Lexus is the luxury car division of Japanese Import Car maker, Toyota Motor Corporation. The first Lexus was introduced in the United States in 1989. Lexus is now sold globally and has become Japan’s largest selling make of luxury cars. Lexus is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi, Japan.The Lexus LS was the flagship sedan project that began in 1983. The sedan was launched in 1989. Lexus added sedan, coupe, convertible and SUV models in later years. A hybrid version of the RX crossover debuted in 2005. Additional hybrid models were soon added to the Lexus lineup. In 2007, Lexus launched its performance division with the IS F sport sedan.Lexus cars have incorporated touchscreen navigation system interfaces, a smart key entry and startup system, SmartAccess, and Optitron gauges. In 1989, Lexus became among the first luxury line to equip models with premium audio systems, in partnership with stereo firm Nakamichi. Optional surround sound systems are offered via high-end audio purveyor Mark Levinson. In 2006, the LS 460 climate control system included the first ceiling air diffusers and infrared body temperature sensors in a car.In 2006, Lexus incorporated the first eight-speed automatic transmission in an automobile with the LS 460. The gearbox was later adapted for the GS 460 and IS F models. Continuously variable transmissions, regenerative braking, and electric motors have been used on all Lexus hybrid models. Lexus executives in 2007 signaled intentions to equip further models with hybrid powertrains. Safety features on Lexus cars include stability systems, backup cameras, swivel headlights, and sonar warning systems. The Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) integrates multiple safety systems. The first car safety systems with infrared and pedestrian detection capabilities, lane keep assist, a Driver Monitoring System with facial recognition monitoring of driver attentiveness, and rear pre-collision whiplash protection, were introduced by Lexus as part of the LS 460 PCS in 2007.
What do you get when you combine luxury with off-road capabilities? Well, the Lexus LX 450 of course! The LX 450 was actually a pioneer of sorts, entering the luxury SUV market when there was barely one to enter. It debuted in 1996 and at that time an SUV was something most people had never…
Produced from 2004-2006, the Lexus ES 330 was an entry-level luxury sedan that pleased practically everyone, and as such offers the most for the buck for anyone looking for a true luxury sedan at an affordable price. This was the fourth generation of the ES line, succeeding the ES 300 and followed by a sportier…
Welcome to the first true luxury hybrid SUV, the Lexus RX 400H. Produced from 2006-2009, the RX 400 H was a testimony to Japanese engineering. Once the people at Lexus decide to try something different they don’t quit until they are satisfied that it meets their standards, and those standards have always been rather lofty.…
In 2001 Lexus unveiled its attempt to produce a sport luxury sedan and that attempt was named the GS 430. From 2001-2007 three generations of the GS 430 were produced, refinements made along the way, and all in all it was a fine car by most standards. Only one problem existed: although it offered an…
So you say you want luxury and comfort but can’t afford a full-size luxury sedan? Well, Lexus has you covered and then some with the GS 350. The new 2011 GS 350 comes in at just under $47,000 but if you can afford it this is one heck of a car. Powered by a 3.5-liter…