- Lexus is celebrating their 35th anniversary this year and we’re asking you, our readers, which vehicles are your favorite.
- There’s no shortage of options as the company has offered everything from coupes and convertibles to sedans and SUVs.
Lexus is celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, but you’d be hard pressed to tell by the lack of special editions and excitement. Undeterred, we’re asking you what’s your favorite Lexus apart from the LFA.
That’s an obvious choice, so let’s find something better with a little stroll down memory lane, shall we? While Lexus was launched with the ES and LS, the SC 300 arrived in the United States in the fall of 1991. It was a sleek luxury coupe with a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 225 hp (168 kW / 228 PS). Customers could also get an SC 400 with a 4.0-liter V8 developing 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS).
More: As The Lexus LS Turns 35, Does It Deserve A Future?
Speaking of performance, the first F variant arrived in 2008. It was the IS F, which featured a 5.0-liter V8 pumping out 416 hp (310 kW / 422 PS) and 371 lb-ft (502 Nm) of torque.
While the IS F is no longer with us, the IS 500 F Sport Performance is a heck of a lot of fun. Pricing starts at $60,345 and buyers are treated to a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 pumping out 472 hp (347 kW / 479 PS) and 395 lb-ft (536 Nm) of torque.
Sticking with the IS a bit longer, the company launched the IS 250C and IS 350C hardtop convertibles in 2009. They’re likely no one’s favorite Lexus, but I had completely forgotten they existed until seeing one a few weeks ago.
As for things no one will forget, the third- and fourth-generation GS offered a nice mix of performance and luxury. However, the entire line is now gone thanks to declining sedan sales.
That same fate could come for the LS, which has been struggling for years. If it does ride off into the sunset, at least we’ll always have the beauty known as the fourth-generation model. Lexus really hit their stride here with an elegant and luxurious flagship sedan that wasn’t afraid to tackle the best the world had to offer.
And then there’s the LC Coupe and Convertible that, although it was first launched in 2017, is still one of the most beautiful sports cars available on the market. Moreover, it has a naturally aspirated V8, which has become a rarity in the modern automotive landscape, while those that want something more eco-friendly have the option of a hybridized V6.
While that’s just a brief glimpse at some of the hits over the years, there are many others, including the LX. With all that being said, what are your favorite Lexus models not named LFA?
