Was Lexus always owned by Toyota?
Table of Contents
Yes, the Lexus brand is owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation, which is headquartered in Japan. In many ways, however, the luxury vehicle brand operates independently from the Toyota Motor Corporation. Explore how Lexus came to be, and where the manufacturing of quality parts and vehicles takes place.
When did Toyota take over Lexus?

Lexus did not exist as a brand in its home market until 2005, and all vehicles marketed internationally as Lexus from 1989 to 2005 were released in Japan under the Toyota marque and an equivalent model name.
Why did Toyota come up with Lexus?
In 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda determined that the time was right for Toyota to produce a luxury automobile. He decided that this new vehicle would be the finest luxury car in the world—offering speed, safety, comfort, elegance, dignity and beauty.
Did Toyota create Lexus?
When Was Lexus Founded? While Toyota is the parent company of Lexus, the luxury brand has separate headquarters in Nagoya, Japan, and starting in the early 2000s it began operating its own centers for design, engineering, and manufacturing.

Is a Lexus as reliable as a Toyota?
One of the reasons Lexus are reliable is due to the fact that they are owned by Toyota. Toyota are a hugely dependable brand and it only makes sense that their luxury division is as reliable as their more affordable brand.
Does Lexus and Toyota have the same engine?
The reliability for both brands is partly because certain engines are used in Toyota and Lexus models. The Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES are powered by the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which is also used in the Highlander, Camry and Lexus RX. The 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain is the exact same as well.
What does Lexus IS stand for?
Our mid-size Sports Sedan, the Lexus IS stands for Intelligent Sport.
Why Lexus is not called Toyota Lexus?
Toyota and Lexus are not technically the same manufacturer. Lexus is a luxury brand that shares platforms and components with Toyota models. In fact, Lexus models are even produced in Toyota factories––both in North America and Japan. Lexus models are in many ways a fancy version of corporate cousin Toyotas.
What is the difference between Toyota and Lexus?
Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. Naturally, it makes sense that it is pricier than Toyota, which is the non-luxury brand. What makes Lexus even more expensive than Toyotas is that most of their cars are larger than Toyota vehicles.
What does driving a Lexus say about you?
14 Lexus Drivers Think They’re Analytical And Sensible That’s what brands such as Honda, Toyota and Lexus have garnered a reputation for, but drivers who purchase a Lexus believe that they are analytical and sensible. Most Lexus drivers live in the city, work in finance or banking and are older than 65 years.
Who makes Lexus cars?
Japan’s largest-selling brand of premium cars, Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The history of Lexus originated from a covert sedan project, a challenge issued by the founder Eiji Toyoda to create the world’s best car. This prompted Toyota to commence a covert project in 1983 that was nicknamed “Flagship One”.
When did the Lexus LS first come out?
With the debut of the Lexus LS in 1989, they currently manufacture sedan, couple, SUV, and convertible models. While Lexus as a brand might be synonymous with luxury around the world, it wasn’t us debut was until 2005. Prior to this, all models that were branded as Lexus in international markets were sold under the Toyota name in Japan.
What does Lexus mean?
Lexus (レクサス, Rekusasu) is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota. The Lexus brand is marketed in more than 70 countries and territories worldwide and is Japan’s largest-selling make of premium cars. It has ranked among the 10 largest Japanese global brands in market value.
What was the first Lexus luxury SUV?
In 1996, Lexus added its first luxury sport utility vehicle, the LX 450. Two years later, Lexus debuted the first luxury crossover SUV, the RX 300; the second generation of the GS 300/ GS 400 sedans; and a new entry-level sedan, the IS 300. The RX quickly became Lexus’ best-selling model, displacing the ES, its previous best-seller.