For nearly 35 years, Lexus has set the bar for the absolute best luxury vehicles available across the globe. From awe-inspiring luxury convertibles to efficient hybrid SUVs, this automaker delivers high-end quality with every car they make. But where did this manufacturer come from, and who owns it? What kind of engine does it have? Get the answers to these questions and more with this Lexus history overview. Here, you’ll discover what makes this premium luxury brand so great.
Who Owns Lexus?
The Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation is the parent company of Lexus. Lexus serves as Toyota’s luxury line of sedans and SUVs. Although they exist under the same umbrella company and have headquarters in Japan, Lexus and Toyota remain separate brands. Likewise, Lexus is made in separate manufacturing facilities. Most Lexus models come from facilities in Japan, while the United States branch creates the Lexus ES, and the Canada plant makes the RX and RX Hybrid exclusively.
The History of Lexus
Lexus made its first introduction in 1989 with two sedans, the LS 400 and ES 250, that set the standard for perfection. Lexus created and launched several new vehicles, such as its first luxury sports sedan in 1993 and luxury sports utility vehicle in 1996. By 1999, Lexus had sold its one-millionth vehicle, an impressive milestone achieved in just ten years. Lexus was named the top-selling luxury brand in the United States the following year.
Lexus branched off to North America to manufacture the RX in Ontario, Canada, in 2003. The manufacturer also set several significant hybrid vehicle achievements throughout the years, such as introducing the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, the RX 400h, in 2005. In 2007, Lexus introduced the world’s first hybrid V-8 vehicle, the LS 600hL premium sedan. The manufacturer noted the desire for a powerful engine from high-performance car enthusiasts and responded with the Lexus IS F in 2008 with a roaring V-8 engine delivering 418 horsepower. By Lexus’ 20th anniversary in 2009, the company had sold two million vehicles.
Over the coming years, Lexus continued to release redesigned iterations of their vehicles with great success and reception through world premieres. These redesigns include the seventh-generation ES luxury sedan and the first-ever three-row RX 350L, proving the company’s eye for innovation and continuously evolving design. The manufacturer even created a luxury compact crossover, the UX, in 2018, showing they’re in tune with growing customer needs for SUVs that are easier to maneuver yet still fun to drive. Lexus’ latest and most significant milestone hit in 2019 with its ten-millionth vehicle sold.
Which Brand Is Better? Toyota or Lexus?
Determining which brand is better comes down to a matter of opinion and your driving needs. If you need an electric vehicle (EV), Toyota and Lexus offer several. The main deciding factor on which brand to choose is your budget. For example, the MSRP for a brand-new hybrid Toyota Prius starts at $27,450, while the most affordable hybrid Lexus is the UX at a starting MSRP of $36,690, with its other EV models costing more than $59,000.
Toyota makes affordable vehicles that set a standard for reliability and durability. This manufacturer appeals to various consumers, offering a range of vehicles, from cars and hatchbacks to trucks, minivans, and SUVs. If you have a limited budget, you may need to forego having the luxury car of your dreams and settle for the cheapest Toyota.
Lexus only offers a few vehicle types, such as coupes, sedans, convertibles, and crossover SUVs. However, Lexus prides itself on being a luxury vehicle brand, meaning its cars have the best standards for comfort and convenience. If you’re looking for premium quality in vehicle parts and appearance, you’ll find the higher price point of a Lexus worth it. A brand-new Lexus can guarantee you get the latest in technology, engine performance, and comfort wrapped up in an impressive, beautiful vehicle.
What’s the Difference Between a Toyota and Lexus Engine?
Similar to how Toyota and Lexus share the same parent company, both manufacturers often share the same engine type in their vehicles. Although Lexus vehicles’ interiors and exteriors differ from Toyotas’, they almost always have a Toyota engine under the hood. Still, this is great news for Lexus drivers because Toyota engines are one of the most reliable ones in existence.
Lexus typically equips its cars with a four-cylinder, V-6 or V-8 Toyota engine, depending on the size of the vehicle. Smaller sedans, such as the ES, come with an inline four-cylinder engine, the same engine found in a Toyota Camry. Bigger Lexus vehicles, such as the GX SUV, get the 4.6-liter V-8 engine that can deliver up to 301 horsepower for an impressive, dynamic performance. Regardless of the Lexus model, you can rest assured knowing it has one of the automotive industry’s best award-winning engines.
Which Lexus Model Is Right for You?
Fans of luxury vehicles find satisfaction in Lexus’ lineup, featuring coupes, sedans, compact crossovers, and more. Consider the following vehicle options and the best Lexus model for each to decide which is most suitable for your driving needs:
- Compact luxury sedan: Lexus IS.
- Midsize luxury sedan: Lexus ES or GS.
- Luxury hybrid sedan: Lexus ES Hybrid.
- Compact luxury crossover: Lexus NX.
- Midsize luxury crossover: Lexus RX.
- Luxury hybrid SUV: Lexus RX Hybrid.
- Eight-passenger seating capacity: Lexus LX 570 Three-Row.
- Luxury coupe: Lexus RC.
- Luxury convertible: Lexus LC Convertible.
Test-Drive a New Lexus Today at Longo Lexus
The best way to decide if a Lexus is right for you is to get behind the wheel and drive it. Visit us at Longo Lexus in El Monte, California, at 3530 N. Peck Road. Our expert sales team can set you up with the perfect Lexus to fit your style. Do you already have your eye on a Lexus you want to buy? Check out our ultra-convenient Express Car Buying option, where you can get your new car delivered right to your home or office. Our professional sales consultants can answer any questions if you need any assistance.
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