The History of Lexus

EXPERIENCE AMAZING

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 241 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

1988 - Dealer Count: 80
JANUARY
Lexus and the "L" logo was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show

1989 - Dealer Count: 81
JANUARY
LS400 and ES250 introduced in Detroit and Los Angeles

DECEMBER
A single consumer complaint launches a special service campaign, earning the brand recognition as the new standard in personalized service

1991 - Dealer Count: 141
DECEMBER
Lexus is named best-selling luxury import, outselling both Mercedes-Benz and BMW

1998 - Dealer Count: 182
JANUARY
RX 300 presented at the North American International Auto Show

2000 - Dealer Count: 190
JANUARY
Redesigned LS 430 flagship sedan revealed in Detroit IS 300 unveiled in Los Angeles

2001 - Dealer Count: 196
SEPTEMBER
Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Lexus SC 430 “Silver Belle” sells out in 14 hours

DECEMBER
Best-selling luxury make in America for second consecutive year

2002 - Dealer Count: 199
NOVEMBER
Production version of the all-new GX 470 luxury utility vehicle unveiled in Florida

LF-S, first Lexus Future concept vehicle, unveiled in Tokyo, showcases new design philosophy

2003 - Dealer Count: 206
JANUARY
Second-generation RX, RX330, and the first luxury electric/gas hybrid vehicle, the RX Hybrid, introduced in Detroit

DECEMBER
Best-selling luxury make in America for fourth consecutive year

2005 - Dealer Count: 215
MARCH
World premiere of the all-new GS 450h, the industry’s first luxury hybrid sport sedan, in New York

2007 - Dealer Count: 223
APRIL
All-new LX 570 unveiled in NewYork

 

2009 - Dealer Count: 228
JANUARY
Debut of HS 250h, fourth hybrid vehicle in its lineup at NAIAS

All-new 2010 RX 350 and RX 450h luxury utility vehicles introduced, reinventing the vehicle that invented it all

AUGUST
Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect®, the all-new telematics system, goes live

OCTOBER
LFA, Lexus’ first Supercar, makes its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show

2012 - Dealer Count: 231
JANUARY
World premiere of LF-LC concept vehicle in Detroit
LF-LC named best concept car in the annual EyesOn Design Awards at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit

2013 - Dealer Count: 233
MARCH
Kelley Blue Book 2013 Brand Image Award for Most Trusted Luxury Brand

NOVEMBER
Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Award for Luxury Brand for third consecutive year

2014 - Dealer Count: 235
JANUARY
World premiere of RC F performance coupe in Detroit

MARCH
World premiere of RC 350 F SPORT and RC F GT3 racing concept at Geneva International Auto Show

APRIL
World premiere of NX 200t and NX 300h luxury compact crossover at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition
Kelley Blue Book 2014 Brand Image Award for Most Trusted Luxury Brand for second consecutive year

NOVEMBER
World premiere of LF-C2 roadster 2+2 concept in Los Angeles

2015 - Dealer Count: 236
JANUARY
World premiere of GS F performance sedan in Detroit

Kelley Blue Book 2015
Best Resale Value Award for Luxury Brand for fourth consecutive year

MARCH
World premiere of LF-SA concept at Geneva International Auto Show

 

2016 - Dealer Count: 237
JANUARY
World premiere of LC 500 luxury coupe in Detroit and named best Production Car and Interior Design in the annual EyesOn Design Awards for Design Excellence at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Kelley Blue Book 2016 Best Resale Value Award for Luxury Brand for fifth consecutive year

2017 - Dealer Count: 239
JANUARY
World premiere of all-new fifth- generation LS 500 flagship sedan in Detroit

Lexus Sport Yacht concept revealed in Miami

Lexus’ return to North American sports car racing with the debut of the RC F GT3 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Rolex 24 Daytona

2018 - Dealer Count: 241
JANUARY
World premiere of LF 1 Limitless concept at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit

APRIL
World premiere of seventh-generation ES entry luxury sedan at Beijing Motor Show
The first-ever ES F SPORT revealed in Los Angeles

First-ever RX 450hL goes on sale

DECEMBER
First-ever UX 200 goes on sale

Lexus tops the NADA dealer attitude survey —again

2019 - Dealer Count: TBD
JANUARY
First-ever UX 250h goes on sale

LC Convertible Concept revealed at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and wins 2019 EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence

FEBRUARY
Ten millionth vehicle sold globally
Kelley Blue Book awards Lexus the Best Luxury Brand in 2019 5-Year Cost to Own Awards
J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability study ranks Lexus No. 1 for the eighth straight year

APRIL
2020 RC F Track Edition go on sale

Kelley Blue Book awards Lexus the Best Overall Luxury Brand and Most Trusted Luxury Brand in 2019 Brand Image Awards