives you that king of the road feel. There has been absolutely no trouble with this vehicle and we just drove 2000 miles in 4 days without a hicup. My wife and I are former Mercedes Benz owners, and the ML series was no match. With the features included in our package (navigation system etc.) price was far better, as well. Fuel economy has been as expected and the 3.3 engine has plenty of pep. This has easily been the best experience with a new car. Many of our previous purchases always had a problem that needed to be addressed in the first month or so. Bravo to Lexus.

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  Will buy newer models - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By john alford - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Have a 2002 RX300 and a 2004 RX330. Enjoy both. Get better gas mileage with the 2002. Really enjoy the automatic tailgate on the 2004. Enjoy the center console on the 2002 more. Like the factory installed towing package on the 2002 and disappointed that you could not get it on the 2004. Will probably buy the new models also.

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  RX-cellence - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By johngrindstaff - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for nearly two years and have not had one single problem with it, either structurally or mechanically. And for an SVU, the RX gets great gas mileage.

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  Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By webb - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The only thing that I can find wrong with the Lexus 330 is that there is still no convenient place to put my purse when I drive. Unless one has a van, this is a persistent problem. Other than that, this is the best car I have ever had, smooth, fast, reliable, attractive, comfortable with great attention to detail. You will be delighted!

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  Great car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Starryeyes - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great handling in the snow, nice ride,

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  CLUNK NOISE FOR 6 MONTHS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By R. A. Berlin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  For the 1st 6 months, I kept hearing a clunking noise when slowing or stopping. The dealer heard the noise but did not have the equipment to repair. Passengers could hear the noise also. Finally Lexus sent the equipment to finally repair. This was very dissapointing for a $40,000 car. It was NOT the dealers fault. FACTORY was at fault.

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  headlights - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By fleet - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I find that it is diffucult to see objects that are about 10 or 15 feet in front of me with my low beams