Are Lexus made by Toyota?
As a trusted auto service provider with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I often get asked about the relationship between car brands. One common question is whether Lexus, a luxury car brand, is made by Toyota. In this article, I’ll break down the connection between these two well-known automotive names and provide some insights into their history and manufacturing process.
The Relationship Between Lexus and Toyota
Yes, Lexus is a luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation. Toyota, a Japanese automaker known for its reliability and innovation, launched Lexus in 1989 to compete in the luxury car market. The goal was to create a brand that could rival established luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi while maintaining Toyota's reputation for quality and dependability.
Why Did Toyota Create Lexus?
The creation of Lexus was a strategic move by Toyota to enter the high-end automotive market. Here are some key reasons why Toyota decided to establish Lexus:
- Market Expansion: Toyota wanted to appeal to a different demographic—customers seeking luxury, performance, and premium features.
- Brand Differentiation: By creating a separate brand, Toyota could distinguish its luxury offerings from its mainstream vehicles.
- Global Competition: Lexus was designed to compete with European luxury brands, particularly in the U.S. market, where demand for luxury cars was growing.
How Are Lexus Cars Made?
Lexus vehicles are manufactured using Toyota's renowned production systems, which emphasize precision, efficiency, and quality. However, Lexus models often feature additional attention to detail, premium materials, and advanced technologies to meet the expectations of luxury car buyers. Here are some highlights of the Lexus manufacturing process:
- Dedicated Factories: Many Lexus models are produced in specialized factories, such as the Kyushu plant in Japan, which is known for its meticulous craftsmanship.
- Takumi Craftsmen: Lexus employs highly skilled artisans, known as Takumi, who oversee critical aspects of production to ensure perfection.
- Rigorous Testing: Each Lexus vehicle undergoes extensive testing and quality checks to meet the brand's high standards.
Shared Technology and Platforms
While Lexus and Toyota vehicles are distinct in terms of branding and target audience, they often share underlying technology and platforms. For example, some Lexus models are built on the same platforms as Toyota vehicles but are enhanced with luxury features, more powerful engines, and refined designs. This shared approach allows Toyota to leverage its engineering expertise while keeping production costs manageable.
Conclusion
In summary, Lexus is indeed made by Toyota, but it operates as a separate luxury division with its own identity and focus on premium quality. Whether you're considering a Toyota for its reliability or a Lexus for its luxury, both brands benefit from Toyota's commitment to excellence in automotive manufacturing. If you have any questions about maintaining or repairing your Lexus or Toyota vehicle, feel free to reach out to Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Mercedes or Lexus better?
While Lexus might have a lower starting price on its least expensive model, it'll become apparent for Chino drivers why Mercedes-Benz is still the more desirable brand, offering exclusive technology features, performance capabilities, and a whole lot more.
What is the most reliable car brand?
The Scores:
| Rank | Brand | Predicted Reliability Score (100-point scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru | 68 |
| 2 | Lexus | 65 |
| 3 | Toyota | 62 |
| 4 | Honda | 59 |
Is Lexus expensive to maintain?
Lexus vehicles usually come with pretty average upkeep costs. According to data from RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for a Lexus vehicle is $551. Naturally, this cost can fluctuate based on vehicle model, age, driving conditions, maintenance practices, and more.
Is Lexus expensive to fix?
On the whole, Lexus vehicles are relatively inexpensive to maintain when compared to other luxury vehicles, especially when the factory maintenance schedule is followed. The automotive reliability data analysts at RepairPal ranked Lexus as the sixth-best brand for overall durability,1 placing it just ahead of Toyota.
Does Lexus use Toyota engines?
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.
Can I put regular gas in a Lexus?
But, does Lexus require premium gas? If you want to continue to enjoy the outstanding power and high-level efficiency offered in new Lexus models, you'll want to utilize the recommended Lexus gas type. Some Lexus vehicles will require premium 91-octane fuel while others can use regular 87-octane fuel.
Which is more expensive to maintain BMW or Lexus?
Is Lexus cheaper to maintain than BMW? Yes – generally, Lexus vehicles are more affordable to maintain than BMW models. According to RepairPal, BMW vehicles have a typical annual repair cost of $9683. That's more than $400 spent annually on maintenance than the average Lexus.
Which is better, Lexus or BMW?
Objectively speaking: QUALITY: The overwhelming data from engineering and consumer studies in the last two decades has shown that Lexus is superior to BMW. In fact, far superior in recent years (a recent JD Power Study has shown Lexus has 33% less problems per 100 vehicles compared to BMW.
Will a Lexus last as long as a Toyota?
Toyota reliability. Since day one, Toyota has put a lot of effort into developing robust manufacturing processes that make its cars reliable and durable, and because Lexus uses the same factories, they're just as reliable. Toyota and Lexus both significantly changed their warranties in 2021.
Is a Lexus basically a Toyota?
Toyota does own the Lexus lineup of Lexus car models and SUVs, but the two brands operate independently with headquarters in separate cities. Toyota is headquartered in Toyota City, while Lexus remains in Nagoya. So who makes Lexus cars?
