Lexus Sweeps APEAL Study

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2001 $B?(B Lexus took the top spot in all three

luxury car categories in the J.D Power and Associates 2001 Automotive,

Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today.

     The LS 430 was ranked the Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car, scoring

higher than its chief competitor, the Mercedes Benz S-Class.  The GS

430/300 high performance sport sedans took the top spot in the mid-luxury

car category, while the ES 300 was named Most Appealing Entry Luxury Car.

The IS 300 sport sedan was second, right behind the ES 300 in the entry

luxury car category.

     $B!H(BLexus$B!G(B passionate pursuit of perfection is shining through,$B!I(B said

Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager.  $B!H(BOur goal

is to offer vehicles that customers want with features that are meaningful.

With nearly all of our models appearing either at or near the top of their

segments, we believe this demonstrates that Lexus customers truly love

their vehicles.$B!I(B

     The 2001 APEAL study, now in its sixth year, is based on responses

from more than 110,000 new-vehicle owners and measures what excites and

delights them with their vehicle$B!G(Bs features and design.  The study

comprises eight specific areas of vehicle performance and design, including

more than 110 attributes that identify what consumers like and dislike

about their new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership.  The areas

include vehicle exterior styling; engine and transmission; comfort and

convenience; ride, handling and braking; seats; heating, ventilation and

cooling; cockpit and instrument panel; and sound system.

     All Lexus cars, including the LS 430, GS 430/300, ES 300, IS 300 and

SC 430, as well as the LX 470 premium luxury sport utility vehicle, appear

in the top-three of their segments in the 2001 study.