Toyota Motor Sales Earns 11 Awards in 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study

Lexus Leads Nameplate Rankings for 14 Years in a Row

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 7 -- Toyota and Lexus models have earned 11 segment awards out of a possible 19 in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS), more than any other manufacturer for the third consecutive year. The VDS is one of many vehicle surveys which continue to consistently rank Toyota and Lexus at the top of their respective studies.

The VDS study tracks the number and type of problems owners have had with their vehicles over a three-year period, with this year's study focusing on the 2005 model year. Lexus was the top nameplate for the 14th consecutive year, with 120 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). In the study, Lexus received six segment awards and Toyota earned five awards.

"Of the numerous independent studies conducted throughout the year, VDS continues to reflect real-world, long-term vehicle quality and dependability," said Jim Lentz, TMS president. "In today's economic climate, consumers are considering durability more than ever as a key component to their vehicle purchase decision."

For the 14th consecutive year, the Lexus LS premium luxury sedan was the top-performing model in the industry while leading the Large Premium Car segment. With a score of 72 PP100, it was the first time ever that a vehicle achieved a score less than 80 PP100 in the VDS study. The previous low score was in 2006, with the LS 430 earning a score of 88 PP100.

The top three performing models in the VDS were all Lexus passenger cars (LS 430, SC 430 and ES 330). The Lexus LX 470 topped the Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) segment with a score of 124 PP100; it was the fewest PP100 of any truck or SUV in the study.

Other Lexus models to lead their respective segments include the ES 330 with a score of 101 PP100, which was followed by the GS 300/GS 430 (124 PP100) in the Midsize Premium Car segment. The IS 300 led the Entry Premium Car segment with a score of 122 PP100, while the SC 430 (89 PP100) topped the Premium Sporty segment. The GX 470 (130 PP100) prevailed in the Midsize Premium MAV segment, and the RX 330 was second with a score of 144 PP100. Overall, every Lexus passenger car or luxury utility vehicle either led its segment or finished second to another Lexus.

For the past 19 years (since 1990), the Toyota nameplate has consistently ranked among the top five non-luxury brands. For 2008, the Toyota nameplate placed fourth overall with 159 PP100, an improvement of 19 PP100 from 2007.

Prius, the world's best-selling gas-electric hybrid, led the Compact Car segment with 141 PP100. Prius continues to prove that a gas-electric hybrid vehicle with many cutting-edge technology features can also set a standard for long-term durability.

Other top-performing models include the Tundra, for the third consecutive year, in the Large Pickup segment with 159 PP100; RAV4 in the Compact MAV segment with 166 PP100; Highlander in Midsize MAV with 138 PP100; and Sequoia in the Large MAV segment with 198 PP100.

J.D. Power and Associate's VDS finds the number of problems an owner experiences affects their repurchase intent, vehicle recommendation, and impacts their vehicle's retained value.

        2008 J.D.POWER AND ASSOCIATES VEHICLE DEPENDABILITY STUDY
                    TOYOTA/LEXUS SEGMENT AWARD WINNERS

   VEHICLE                              SEGMENT
  Toyota Prius                        Compact Car
  Toyota Highlander                   Midsize MAV
  Toyota Sequoia                      Large MAV
  Toyota Tundra                       Large Pickup
  Toyota RAV4                         Compact MAV
  Lexus IS 300/IS 300 SportCross      Entry Premium Car
  Lexus ES 300                        Midsize Premium Car
  Lexus GX 470                        Midsize Premium MAV
  Lexus SC 430                        Premium Sporty
  Lexus LS 430                        Large Premium Car
  Lexus LX 470                        Large Premium MAV