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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  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.

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  Youll love it - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By D-Berg - July 31 - 10:00 am

  One of the best ways to judge a car is to ask, "Would I buy this car again?". Well, after diving my 1994 Lexus ES300 for nine years I bought a 2003 model. There were phenomenal advancements that made the car even better. There are faster cars, sportier cars, fancier cars but you wont get a better value anywhere. The next car I buy, whenever that may be, will be a Lexus.

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  Great Midsize vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Robert Wilt - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive.

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  RX330 Hits The Sweet Spot - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By J Ward - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive compared the RX330 to the X5 3.0 and MDX in my buying decision. Bottom line - Im impressed with and glad I bought the RX. Fit and finish are outstanding. Drives like a car yet provides enough height for visability and power for highway passing. The DVD Nav and Mark Levinson sound systems are incredible. The backup camera is a good compromise for the limited view rear window. No squeaks, rattles, engine or road noise as noted in previous Edmunds.com reviews. Though not as athletic and quick off the throtle as the X5 or cavernous as the MDX, the RX330 hits the sweet spot on safety,style,luxury,technology and performance you wont get tired of.

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  A terric car to own - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By RichardD - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I dont often get too excited about an automobile, but this one is GREAT. The ride is smooth, the sound system is superb and the way it handles in snow and ice is fabulous. I highly recommend it.

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  Love It! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By fenkazl - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Love it...second Lexus I have owned and the ride cant be beat. The comfort and dependability of the make is the best.