Short answer
The original Lexus LS 400 is our best Lexus model overall for establishing the brand's luxury identity. The LFA is our performance landmark and the LC 500 our grand-touring choice.
- Brand foundation
- LS 400 introduced in 1989
- Supercar production
- 500 LFAs completed by December 2012
- Performance badge
- IS F was the first F-badged production model
- SUV milestone
- RX 300 launched in 1998
The 6 Best Lexus Models at a Glance
| Rank | Lexus model | Scope | Earns its place for | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |  | Introduced 1989 | Establishing the brand | Rear-drive V8 luxury saloon |
| 02 |  | Production 2010-2012 | Bespoke supercar engineering | V10 supercar |
| 03 |  | Introduced 2017 | V8 grand-touring design | Rear-drive V8 grand tourer |
| 04 |  | UK launch 2008 | Founding the F performance line | Rear-drive V8 sports saloon |
| 05 |  | Introduced 1998 | Luxury SUV expansion | V6 luxury crossover |
| 06 |  | US launch 1991 | Early luxury-coupe identity | Rear-drive V8 luxury coupe |
No entries match your search.
The 6 Best Lexus Models: Entry Details
Lexus LS 400, first generation
Introduced 1989 · Establishing the brandThe original LS 400 made refinement and manufacturing quality the central Lexus promise. It leads because it gave the new brand a credible flagship before Lexus had a wider range to support it. The Lexus with the greatest foundational importance.
- Character
- Rear-drive V8 luxury saloon
- Defining evidence
- First Lexus flagship, introduced in 1989
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Refined V8 saloon brief
- Purpose-built launch flagship
Things to consider
- Comfort-focused character rather than a sports-car brief
Lexus LFA
Production 2010-2012 · Bespoke supercar engineeringA dedicated V10 and carbon-fibre structure took Lexus into a new performance territory. The LFA ranks above the LC 500 for engineering ambition, but below the LS 400 because its limited production gave it a narrower role in the brand's history. The defining Lexus supercar.
- Character
- V10 supercar
- Defining evidence
- Production limited to 500 examples
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Bespoke naturally aspirated V10
- In-house carbon-fibre construction
Things to consider
- Two-seat cabin and automated sequential gearbox
Lexus LC 500 Coupe
Introduced 2017 · V8 grand-touring designThe LC 500 put a naturally aspirated V8 and ten-speed automatic into a coupe closely related to the LF-LC concept's design. It sits above the IS F for combining a distinctive body with a purpose-built grand-touring role. Our Lexus choice for a V8 grand tourer.
- Character
- Rear-drive V8 grand tourer
- Defining evidence
- V8 paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Naturally aspirated V8
- Production design closely linked to LF-LC
Things to consider
- Automatic transmission only
Lexus IS F
UK launch 2008 · Founding the F performance lineThe IS F combined a V8, revised chassis and stronger brakes with an everyday saloon body. It earns fourth place for establishing the F performance line, while the LC and LFA developed more individual sports-car identities. The essential first chapter of Lexus F road cars.
- Character
- Rear-drive V8 sports saloon
- Defining evidence
- First production Lexus to wear the F performance badge
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- V8 performance in a saloon
- Dedicated chassis and braking changes
Things to consider
- Eight-speed automatic only
Lexus RX 300, first generation
Introduced 1998 · Luxury SUV expansionThe original RX 300 gave Lexus a luxury SUV aimed at everyday comfort and passenger use. Its contribution earns fifth place because it broadened the brand's appeal without pursuing the engine and chassis ambitions of the sports models above. The key Lexus model for understanding the move beyond saloons and coupes.
- Character
- V6 luxury crossover
- Defining evidence
- RX 300 introduced in 1998
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Practical luxury-SUV packaging
- V6 drivetrain suited to its comfort brief
Things to consider
- Less driver-focused than the rear-drive performance cars
Lexus SC 400
US launch 1991 · Early luxury-coupe identityThe SC 400 extended Lexus into a V8 coupe styled by the California CALTY design studio. It closes the selection as an important early expansion, with a smaller change to the brand's direction than the LS, LFA or RX. The clearest early example of Lexus adding design character to its luxury-engineering brief.
- Character
- Rear-drive V8 luxury coupe
- Defining evidence
- CALTY-designed SC 400 launched in America in May 1991
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- CALTY-designed coupe body
- V8 grand-touring character
Things to consider
- Less passenger versatility than the LS 400
The 6 Best Lexus Models: Analysis
Why the LS 400 Is Our Best Lexus Model
The LS 400 had to make an unfamiliar luxury badge credible immediately. A quiet V8, aerodynamic attention under the body and rigorous manufacturing gave buyers concrete reasons to consider it alongside established executive saloons.
The LS arrived before Lexus had an SUV or a dedicated performance line. Its founding role puts it first in our selection, and the Lexus brand history explains why that early saloon still frames the marque's identity.
LFA and LC 500 Show Two Different Performance Ambitions
The LFA replaced its planned aluminium structure with carbon fibre produced in-house. Lexus drew on Toyota's textile-weaving background to develop the material processes, giving the supercar a link to the parent company's earliest manufacturing skills.
The LC 500 pursued a grand-touring role with a naturally aspirated V8 and ten-speed automatic. Its relationship to the LF-LC concept made the shape a major part of the appeal, while the LFA's bespoke engine and structure justify its higher place.
Why the IS F Matters More Than a Styling Package
The IS F changed the IS saloon's engine, brakes, suspension and handling systems. A V8 and an eight-speed automatic supplied the performance, while bespoke wheel, tyre and brake development helped the chassis use it.
The IS F also introduced the F production-model badge. Its position recognises the start of a performance family, with a practical saloon role that differs from the LC coupe and the LFA supercar.
RX 300 and SC 400 Expanded the Original Lexus Idea
The RX 300 carried luxury into a more spacious crossover body. Its V6 and automatic transmission matched a comfort-led family role, expanding the Lexus range beyond the executive-saloon formula introduced by the LS.
The SC 400 took another route through a California-designed V8 coupe. The SC and RX earn their places for opening new body-style directions, while the LS remains first because it established the luxury promise both relied on.
Important context
- The LS 400 introduced Lexus to Europe as the brand's sole model range in 1990.
- The LFA used an in-house carbon-fibre structure and a bespoke V10 developed with Yamaha.
- The LC 500 paired its naturally aspirated V8 with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
- The IS F established the F performance badge, while the RX 300 expanded Lexus into luxury SUVs.
Our verdict
Our Lexus verdict
The LS 400 is our overall choice for creating the brand's luxury identity. The LFA is the engineering high point, the LC 500 is the grand-touring choice and the IS F matters most to the story of Lexus sports saloons.
Strengths
- Comfort-led luxury and naturally aspirated performance choices
- Dedicated engineering in the LFA and IS F
Things to consider
- The LFA has only two seats
- The LC 500 and IS F offer no manual gearbox
FAQ: The 6 Best Lexus Models
What is the best Lexus model of all time?
Our editorial choice is the original LS 400. Its quiet V8 saloon formula gave the new Lexus brand a convincing identity before its later coupes, SUVs and performance cars arrived.
How many Lexus LFAs were built?
Lexus built 500 LFAs. Production ended with the final car completed on 14 December 2012, giving the supercar a deliberately limited role in the range.
What is the difference between the LC 500 and LC 500h?
The LC 500 uses a naturally aspirated V8 and ten-speed automatic. The LC 500h uses a V6 hybrid drivetrain with the Multi Stage Hybrid System. The V8 coupe is the version selected here.
Was the IS F the first Lexus F model?
Yes. The IS F was the first production Lexus with the F performance badge. It combined a V8 with substantial chassis and braking changes to the IS saloon.
Why is the Lexus RX 300 important?
The first RX 300 introduced Lexus to luxury SUVs in 1998. Its passenger space and comfort-led drivetrain gave the brand an alternative to the saloons and coupes that defined its early range.
Who designed the Lexus SC 400?
The SC 400 was designed by the CALTY studio in California. It launched in the American market in May 1991, adding a distinct luxury-coupe shape to the early Lexus range.
Sources & methodology
Editorial order prioritises brand influence, distinctive engineering and clarity of purpose for the named variants. Lexus launch documents and its official timeline establish dates and technical facts, without invented quality or reliability scores.
Maintained by Artsiom Dusau, a software engineer and BMW 4 Series owner. Editorial policy
View sources (7)
- Lexus, official brand and model timeline
- Lexus, LFA production announcement and engineering
- Lexus, LC 500 world debut and concept relationship
- Lexus, LC model archive
- Lexus, IS F engine and chassis development
- Lexus, IS history and the first F production model
- Lexus, early model introductions and CALTY SC design
