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 Solid - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By bobsobi - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine off my lease in 2002. I was considering getting a new one, until I saw what they did with the ES exterior - how unfortunate! Plus, the ride got even softer, although the interior appointments were very impressive. This car is a great combination of reliability, comfort and utility. Plenty of cargo space, excellent gas mileage, snappy acceleration, an excellent sound system, quiet ride (although so quiet that side mirror wind turbulence is distracting at highway speeds), and many other features and refinements that out-class the other "entry-level-luxury" cars from the 99 model year.

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  Lexus for fun - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By pstein - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Craftmansship and quality are excelent, attention to detail is the best. I like the acceleration and handeling best of all! GPS is an added plus.

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  exellent - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By john harftsd - December 3 - 2:00 am

  it is a great and fun car to drive. there is only 1 problem i found with it and that is its not very fun to drive in the snow.

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  Most satisfying car Ive ever owned - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By zzzzzzz - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Has the power of my 66 vette, w/o the heartaches, far better mech. and electrical quality and reliability than my 01 tempermental kompressor Benz convertible, the superb dependability of my 03 LX 470, and a Lexus dealership that bends over backwards to please. Constant compliments from onlookers, snazzy comfort, super audio. Driven daily but usually for short hops-1-10 miles per day...best, most satisfying car Ive ever owned...david

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By ArizonaDriver - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This SUV/car is very fun to drive. It feels like a car yet gives you the advantages of an SUV. I have always felt that Lexus is overpriced. After owning one for almost a year, I understand why people are willing to pay a premium for these vehicles.

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  Best Buy for the Money! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MickeyEngr - December 3 - 2:00 am

  After putting 176K on a 1991 Lexus LS400 that I purchased new, I was ready to move into another new Lexus. The LS430 surpasses everything else I test drove. No regrets! Lexus quality exceeds all other brands at any price.

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  my ls 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By sam strause - December 3 - 2:00 am

  this is my fourth ls in the 400 series each one has been excellent--and each one has been better than the last. this 04ls 430 is the best. i think i wold only replace this one in a few years only with another lexus--prior to buying lexus i drove mercedes--

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By kekaile - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful to be in, fun to drive. Enjoy the sun roof and auto rear door. Stereo and fuel economy could be better. Gears like butter, want a quicker response. Nice turning radius. Careful switching lanes on freeway due to wind/ height/ weight.

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  My 330 Lexus was the best choice for me! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JacquieD - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Previously I drove an Infiniti Q4 and was happy with it but cant believe the difference in ride and the luxurious feel of my Lexus! Best of all, Germaine Lexus treats me like royalty. Now my Mother is driving a new 330 too! ( Shes a young 81 and can easily fit her golf clubs in the back. The automatic hatch is worth its weight i

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  EXCELLENT SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Charlene Brown - December 3 - 2:00 am

  IT A GREAT TRUCK AND I LOVE IT. ITS PERFORMANCE IS EXCELLENT. I ONLY HAD ONE PROBLEM AND THAT WAS THE ALARM SYSTEM. I BROUGHT IT BACK AND THEY FIX IT IMMEDIATELY. SERVICE IS EXCELLENT.