Why is Toyota called Lexus?
Toyota, the renowned Japanese automaker, launched its luxury vehicle division Lexus in 1989. The decision to create the Lexus brand was a strategic move by Toyota to compete in the high-end luxury car market, particularly in the United States.
The Origins of Lexus
In the 1980s, Toyota recognized the growing demand for premium, luxury vehicles in the U.S. market. Toyota wanted to create a new brand that could rival established luxury marques like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Cadillac. To achieve this, Toyota embarked on a secret project, codenamed "F1," to develop a new line of luxury vehicles that would become the Lexus brand.
The name "Lexus" was carefully chosen to evoke a sense of exclusivity and prestige. It was derived from the word "lexicon," meaning a collection of words, to convey the idea of a refined, high-quality product. The Lexus brand was launched in 1989 with the introduction of the Lexus LS 400 sedan, which was designed to exceed the quality and performance standards of its German and American competitors.
Differentiating Lexus from Toyota
Toyota recognized that to succeed in the luxury market, Lexus needed to be perceived as a distinct and separate brand from Toyota. To achieve this, Lexus was given its own unique design language, engineering, and sales and service network, separate from Toyota's mainstream offerings. This allowed Lexus to establish its own identity and reputation as a premium, high-quality automotive brand.
The Lexus brand has since become synonymous with exceptional build quality, reliability, and customer service, attributes that have helped it become a leading luxury automotive brand worldwide.
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?
Why did Toyota call it Lexus?
The brand Lexus combines the Latin “luxus” and the French “luxe” as symbols of elegance and sumptuousness, together with the Greek “lexicon” meaning language.
What is more reliable, Toyota or Lexus?
Toyota's luxury car brand Lexus had an average reliability score of 65, while Toyota itself scored an average reliability score of 62. Apparently, the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, and the all-electric Toyota bZ4X SUV all performed below average, which had a bearing on Toyota's overall reliability score.
Which is more luxury Acura or Lexus?
While Acura produces high-quality vehicles, Lexus takes luxury to the next level. The materials used in Lexus interiors are often of higher grade, and the overall design aesthetic tends to be more elegant and sophisticated.
Does Lexus have a Toyota engine?
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.
Who builds Lexus engines?
Lexus is the luxury brand made by Toyota. They are all Toyota engines designed for different models no matter what badge is on the car.
Can Lexus run on regular gas?
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.
Does Toyota fully own Lexus?
Lexus is a division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.
Is Lexus the higher end of Toyota?
The Lexus brand is the luxury division of the Toyota Motor Corporation, a Japanese automaker. Lexus vehicles were initially developed for the American market and debuted there to the enthusiasm of drivers before eventually being sold in other markets around the world.
Does Honda have a luxury brand?
Acura, on the other hand, is Honda's luxury division. Launched in 1986, Acura was the first Japanese premium car brand. The vehicles under this marque are designed with a greater emphasis on performance, luxury features, and a higher level of craftsmanship.
