10 Best Lexus & Toyota Drivers' Cars of All Time!

Intro

Some folks tend to think of Toyota and Lexus as makers of reliable, safe, luxury automobiles. And for good reason as that does describe many of the offerings that have come from Toyota and Lexus over the years. However, they have also made plenty of cars for the enthusiast. So, we took a look back through history and found what we felt were ten of the best drivers’ cars that the company ever offered. These are not race cars, or necessarily the most expensive or fastest accelerating (although they are also that at times).

But these are the cars that the enthusiasts want to drive. When you wake up early on a Sunday morning and just want to go for a drive for no other reason except you want to go for a drive. These are the best that Toyota and Lexus have ever offered.   

10. Toyota 2000GT (1967-1970)

You are looking for one of the cars that started the whole Japanese performance car scene, the Toyota 2000GT is it. It was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965. The car was built as a joint effort with Yamaha. The sexy aluminum body contained a two-liter, twin-cam, inline-six engine. It put out 150 horsepower and sent it all to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. The car could top 130 mph. Less than 350 of these were ever made, hence the high price. But in many ways it can be considered the first Japanese supercar.

The only problem? You need a cool Million dollars to acquire one these days.

9. Lexus IS F (2007-2014)

The 2012 Lexus IS F is one of the best drivers’ cars because it took the first generation IS F and addressed most of the shortcomings. The first IS F was the first real attempt by Lexus to go after the BMW M3. For a first effort it was a good one. The 5.0L V8 making 416 horsepower was a good place to start. And that engine remained for 2012. However, some of the early complaints were around an overly stiff ride and vague steering feel. Both of those were addressed here. The suspension was recalibrated, and the electric power steering system was modified to offer better steering feel. The result was an excellent drivers’ car.

8. Lexus LC 500 (2018+)

The LC leans more to the GT car side of the equation. But what a GT car it is. The looks, the refinement and that amazing sounding V8 engine combine to make this a truly remarkable drivers’ car. You can even get it in a convertible if you want. Jump ahead to the year 2043, and we are willing to bet that the 2023 Lexus LC 500 is a highly sought-after collectible. Grab one now while you still can.

7. Toyota GR86 (2022+)

Another modern classic, but the GR86 also reminds us of an actual classic which is the AE86 Corolla. The AE86 cars we light, and fun to drive. And that is exactly what you get in a 2023 GR86. It is not a car to buy if you want to win drag races. But if you love to simply drive and throw a car into the corners, then this is what you want. It is tough to drive this and not smile. You get a 2.4L boxer engine sitting deep in the chassis that you can control via a 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic is also available, but we are talking about drivers’ cars here, so you want the manual. The GR86 features a multi-link rear suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential. It is simply an all time great.

6. Toyota Supra Turbo (1993-1998)

If this list was for the most reverend cars the 1993 Supra Turbo might have been number one. And it has nothing to do with the Fast and the Furious. The 2JZ engine under the hood is the stuff of legend. It is spoken of in hushed tones. The engine is capable of handling massive amounts of power. But even bone stock, this silky-smooth unit was good for 320 horsepower and could get the car to 60 mph in about four and a half seconds. That is quicker than a Porsche 911 of the day and the Toyota was only two thirds the price. Drive one of these today and you get instant street cred.

5. Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition (2023+)

30 years after the Supra Turbo the little Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition hit the scene. The regular GR Corolla was already a hoot, but the Morizo Edition turns up the wick just a bit more. You get an extra 22 pound-feet of torque but that is not all. The Morizo also offers a close gear ratio transmission, shorter differential gears, forged wheels, stiffened chassis, front brake ducts, and mono-tube shock absorbers. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires were standard here just like they were on the Porsche 918 hypercar. The Morizo is also over 100 pounds lighter than the other GR Corolla models thanks primarily to the ditching of the rear seats. This car is all about driving fun.

4. Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance (2022+)

The 2012 IS F was good enough to make this list, so we had to include the improved 2023 IS 500 F Sport Performance. To be fair, it's not a "true F" model, which means the brakes aren't quite as insane. But it's overall a better vehicle, in our humblest opinion. Horsepower is now up to 472 thanks to the 5.0L naturally aspirated V8. An engine design that is quickly disappearing from the world. Zero to 60 is achieved in about 4.4 seconds and it will run to 149 mph. An adaptive variable suspension, a Torsen limited-slip diff, and Yamaha rear performance dampers ensure that the F Sport Performance keeps its composure through the corners as well.

3. Lexus RC F Track/ Fuji Speedway Editions (2019+)

With looks inspired by a GT3 race car and the performance chops to match, the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition is one of the best drivers’ cars in the history of Toyota and Lexus. The only bummer is only 50 of them were made so finding one is not going to be easy. Under the hood is the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing 472 horsepower. So, there is no additional power with this special edition, but there are other upgrades. Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium exhaust and whole bunch of carbon fiber combine to improve aerodynamics and reduce weight. These improvements help the car hit 60 mph in 3.96 seconds per Lexus. That is a bit more than two tenths quicker than the standard RC F. As you would expect of a car named after a famous racetrack, the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition is a blast to drive.

2. Toyota GR Supra Manual (2023+)

When the new A90 generation Supra came out for the 2020 model year it was met with great fanfare. Some didn’t love all the BMW parts sharing, but there was no denying it was a great drivers’ car. The one thing that annoyed the enthusiasts was the lack of a manual transmission. Well, Toyota listened, and you can now buy a Supra with a 6-speed manual transmission. And there was much rejoicing. The car makes a serious 382 horsepower from a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine. An adaptive variable suspension, a wide stance, an electronic rear diff, and advanced aerodynamics make this one of the best drivers’ cars to ever be produced by Toyota or Lexus.

1. 2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition

This is going to cost you well into the 7-figure range to put one in your garage. And that is if you are even lucky enough to find one of the 50 LFA Nürburgring Edition cars for sale. But if you do, you are getting the best drivers’ car the company has ever made. Yes, the LFA didn’t offer a manual transmission. But the screaming V10 more than makes up for it. The Nürburgring Edition squeezed an extra 10 horsepower out of that V10 for a total of 562. The car hits 60 in about three and a half seconds and steams on until 202 mph. The package also comes with a larger front splitter, a bigger and fixed rear spoiler, and dive planes up front. Each of these are made from carbon fiber. The suspension was lowered 10mm and was given a sportier tune.

Special lightweight alloy wheels with sticky Bridgestone RE070 tires were also part of the package. With a time of 7:14.64 around the Nürburgring the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition set a lap record. It was roughly 20 seconds quicker than a standard LFA. It is tough to find and eye watering expensive. But this is the greatest Toyota or Lexus driver’s car of all time.

Images: Toyota/Lexus