Lexus was first released in the United States in 1989 and is now available in over 70 countries. Moreover, it is a well-known luxury brand for a variety of reasons. Lexus distinguishes itself by producing high-quality, refined, and sophisticated automobiles that retain their value for an extended period of time. Most industry experts agree that Lexus is the best choice for a dependable vehicle with a good resale value. If you want to learn more about the brand who owns Lexus or if is Lexus as reliable as Toyota, here’s what you need to know about what makes the brand unique.
1. Who is the Lexus Owner?
Are wondering who owns Lexus? It’s the Toyota Motor Corporation that owns Lexus. Lexus vehicles were primarily manufactured in Japan until 2003 when the Lexus RX 330 was manufactured in Ontario. So, Toyota proudly is the answer to who is the Lexus owner. (See also Where is Lexus Made?)
2. Which is the Lexus Origin Country?
Since you are aware of who owns Lexus, let us talk about where is this beauty assembled. So, which is the Lexus origin country? These questions often come to mind while discussing Lexus. Along with Toyota, Lexus origin country is in Japan as well.
3. Which was the Very First Lexus?
Lexus has been steadily expanding its business since its debut on the global stage in 1989. But which was the very first Lexus to land on the market? The first Lexus model was the LS 400 sedan in 1989. Read Who is the Honda Company Owner?
4. Give an Account of Lexus History
How did Lexus start? Understanding who owns Lexus was child’s play so let us take a look at Lexus history:
- The F1 project in the 1980s: Lexus was established at the same time when Japanese rivals Nissan and Honda established their own luxury brands, Infiniti and Acura.
- Launch in the late 1980s: The F1 project was finished in 1989, yielding the LS 400, a rear-wheel drive automobile with a brand new 4.0 L V8 petrol engine that debuted in January 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car went on sale in September of the same year. Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda issued a challenge in 1983 to develop the best car in the world. The Lexus LS 400 was created as part of the Flagship One program.
- Expansion and Growth in the 1990s: The LS 400 and subsequent ES 250 sedan sold 63,594 units in their first full year of sales in the United States in 1990. That same year, Lexus began limited exports to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia. Lexus introduced its first sports coupe, the SC 400, in 1991, with the same engine and rear-wheel drive configuration as the LS 400.
- More Growth in the 1990s: This was followed by the ES 300, the ES 250’s replacement, which went on to become their best-selling model. Lexus concluded in 1991 as the best-selling premium automobile import in the United States, and by 1992, had raised its prices to compete with other premium American brands, resulting in an 18% increase in the base price of the LS 400.
- Changes in the mid-90s: The medium-sized GS 300 sports sedan was introduced in 1993, with the second generation following in 1994. Due to the US-Japan trade gap, the US government proposed 100% taxes on luxury Japanese automobiles in 1995, but regular sales resumed when Japanese manufacturers agreed to larger American investments. Lexus introduced its first SUV, the LX 450, in 1996, followed by the third-generation ES 300 sedan and the second-generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans in 1997. Lexus introduced the first crossover SUV, the RX 300, to their line-up in 1998, and it quickly became its best-selling car. Lexus introduced the IS, an entry-level sport sedan, in 1999.
- Global rearrangement in the 2000s: In North America, the IS 300 and third-generation LS 430 were released in 2000. The first convertible, as well as the SC 430 and a facelifted ES 300, debuted in 2001. The GX 470 medium-sized SUV first appeared in 2002, followed by the RX 330 second generation in 2003.
- Lexus separation in 2005: Lexus finalized its separation from parent firm Toyota in 2005, and the new generation LS, IS, ES, GS, and RX cars were introduced in Japan. In Japan, these vehicles had a higher specification and replaced Toyota’s Celsior, Altezza, Windom, Aristo, Harrier, and Soarer.
- Lexus achieved success in the mid-2000s: As a top-selling import brand in South Korea and Taiwan, as well as the Middle East, where they were ranked second and third in Australia by 2006. Lexus announced in 2006 that it would expand to 76 countries worldwide by 2010, including Malaysia, South Africa, Indonesia, Chile, and the Philippines.
- Recent advancements from the 2010s to the 2020s: Lexus introduced the CT 200h, a four-door hybrid hatchback built for Europe, in late 2010. The tsunami in Töhoku in 2011 disrupted production lines, and as a result of vehicle shortages, Toyota lost its top rank as a luxury brand in the United States. They began selling the fourth generation GS 250, GS 350, and GS 450h in January 2012, followed by the sixth generation ES line in April of the same year. Moreover, the NX 200t, a five-seater NX crossover, was the first turbocharged car to be produced in 2013. Lexus debuted a new flagship vehicle in 2016, the LC 500, a V8 with 467 horsepower. The LC 500h, a V6 hybrid, was released later.
5. Is Lexus as Reliable as Toyota?
Yes, the question that often strikes a person before buying a car is about its reliability. In this case, is Lexus as reliable as Toyota? Toyota’s luxury business, Lexus, shares platforms, features, parts, and powertrains. Having said that, Toyota and Lexus both have a reputation for creating automobiles that are safe, fuel-efficient, practical, and trustworthy. Hence Lexus is as reliable as Toyota. Continue reading till the end to know more about the difference between Lexus and Toyota engines. Check out Who is Mazda Owned by?
6. How did Lexus Start?
Now that it’s clear who owns Lexus and Lexus history, let us move on. Have you given thought that how did Lexus start? It was when one fine day Toyota realized that the only way to gain a presence in the luxury car industry was to create a premium sedan that would appeal to the upwardly mobile American motorist. This resulted in the establishment of Lexus, which later became a brand.
7. Can You decode the Difference Between Lexus and Toyota Engine?
Besides wondering who owns Lexus, let’s see the very difference between Lexus and Toyota engine. The mechanical changes are considerably more significant, especially when it comes to engines. Both brands are good picks if you want to acquire something that will last for a long time without frequently needing repairs. This fact alone is one of the most compelling aspects of either strategy.
The dependability of both brands is due in part to the employment of specific engines in Toyota and Lexus models. The Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES share the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine used in the Highlander, Camry, and Lexus RX. The 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain is also the same. Mechanically, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX are identical, as are some other Lexus and Toyota vehicles.
Some engines do not transfer over from one brand to the next, primarily in sporty Lexus vehicles. Most of these engines are too performance-oriented to suit the Toyota brand image, which is generally preferred by individuals who prefer a more refined driving experience. They would also significantly raise the prices of several Toyota models, far above the brand’s affordability.
Reading this article must have given you a great deal of information about Lexus such as who owns Lexus. Toyota Motor Company is well-known for its stringent manufacturing quality controls. Other firms, business schools, and individuals study and attempt to replicate how the automobile operates in its factories. As a result, when it comes to Toyota and Lexus engines, you don’t have to worry nearly as much about substandard craftsmanship. That was the brief about the difference between Lexus and Toyota engines.
