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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  Now my old lady wants one too - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By gx470818 - September 22 - 1:40 pm

  This is our 2nd Lexus but first Lexus SUV w/ a V8 eng. This babys ride is so smooth and quiet its amazing that it have a V8 under the hood. The acceleration is awesome especially when getting on freeway I have to learn not to step on the gas pedal too hard if there is car in front of me, otherwise I have to step on brake or Im going to rear-end it. We both love to drive so much that my wife want one too.

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  W-O-W - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Mateen - September 22 - 2:00 am

  After creating this car Im sure the Lexus engineers have probably ironically amazed themselves. There are so many things that make car such an intriguing automobile. Besides the Exhilarating power and Beautiful looks, it just seems to amaze me everyday. Ive owned it for about an year and its still a joy to look at it everday.

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  Wonderful - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Luxurygirl - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. You mixed Luxury with a bit of sporty. Lexus knows how to make a car for every person.

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  I love my LX 470 - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By olihs - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the second one I have had, and I feel very safe with my selection. I will continue to buy the LX 470 in the future.

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  04 IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By A Pham - September 22 - 2:00 am

  For the price that I paid, it was well worth it. The car handles well and has comfort.

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  Good Car, Bad Gas Mileage - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By ctchanimal - September 22 - 2:00 am

  With 71K on my RX, I cant complain of any mechanical problems. However, Im only averaging 11-15 mpg on premium gas. This is big enough of a problem for me to consider selling. Other than than that, great acceleration, looks, reliability, and comfort

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  Somebodys got to be First . . . - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Jali - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Allow me to qualify: I am a former Lexus Salesperson and I recently purchased the LS in Idaho for my parents. I then drove it to them in California. On new cars, I have sold over a dozen brand names including luxury lines and, IMO, Lexus is at the pinnacle of all badges. The 2004 LS has introduced new features and options that further enhance a legendary series. After 1100 miles in 2 days, it was the most pleasurable and least fatiguing road-trip I have ever made. Not a head-turner to every passerby, it does garner attention from knowledgeable consumers. That’s refreshing to those seeking the finest of automobiles without parading apparent wealth.

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  ?? - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Leon Busche - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. Quiet, smooth, luxurious interior. Styling is a bit far out for my taste, but everything else is so good, this aspect is not so important.

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  I Love this car! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By MFishEsq - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Finally, a mid-ranged luxury car. This car handles superbly. It is quiet, comfortable, fuel efficient and has all of the feeling of a luxury car. A big step up from the old Camry-turned-Lexus style of a few years ago.

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  Great car, but dangerous design flaw - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tdiii_99 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  We are really happy with the car, but find the headlights to be unsafe. While the headlights are very bright and intense, they prevent almost all light diffusion. This creates a hazard when driving on unlighted roads as there will be pockets with visibility limited to 20 yards. If an animal or other object was in the road beyond the small illuminated area, one would have no realistic chance to react, even at very modest speeds. If one drives at a safe speed for this condition, one risks being a hazard to traffic approaching from behind.