Japon
Lexus
Lexus is the luxury division of Japanese automaker Toyota. The project began in 1983 when Toyota president Eiji Toyoda decided to create a premium sedan capable of competing with the world's finest luxury cars. Developed under the code name "F1," the program engaged hundreds of engineers, designers and technicians over several years, along with numerous prototypes. The result was unveiled in 1989 with the launch of the flagship LS 400 sedan, accompanied by the ES 250. The brand was created at roughly the same time as rival luxury divisions Acura (Honda) and Infiniti (Nissan). The gamble quickly paid off: by 1991, Lexus had become the number-one luxury import brand in the United States, ahead of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Notably, Lexus did not exist as a distinct brand in its own Japanese market until 2005; before then, the vehicles sold abroad under the Lexus badge were marketed in Japan under the Toyota brand with equivalent names. In 2005, Lexus established dedicated design, engineering, training and manufacturing centers, and officially launched the brand in Japan as well as in expanding markets such as China. North America is a core market for Lexus, where it built its reputation. The RX SUV, launched in the late 1990s, quickly became the brand's flagship model there and one of the best-selling luxury SUVs. On the industrial side, North America plays a genuine role: in 2003, Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario plant became the first site outside Japan to assemble a Lexus vehicle, namely the RX. Over the decades, Lexus has expanded its lineup from sedans to SUVs and then to electrification, all while preserving an image built on build quality, comfort and reliability, which remains at the heart of its identity today.
ActiveLuxePerformanceÉlectrique / hybridePopulairesJaponaises
History
History of Lexus
Lexus is the luxury division of Japanese automaker Toyota. The project began in 1983 when Toyota president Eiji Toyoda decided to create a premium sedan capable of competing with the world's finest luxury cars. Developed under the code name "F1," the program engaged hundreds of engineers, designers and technicians over several years, along with numerous prototypes. The result was unveiled in 1989 with the launch of the flagship LS 400 sedan, accompanied by the ES 250. The brand was created at roughly the same time as rival luxury divisions Acura (Honda) and Infiniti (Nissan). The gamble quickly paid off: by 1991, Lexus had become the number-one luxury import brand in the United States, ahead of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Notably, Lexus did not exist as a distinct brand in its own Japanese market until 2005; before then, the vehicles sold abroad under the Lexus badge were marketed in Japan under the Toyota brand with equivalent names. In 2005, Lexus established dedicated design, engineering, training and manufacturing centers, and officially launched the brand in Japan as well as in expanding markets such as China. North America is a core market for Lexus, where it built its reputation. The RX SUV, launched in the late 1990s, quickly became the brand's flagship model there and one of the best-selling luxury SUVs. On the industrial side, North America plays a genuine role: in 2003, Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario plant became the first site outside Japan to assemble a Lexus vehicle, namely the RX. Over the decades, Lexus has expanded its lineup from sedans to SUVs and then to electrification, all while preserving an image built on build quality, comfort and reliability, which remains at the heart of its identity today.
Public founding or origin of Lexus.
ES: launch or first listed period.
GX: launch or first listed period.
IS: launch or first listed period.
LS: launch or first listed period.
RX: launch or first listed period.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Lexus draws on the expertise of Toyota, a hybrid pioneer for more than thirty years. The lineup relies heavily on hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, renowned for their efficiency and reliability, alongside traditional gasoline engines (turbocharged four-cylinders, V6s, and V8s on certain historical models). Several models share Toyota's modular TNGA platforms, including the GA-K (front-wheel drive and hybrid) for models such as the ES and RX, and the body-on-frame GA-F for rugged SUVs like the GX. Electrification is accelerating with the fully electric RZ lineup, built on a dedicated battery-electric vehicle platform (e-TNGA), and the arrival of electric versions of the ES sedan. On the safety side, the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver assistance features (adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane-keeping) equips the lineup, with its most recent versions bringing improved sensors and detection functions.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
A Japanese luxury brand focused on reliability, comfort and hybrid expertise rather than sportiness.
Reputation
Lexus enjoys a reputation for reliability that ranks among the best in the industry. The brand regularly tops J.D. Power's long-term dependability study, having held the number-one spot for several consecutive years, and it is cited by Consumer Reports among the most reliable brands. This dependability, combined with refined finish and recognized customer service, supports strong resale value: models like the RX hold their value better than many direct rivals. Reviews praise the comfort, quiet ride and perceived quality, while noting a character that is sometimes more composed than sporty. Overall, Lexus is seen as a safe and durable choice in the luxury segment.
Strengths
Reliability recognized among the best in the industry, excellent resale value and refined finish. Top-tier comfort, quiet ride and perceived quality. Mature hybrid expertise inherited from Toyota, delivering efficiency and peace of mind. Well-regarded service network and a North American industrial presence (assembly in Ontario) that is appreciated in the Quebec market.
Points to watch
The driving character is often judged to be more comfortable than sporty, except on the F SPORT versions. Infotainment and certain technologies have at times lagged behind the German competition. The fully electric offering remains more limited than that of some rivals. Prices and the cost of original parts sit at the upper end of the segment, and the styling polarizes some buyers.
Models
Lexus models
Current or active models by market
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
Lexus production is largely concentrated in Japan, in dedicated plants recognized for their high quality standards. North America nonetheless plays a genuine and historic role: in 2003, the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) plant in Cambridge, Ontario became the first site outside Japan to assemble a Lexus vehicle, the RX SUV, including its hybrid version. Since then, more than 1.5 million RX units have been produced there. In 2022, production of the compact NX SUV (including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions) was added in Cambridge, making this site one of the most complex outside Japan. This Canadian presence is significant for the Quebec market, as several Lexus vehicles sold locally are assembled in Ontario.
Tires and wheels
Lexus vehicles span sedans (ES, IS, LS) and SUVs (RX, GX), which involves a wide variety of sizes. Sedans generally run on 17- to 19-inch wheels, while SUVs like the RX and GX often use 18- to 22-inch wheels. The most common bolt pattern on these Toyota-platform-derived vehicles is 5x114.3 mm, but you should always verify it according to the model and year. In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory: for these often heavy and well-equipped vehicles, a dedicated winter setup (ideally on separate steel or alloy wheels) protects the original wheels from road salt and corrosion. Always confirm the exact size listed on the driver's door before purchasing.