"It's an upper-end Toyota"

I am having a hard time with this statement. For one, I do not agree and it is the second time I have heard this while shopping for an IS.

Can someone direct me to some information that states otherwise?

 

What do you want to know? It is made by Toyota, though the platform the Lexus IS used isn't used by any Toyota models sold outside of Japan.

Many Lexus platforms are unique from any Toyota platforms, but they do still share components for sure.

That said they are definitely a different situation than Acura/Honda for example.

Jeff

 

Is that an insult? I've got all my lexus for their looks and reliability

Oh and the fact that it can get serviced cheaper if I ever had to go to a Toyota dealership

 

Aside from (perhaps) some extra assembly quality control and sound damper, it's a Toyota. There are no high-end mechanical parts that are Lexus-only.
Even GM used a brand-unique V8 engine in the 5 different lines for many decades, although the power steering, transmission, axle, brakes, air conditioning, electrical systems etc. were shared among all 5.

 

Who cares? You buy what you like and drive it. Upper end Toyota, Lower end Toyota I couldn't care less.
If I like a rust bucket, I'd drive that.

 

I've heard "over priced" Toyota. Was even told that my RCF is nothing more than a rebranded FRS. .

I just ignore it..

I drive what drives me, not what someone else thinks I should.

 

Who ever called your rcf a rebranded frs is an absolute MO-RON. Frs has maybe 200 hp? People are just ill informed and have no idea what the heck they're talking about.

 

Or a Cadillac is an upper end Chevrolet?

Lou

 

Well in a way they are right. Lexus is the luxury part of Toyota Motor Company, slotted above Toyota in the hierarchy, so literally it is yes. I mean the Lexus IS used to be called a Toyota Altezza, Lexus SC vs Toyota Soarer etc etc. Idk if being made or associated with Toyota could be an insult of any sort. Would I say an Audi is an upscale VW? Caddilac an upscale Chevy? TRD develops the F Sport parts and accessories. The RCF running in Super GT is doing incredibly well, and Toyota has had much success in rally like the iconic Toyota Celica GT-Four. Dismissing cars because of their branding is a stupid and ignorant thing. If a brand starts producing good cars, I'll take interest. Hell, I'm super interested in the KIA Stinger GT concept and idc if it's JUST a KIA

 

Infinity is an upper end Nissan, Lexus is an upper end Toyota, Jaguar is an upper end Tata (ha!).

It's the truth mate.. I refer to my car as the Camry Sportivo for giggles.

I bought mine for the performance, luxury and most of all the reliability that Toyota has been known for.

If Honda (Acura) made a Lexus type variant, I'd be all over that as well.

 

I genuinely have no idea why people get so worked up over this whole 'Lexus = souped up Toyota' thing. When will people realize that the brand of the car does not matter whatsoever. Its the products they create that amount to something. Reputation is one thing, but even the best car manufacturers in the world occasionally release something terrible and the worst release something good. Would someone not buy an NSX just because it is a Honda? Would someone not buy an R35 just because it is a Nissan? Would someone not buy a Focus RS because it is a Ford? Absolutely not. The only thing a brand name makes a difference in is its reliability reputation and maintenance expenses.

No matter which way you slice it all of our cars are Toyotas. And that isn't a bad thing. Toyota is the most reliable brand in the world. The only part that I think isn't shared with any Toyota is the unique 2GR-FSE engine and that is it. I'm fairly certain most other smaller parts you'll find in a Camry or Corolla. I bought my car for the performance and comfort and nothing else. If any other car had it better than this one I wouldn't buy this car just because it is a Lexus.

The problem here is the stigma of the name Toyota from within the enthusiast community. No car enthusiasts (besides us really) think of Toyota as a reliable brand but rather just a boring economy car manufacturer. Look at any BMW/Audi/Mercedes forum to see what I mean. And because we are within that community, that same stigma apparently still lies within some of us here. When people ask me what I drive I troll them by saying 'XE20 Toyota Altezza' because no one knows what that is. As long as you bought the car because YOU liked it, that is all that matters.

People will always put something great down just to make themselves feel better. Don't let that get to you.

 

I have an IS250 and I think it is Toyota's upper end.
I don't want to say more because someone might feel insulted about my opinion of their car.

 

Well, isn't about half the auto brands out there in the same situation? Acura, Infiniti, Cadillac, Audi, Jaguar, etc. They are all pretty much cobbled up from parts already in use in their parent brands.

 

I know, but to the average person both are 2-door Sport Coupes built by Toyota so it doesn't surprise me the average non-car person thinks it,


The average person is ill informed about a lot of things, our current election showed us that on both sides.

 

ES is an upper end Toyota (used to be baised on Camry and now Avalon), all other Lexus models use its own Lexus platform....Maybe besides RX as well.

It's all about the platform used, that's the way I see it.