ABOUT LEXUS
Established in the early 1980s and launched in 1989, the Lexus marque soon became associated with quality, luxury and superior customer satisfaction. The brand reputation grew quickly until, barely a dozen years after its founding, Lexus became America's best-selling line of luxury motor vehicles.
Lexus belongs to the global Toyota family, whose members together constitute the world's third-leading automaker. We and our affiliated companies employ more than 31,000 in the United States, and our Lexus and Toyota dealers and suppliers employ an additional 160,000 persons. Toyota's investments in the United States amount to $12 billion.
(Following is a timeline, documenting the outstanding achievements made by Lexus since their inception):
August 1983
At a top-level, top-secret meeting, Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda determines the time is right to create a luxury vehicle to challenge the world's best.
July 1985
The first of the LS 400 running prototypes is built.
May 1986
Performance testing begins on the Autobahn in Germany.
September 1986
Extensive testing on American roads begins.
May 1987
Management approves the final design of the LS 400.
January 1989
The LS 400 and ES 250 are unveiled to the world at Detroit and Los Angeles auto shows.
September 1989
The LS 400 and ES 250 go on sale.
January 1990
The LS 400 is named a Car and Driver 10Best.
February 1990
The Motoring Press Association names the LS 400 Best Imported Car of the Year.
July 1990
Lexus first appears in a J.D. Power and Associates study, ranked as the #1 Carline in the Initial Quality Study (IQS).SM
May 1991
Lexus unveils the first new addition to its product line, the SC 400.
August 1991
The SC 300 is introduced.
Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates studies, topping the Customer Satisfaction StudySM as the #1 Carline, the Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM as the Best Overall Carline, and the Sales Satisfaction StudySM as the Best Overall Carline.
September 1991
The ES 300 replaces the ES 250.
January 1992
The SC 400 and ES 300 are named Automobile Magazine All-Stars, and SC 400 a Car and Driver 10Best. Lexus outsells BMW and Mercedes-Benz to become the number-one luxury import.
March 1992
Motor Trend and the Motoring Press Association name the SC 400 Import Car of the Year.
July 1992
Lexus again tops the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction StudySM as the #1 Carline, and the Sales Satisfaction StudySM as the Best Overall Carline.
January 1993
Lexus introduces its first luxury performance sedan, the GS 300. The SC 300 is named to the Car and Driver 10Best list and to Automobile Magazine's All-Star list.
June 1993
The LS 400 is named the Best Import Car for 1993 by The Robb Report.
July 1993
For the third year in a row, Lexus is ranked as the #1 Carline in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study.SM
February 1994
Lexus is ranked as the Best Overall Carline in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Performance Study,SM reflecting satisfaction after three years of ownership.
May 1994
Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS),SM with the Best Overall Carline ranking.
July 1994
Lexus is ranked as the #1 Carline in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction StudySM for the fourth straight year and as the Best Overall Carline in Sales Satisfaction for the third time in four years.
January 1995
The SC 300 is named a Car and Driver 10Best. The LS 400 receives Popular Mechanics' Design and Engineering Award. And Lexus was the best-selling luxury import in 1994.
March 1995
In its first year of eligibility, Lexus is ranked by J.D. Power and Associates as the Best Overall Carline in Vehicle DependabilitySM after five years of ownership.
July 1995
For an unprecedented fifth consecutive year, Lexus ranks as the #1 Carline in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study.SM
January 1996
Lexus introduces the LX 450 luxury sport-utility vehicle. Just two months later, it climbs to the top of the luxury SUV segment, surpassing Range Rover in units sold.
March 1996
In its second year of eligibility, Lexus is again ranked first by J.D. Power and Associates as the Best Overall Carline in Vehicle DependabilitySM after five years of ownership.
July 1996
The LS 400 is named one of the Twenty-Four Most Important Automobiles of the Century by Automobile Magazine.
September 1996
A more luxurious, more powerful, second-generation ES 300 is introduced. LS 400 is ranked Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study.SM
February 1997
SC 300 named an Automobile Magazine All-Star for the fifth time.
March 1997
For the third consecutive year, Lexus ranks as the #1 Nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study,SM registering the fewest problems after five years of ownership.
July 1997
For the sixth time, Lexus ranks as the #1 Nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study.SM
October 1997
Dramatically more powerful GS line introduced, with the V8-powered GS 400 joining the GS 300. LS 400 gets a more powerful V8 and new appearance.
December 1997
The GS line is named Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year.
January 1998
Lexus unveils a new breed of SUV, the RX 300, at the North American International Auto Show. Along with the more powerful LX 470, this creates the ultimate luxury SUV line.
April 1998
Lexus once again is named the #1 Nameplate in long-term dependability after five years of ownership by the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index.SM Lexus has earned this honor every year it's been eligible.
October 1998
The RX 300 becomes the first SUV to be named Sport/Utility of the Year by Motor Trend magazine, which creates the new category in recognition of the immense popularity of SUVs.
March 1999
Lexus is the #1 Nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability IndexSM for the fifth straight year.
September 1999
Lexus celebrates the 10th anniversary of its first vehicle going on sale in the U.S.
November 1999
Lexus sells its millionth vehicle in the U.S.
October 2000
The all-new LS 430 flagship sedan launches.
November 2000
Lexus is the #1 Nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI)SM for the sixth straight year.
October 2001
Lexus redefines luxury with the launch of the 2002 ES 300.
October 2001
Lexus finishes first in all three luxury car categories in the J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.SM The Lexus LS 430 is ranked Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car, the GS 430 and GS 300 are ranked Most Appealing Mid Luxury Car, and the ES 300 is ranked Most Appealing Entry Luxury Car.
November 2001
Lexus is awarded the #1 Nameplate in Long-Term Dependability in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI)SM for the seventh year in a row.
August 2002
The Lexus LS 430 ranks as the Best Premium Luxury Car in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM for the sixth year in a row.
May 2003
For the seventh consecutive year, the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM names the LS the Highest Ranked Premium Luxury Car. The same study also designates the GS as the Highest Ranked Mid Luxury Car, while the ES earns the title of Highest Ranked Entry Luxury Car.
April 2004
For the second year in a row, the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM names the GS as the Highest Ranked Mid Luxury Car and the RX as the Highest Ranked Entry Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle. Additionally, the SC was voted Highest Ranked Premium Luxury Car and the LX was dubbed the Highest Ranked Premium Sport Utility Vehicle.
May 2004
Three's a charm, as IntelliChoice magazine chooses the LS and ES as Best Overall Values in their categories, and the RX as the Best SUV Over $30,000.
March 2005
Euphoria is the perfect word to describe the introduction of the powerful all-new 2006 GS, loaded with breakthrough innovations in performance and luxury.
April 2005
Lexus introduces the worlds first luxury hybrid, the much-anticipated RX 400h. Combining unexpected power, improved fuel efficiency and uncompromising luxury, the RX Hybrid makes automotive history.
May 2005
These four have cornered this year's IntelliChoice awards, as the prestigious magazine names the LS, ES, SC and RX as the Best Overall Values in their respective categories.
WARRANTY
Basic Warranty
There's no way you can expect the unexpected, but you can definitely prepare for it with the Basic Warranty. The coverage lasts for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Wheel alignment and balancing, however, are covered for 12 months or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Powertrain Warranty
The parts of the car that do the heavy-duty work need a heavy-duty warranty. The Lexus Powertrain Warranty lasts 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Corrosion Perforation Warranty
Any mechanic can tell you that rust is one of metal's greatest natural enemies, which is why Lexus has a warranty that covers repair or replacement of any original body panel that develops perforation from corrosion (rust-through). And as for the coverage, the Corrosion Perforation Warranty lasts 72 months, regardless of mileage.
Roadside Assistance
One of the reasons Lexus is renowned for its unmatched commitment to service is the way we take care of you beyond the dealership. Like our 24-hour, 365-day Roadside Assistance Protection program, which is available to every Lexus owner. Protection is provided for the first four years after the in-service date, regardless of mileage.
