5 Best/Worst Lexus Models of All Time

Intro

Over the course of the last 30+ years Lexus has made some of the most reliable and luxurious vehicles on the planet. When Lexus came on the scene, they forced the established luxury brands to reevaluate the cars and SUVs that they were building. Lexus started with just two models, but their portfolio quickly expanded as they became more popular. And of those models which are the very best? And which are the worst? That is what we are examining today.

We created this list by looking at the models that define Lexus. Not just the most expensive, or the fastest, or even the most reliable. To come up with the best Lexus models ever we took a holistic approach to determine which would be considered the best.

We took a similar approach for the worst models. One caveat though is that Lexus didn’t make many truly bad vehicles. At least not compared to the broader market. The least reliable Lexus would probably still last longer than the most reliable Fiat. But within the realm of Lexus which were the biggest disappointments? Read on to see our picks for the best and worst Lexus models ever.

Worst # 5 – 2007 – 2009 LS 460

We start our worst Lexus list with what is actually a pretty darn good car. With the 2007 model year, Lexus decided to push the LS further upmarket. There was a revised 380 horsepower V8 engine, the world’s first 8-speed automatic transmission and a load of new technology. All this makes for a great car. When it is working. The problem is when these cars do have issues as they age and especially if they are neglected, they are massively expensive to repair. If you keep up with the maintenance and keep the car in good shape, you should be fine. But if you don’t the LS 460 will bite you in a big way.

Best # 5 – 1999 – Current RX Models

The RX crossover is the best-selling Lexus model. It defines the Lexus brand. It is not the fastest, or the most exciting, but it is the vehicle most people think of when they think of Lexus. When it came out in 1999 it was the first-ever luxury crossover vehicle. That sounds amazing today as every luxury automaker under the sun offers one. But Lexus set the bar with the RX and others have been chasing it since.

Worst # 4 – 2019 – 2022 UX 200

The Lexus UX came out for the 2019 model year. It was a smaller and more affordable crossover for folks that wanted a Lexus but didn’t want to splash the cash on the more expensive models. There was a gasoline and hybrid model and the gas one earns a spot on this list. The problem is that while it was inexpensive for a Lexus you got what you paid for. The powertrain was from a Toyota Corolla hatchback and the chassis was from a Toyota CH-R. The 169-horsepower engine needed nearly 9 seconds to get the crossover to 60 mph and it sounded like a struggle the entire time. It may have had a base price just over $30K but it felt like it.

Best # 4 – 2011 – 2014 IS F

The IS F was the BMW M3 fighter from Lexus. The first IS F was released in 2008 and began the whole F performance line for Lexus. But those early IS F models had some drawbacks such as a stiff ride. But in 2011 Lexus addressed many of the early IS F drawbacks. The suspension was more supple thanks to a overhaul of the major components. And starting in 2011 you got a Torsen limited-slip diff instead of an open differential. The steering feel was also improved. The result was an all-time great Lexus.

Worst # 3 – 2010 – 2012 Lexus HS 250h

It is not that the HS 250h was terrible. It was just wholly forgettable. Did you even remember it before clicking on this story? Lexus positioned it as a luxury hybrid. The problem is it wasn’t really luxurious, yet it was still on the pricey side. The CVT transmission was far from exciting and if you really cared about mpg, you would just buy the much more efficient Toyota Prius. After the 2012 model year Lexus stopped selling the HS in America.

Best # 3 – 2018 – Current LC 500

The LC 500 is easily one of the best-looking cars made by anyone in the last twenty years. But the beauty runs more than skin deep. The naturally aspirated V8 engine sounds absolutely incredible. And if you want to hear it even better, grab yourself a convertible LC 500. The only real complaint we ever had with this car was the finicky touchpad interface for the infotainment system. But for the 2024 model year that has been replaced with a proper touchscreen. The LC 500 is now closer to perfection. Buy one before they are gone.

Worst # 2 – 1990 ES 250

Prior to the Lexus launch for the 1990 model year, they spent all kinds of money and time developing the LS 400. But they didn’t want to launch the company with only one model as they felt the company would not be seen as anything more than a one-off automaker. So, they needed something else to round out the lineup. That something else was a Toyota Camry. One look at the thing and you can tell the entire design process consisted of a Lexus employee asking if they had any spare Lexus badges laying around that they could slap on a Toyota. The ES 250 is a leather trimmed Camry with Lexus badging and nothing more. It is not a bad car, but not a good Lexus.

Best # 2 – 2010 – 2013 LFA

The LFA is not number one? Nope. It is truly an amazing automobile with one of the best sounding engines ever created. But it was also massively expensive, didn’t sell well, and produced in tiny numbers. As much as collectors drool over it today, we can’t say it is the best Lexus model ever. The market for the car is just too small.  

Worst # 1 – 2011 – 2017 CT 200h

This Lexus hybrid rides on Toyota Corolla underpinnings and makes a merger 134 horsepower. The styling is awkward to say the least. Sitting inside one and you could be forgiven for thinking it was a Toyota as there is a total lack of Lexus luxury unless you choose every single option. And once you do that, you are spending nearly $40K. For a slow hybrid Corolla? No thanks.

Best # 1 – 1990 LS 400

The car that started it all. It put Lexus on the map and sent Mercedes-Benz and BMW back to their drawing boards. The original LS 400 was a moonshot of a vehicle. Nobody thought the Japanese could build a luxury car as good as the Germans. And they didn’t. They built one that was better. Silky smooth. Luxurious. Reliable. Spacious. Reasonably priced. The LS 400 had it all. It is the reason why Lexus is where it is today.

Images: Lexus