Test Drive: 3 Iconic Lexus Models Marking the Brand’s 35th Birthday
Lexus is celebrating 35 years in Canada. It's a milestone reached last year in the United States, but that doesn't make it any less significant. From the goal of a Japanese manufacturer making luxury automobiles to a worldwide powerhouse, Lexus has achieved a lot in a relatively short time.
To showcase all the manufacturer has accomplished, we were invited to the TMMC plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, the current location where the RX and NX models are assembled. Starting in 2003, this was the first place any Lexus model was assembled outside of Japan. It's been an important piece of the Lexus cog for over 20 years, and despite the current uncertainty in the automotive landscape (tariffs, anyone?), it will remain so.
Tariffs, the Talk of the Town
Lexus is currently eating the extra inflation of the tariff costs. The brand is not being reactionary and immediately changing operations, as it's confident the current landscape will smoothen out in the future, with Canada and USA coming to an agreement. Currently, 82% of Lexus vehicles built in Cambridge head south to the United States.
The brand could export elsewhere if it came to that, but hasn't had to consider the possibility as the plant can barely keep up with demand in North America alone. So far in 2025, Lexus is the top selling luxury brand in Canada and the second highest seller in the United States. The US is the manufacturer's #1 market in terms of sales, and Canada is #4.
Celebrating the Brand
Enough about trade talks, we are in Cambridge for a celebration. Over the course of Lexus' history, there have been many important models, or key milestones. The original 1990 LS 400 put the company on the map. It was so over engineered it immediately put the Germans on notice. The 1998 RX 300 essentially created the luxury crossover segment while the 2000 IS 300 showed Lexus could build a seriously fun, small luxury sedan.
Other important products include the first hybrid SUV from the brand, the 2006 RX 400h, and its more recent entry into the world of electric vehicles with the 2023 RZ. Oh, and let us NEVER forget the pinnacle for the manufacturer, the 2010 LFA.
As part of the event's festivities, Lexus brought along the entire current lineup as well as some of those historical icons mentioned above. As a sucker for cars from the past, I couldn't resist an opportunity to get behind the wheel.
1990 Lexus LS 400
As stated above, this is the OG super Lexus. The car that made the brand. I've heard all the stories of how over engineered this car was, and even after 35 years it still feels solid, lacking any rattles or loose parts. Lexus was going after the German luxury manufacturers with this car, and it reminds me a lot of those big Mercedes tanks of that era.
Part of the car's legend was created by what came under the hood. The 4.0-liter V8 made a competitive 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and has plenty of usable torque, even with the four-speed automatic. It's the smoothness though that really made this engine shine. Remember the champagne glass commercial? Even by today's standards, this is one refined power unit. The LS is a big cruiser sedan, not a sports machine, and the smooth, torquey V8 really matches that persona.
Speaking of size, this was a full-size luxury car when it was launched at 196.7-inches (4,996 mm) in length. Despite this size, the LS only weighed 3,759 pounds, or about the same as a 2025 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. This shows how much heavier vehicles have gotten today with added safety systems and technology features.
While on the topic of technology, the LS 400 included some advanced features for its day, like a power/tilt telescopic steering wheel and traction control. The front seats of the Lexus are period correct, with that same flat, squishy, springy feel only someone who drove an ‘80s/'90s Mercedes-Benz would know.
Perched on that driver's seat, the steering wheel is big, with a large ratio and over-boosted feel to match. Again, this is a relaxed cruiser, so tight steering was not needed. The suspension prioritized comfort but is still composed. Perhaps the most shocking stat compared to today's automotive landscape are the tires. This big luxury sedan came with 205/65R15 tires. For comparison, that's about the same size tire found on the base 2025 Toyota Corolla.
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1995 Lexus SC 400
The next car we sampled was the 1995 Lexus SC 400. This coupe showed that Lexus could build more than just big luxury sedans. Although it was on the larger side for a coupe, it had those classic two-door proportions with a choice of V8 or V6 engines under the hood. In our humble opinion, we always liked the look of the SC, and the styling has aged so well.
The SC was sporty for a Lexus, but prioritized smoothness over outright performance. The suspension is on the soft side, absorbing bumps well but not limiting body roll. It feels very much like a car from the early 1990s. The steering wheel is large, matched to a vague, over boosted feel much like the LS 400. The SC will change directions better than its larger four-door sibling, but not by a great deal.
Inside, passengers are well isolated from wind and road noise, even by modern standards. The interior design is pure ‘90s with various soft-touch brown materials swathed everywhere, and fake wood panelling aplenty.
The SC 400 used the 4.0-liter V8 like the LS. The engine is so smooth and refined. It was such an impressive unit in its day and still is. Making 250 hp and 260 lb-ft. in a car weighing just over 3,500 pounds, it had a decent power to weight ratio back in its day. But in today's horsepower crazy word, it seems sluggish. The four-speed automatic is also something we are no longer accustom too as it holds gears much longer since there are less of them. The engine feels like it takes some time to build steam under harder acceleration, but does emit a subtle growl.
The SC was a true touring coupe that, like the LS, showed the Germans they needed to improve.
2002 Lexus IS 300
By the 2000s, Lexus has already established itself as producer of refined, posh, opulent machinery. It was the IS 300 that showed the company could also make a stylish, sport luxury sedan, with the BMW 3 Series squarely as its target. Remember that amazing watch-like gauge cluster? Or how everyone and their cousin wanted IS 300 Altezza taillights on their car?
For the event Lexus brought a 2002 model and the car has a whole has aged so well. On the road, it does not feel over 20 years old. The engine is so smooth and refined. It was such an impressive unit in its day and still is.
Lexus/Toyota knew how to make a great inline-6 back in those days, and this 3.0-liter was no exception. Making 215 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque, it's quick to respond and has good power through the rev range. It isn't all that peaky, with a nice growl while it propels the 3,285-pound sedan with haste.
The 5-speed automatic feels so much more modern than the four-speed autos in the other two, older cars we drove. It's quick to shift, with smooth transitions that never keeps the engine working too hard. The trick steering wheel buttons to ‘manually' shift the transmission up and down gears were, and still are, a fun novelty.
The steering in the IS 300 is heavy, responsive, and full of feel. It's more mechanical and connected compared to many of today's cars. The chassis is surprisingly composed, keeping quite flat when cornering, yet not punishing the driver. The way it's combined with the engine and transmission creates such an engaging car that just wants to be run hard.
It's one of those cars that if someone hasn't driven one, they just won't get the aura. Everything is linear, smooth, and controlled. This engine, chassis, and body structure could be on sale today with modern styling and contemporary interior technology, and still be quite competitive.
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