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 best - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By seasidedaddy - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several SUVs. None can compare.

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  Lexus LX 470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By John Beach - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Lexus since 1999. 1 LS 400 1 LS430 and 2 LX470 a 2001 and now a 2003. Not one of my vehicles have ever gone back for a warranty problem other than a stuck auto antenna that I suspect the car wash snag. Used to be a Volvo fan, however, when the swedes change to an enviromental friendly glue and parts starting falling off, it Drove me to Lexus. THANKS VOLVO!!!!!

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  White Gem - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Nolateen4u - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever own. The design of the vehicle is simply gorgeous. The engine performs wonderfuly, the interior is a work of art. And the speed which the car can reach is enough for me. (personal highest yet was 156, even though some magazines say it cant go that fast The car is simply the best out there. Beautiful, reliable, fun to drive, good value and simply Lexus. Its amazing the responses some people have when they see this car past them.

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  SC430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Jared A - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my SC430, its beautiful and rides great

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  hot car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By missie - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Just the best car in the world

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  Absolutely Spectacular !!! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Innovator - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven lots of nice cars but nothing compares to the fun and exhilaration of piloting this Sports Coupe.

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  The Fun Car - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Zoe Fleming - July 31 - 10:00 am

  We splurged and bought this car. We absolutely love everything about it. Yeah it is small but in this case small is best. It draws compliments everywhere we go. A dream to drive, fun to handle with wonderful features. Get one and you will never want to part with it.

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  Great Car, awful radio - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Mike925 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus and I was not let down from what I expected. I have taken it off road several times it has handled beautifully. I am averaging 19.3 mpg over the life of the car (most of my driving is highway). My biggest complaint is about something pretty trivial - radio controls. I could buy a radio at Circuit City that would be more user friendly. Lexuss top designers must have had the day off when the radio was being created. The controls are spread out among the steering wheel, the touch screen and the cassette deck below.

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  lexus suv - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mariasalpe - July 31 - 10:00 am

  we enjoy everything about this car and the service that is recieved even after the purchase at the dealership

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  Opinion on Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Tigger2 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Lexus for about 6 weeks and love it! The GPS system is the most fun, but the vehicle looks and performs very well. And, it is easy to check your blind spot when youre driving, which is not always the case with autos.