Top 5 Lexus Models of the 1990s

4. Lexus ES 250

I debated putting this car on the list but did so for two reasons. First, it was only one of two models Lexus sold in its first two years. It’s no secret that the ES is a badge-engineered Toyota Camry. But Lexus needed a price leader. People came to a Lexus showroom for the LS 400 but, more often than not, left in an ES 250.

The second reason is that the ES 250, and the Camry underneath it, is a really good car. It could teach a Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class a thing or two about refinement. The 2.5-liter V6 is silky smooth and quiet. On paper, it stood up against the first-generation Acura Legend. Best of all, you could get it with a five-speed manual transmission.

Mark Webb

Mark Webb is fascinated by anything automotive and particularly loves cars that are unusual or have a good story. He's owned a variety of cars from 60's muscle, Japanese imports, and oddities like a VW Thing and Porsche 924. After 20 years in the automotive and tech industries, he's a walking encyclopedia of car info and is always on the lookout for his next project or a good road trip.