The "most boring" period of Lexus vs. now

[ssun30]

Mid-2000s was often considered the most boring period of Lexus as a brand. Lexus cars back then generally had conservative designs, soft and uninspiring ride, cheap interior parts shared with Toyotas. It was when Lexus "lost its identity" and only makes safe and unoffending products. But 20 years later, we now have arguably a much, much more boring lineup.

Just ask yourself, which of those would you still buy used TODAY if you just want a daily car?

Compared to this:

 

[ssun30]

Highlights of what you could buy in 2006:

1) 3rd gen LS430
The 4.3L 3UZ is showing its age at this point, but the performance is still very relevant today. In fact, it's very close to what you would get from a 2026 LS500 (not much better acceleration, similar fuel efficiency).

Even before the very high-tech 4LS, the LS430 still had some state of the art options at the time: dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision system, soft close doors, adaptive variable air suspension. The rear executive seating includes a cool box (not available on the 5LS).

2) 3rd gen GS/GS Hybrid
The 3GS launched with the 3UZ at first with 1UR arriving later in its cycle. But even with "only" 300hp, it was one of the quickest mid-size sedan of the time. Lexus actually had to under-rate its performance so it won't step on the toes of the flagship GS450h. The GS430 is actually the most reliable one to get in this model year.

The standard 6-cylinder option was the D-4 3GR-FSE since the D-4S equipped 2GR-FSE was not ready in 2005. This was one of the worst variants of the GR V6 family due to the direct injection-only D-4 system. Many would skip the 3rd gen GS300 and go for later MY GS350.

In 2006 the GS450h was available, and it was by far the most advanced Lexus product at the time. It uses a 2-stage E-CVT to achieve better acceleration and highway fuel economy. If you buy one used the battery pack will likely be a problem, but unfortunately this was also when most Toyota hybrid batteries are easy to service. There are many repair shops (thanks to the popularity of the Prius at the time) that do battery reconditioning, individual cell swaps, or straight Li-ion conversions, all at much lower cost than replacing a full pack at a dealership. I would consider this a good project car to test how good these early THS can get with modern Li-ion batteries.

The 3GS was absolutely packed with standard features and available options. It's the first Lexus model with VDIM, which is a very advanced chassis management system including some very high-end tech: adaptive variable suspension, variable gear-ratio steering, active stabilizer bar, and electronically controlled braking. But on the negative side, the 3GS became very expensive, with the V8 model and hybrid model almost matching the LS430 flagship in price. I think this is a reason why the GS gradually fell out of favor to ES.

 

[Kelvin2020]

When models like the RX500h and TX500h can be labeled as part of the “Performance” lineup, you know the brand has completely dead. I don’t even feel like opening the Lexus website anymore, it’s nothing but SUVs everywhere.

 

[ssun30]

3) 2nd gen IS
The 2IS was not the best handling compact size sedan at the time. Even the IS-F arrived very poorly tuned in 2008. It took them a few years to figure out the suspension tuning. But it does one thing very well: be very quick in a straight line. Lexus advertises the 2006 IS350 to be the quickest accelerating in its class, and they were not wrong. A 2026 IS350 has basically the same engine but is 100kg heavier and has a worse transmission, so you will be actually downgrading in straight line performance.

The IS250 is forgettable but it's the last Lexus model with a manual option so I would actually get that one as a used car. For a 350 I would pick a 3.3IS.

Features and options are relatively standard for its class to keep price in check. The IS350 was still quite expensive for 2006.

4) 5th gen ES
The 5ES was based on the cheapest Camry platform (XV40) of all generations. But it was actually when the ES became a true mid-size value champion. It had the stuck acceleration pedal problem which I used to experience. I wouldn't buy it simply because I already owned one for 10 years.

The 2GR-FE is again a very competent engine that almost approached the traction limit of a regular FWD car. Lexus had to under-rate the performance to avoid out-shining the much more expensive GS300.

The problem begins with this generation: Lexus was able to provide a LOT of features and options at a very low price on a spacious transverse FWD platform. For less than the base price of the GS300, you can fully optioned the ES350 with LS-grade features: interior wood and semi-aniline leather trims, memory seats, pano roof, adative front light, radar cruise control, DVD navigation etc.

 

[ssun30]

The SC was approaching EOL at this point so it was pretty forgettable. The price is way too high and it feels outdated compared to the new generation of longitudinal RWD products (IS/GS). But this was still a good buy on the used market.

The 2nd gen RX is also nearing EOL although it got the 2GR-FE during face lift. You can't really go wrong with any car equipped with a 2GR. The RX400h still uses an old MZ engine and the battery pack is too heavy so you don't get meaningful performance and fuel economy gains compared to the potential battery servicing cost (although like the GS450h, there are shops that can do that cheaply). What's interesting is you could get four-wheel air suspension which is very high-end for a mid-size crossover (though it should be avoided in used market).

The GX470 and LX470 need no explanation. Two of the most reliable Toyota BOF SUVs ever made IF you do AHC delete.

 

[ssun30]

2018 was the "least boring" year of Lexus for enthusiasts since in this year you can get five V8 options: RC-F, GS-F, LC500, GX460, LX570; you also get the first three TNGA products: 5LS, LC, 7ES, all three were not the best they could be but arguably more interesting than anything today; the NX/RX were still relatively new at the time; regular IS/RC/GS were aging but competitors aren't that new either (the G platform BMWs weren't available yet).


But this was also the year dealership and customer satisfaction were the lowest and when Lexus received the most criticism by the media: they kept bring up how bad the infotainment system was, how the spindle grille drove away conservative customers, and dealerships were waiting years for the TX. To us enthusiasts, 2018 was the last year with interesting product options; but to the general Lexus buyer, they also had many reasons to not buy a Lexus product at the time.

 

[ssun30]

What would you get today if you want to buy a used 2006 Lexus for nostalgia but also daily use?

For me it's GS450h > GX470 > GS430 > LS430 > IS250 MT > LX470 (with AHC delete) > SC430 > IS350 > RX350 > ES350 > RX400h.

 

[DarkSpace6383]

When models like the RX500h and TX500h can be labeled as part of the “Performance” lineup, you know the brand has completely dead. I don’t even feel like opening the Lexus website anymore, it’s nothing but SUVs everywhere.

absolutely. also the 700h, which isn't even F-SPORT.

 

[LCLFV]

I don't think we even need to go back to 2005. Go back to 2019. If you had told me back then that 7 years later the ES would replace the LS and the IS is on its third facelift while the F brand is dead and Lexus is being transformed into a China-oriented BEV company with the LFA being revived as an EV concept I would have asked what hard drugs you were on.

The mid-2000's were a crazy time. V10 M5's and RS6's while Mercedes made a supercar with McLaren, no surprise that Lexus would be considered "boring" relative to all that.

 

[Levi]

I am always yet interested in 3GS 450h and 1IS Sportcross (as a project, but I need time).

Is it really possible to upgrade to GS450h to Lion battery? That makes it even more interesting….

 

[sl0519]

Mid-2000s was often considered the most boring period of Lexus as a brand. Lexus cars back then generally had conservative designs, soft and uninspiring ride, cheap interior parts shared with Toyotas. It was when Lexus "lost its identity" and only makes safe and unoffending products. But 20 years later, we now have arguably a much, much more boring lineup.

Just ask yourself, which of those would you still buy used TODAY if you just want a daily car?
View attachment 10993
Compared to this:
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This is beyond pathetic...

 

[ssun30]

I don't The mid-2000's were a crazy time. V10 M5's and RS6's while Mercedes made a supercar with McLaren, no surprise that Lexus would be considered "boring" relative to all that.

That's true. Especially the Piech era VW. They essentially built every engine configuration possible and threw them in any car you can imagine. Golf with VR5/VR6, Passat with W8, Touareg with V10 TDI, Q7 with V12 TDI, A6 with both NA and turbo V10, A8 with W12, Veyron with W16.

 

[ssun30]

I am always yet interested in 3GS 450h and 1IS Sportcross (as a project, but I need time).

Is it really possible to upgrade to GS450h to Lion battery? That makes it even more interesting….

My knowledge of Li-ion upgrades was from 5 years ago. Today I learned that all Li-ion upgrades available for purchase are unsafe and it remains a very niche project for people with expertise in battery chemistry and electrical engineering.

 

[Falcon]

The rear executive seating includes a cool box (not available on the 5LS).

It is available on the 5LS.

 

[bogglo]

What would you get today if you want to buy a used 2006 Lexus for nostalgia but also daily use?

For me it's GS450h > GX470 > GS430 > LS430 > IS250 MT > LX470 (with AHC delete) > SC430 > IS350 > RX350 > ES350 > RX400h.

Gs450 or gs350. If I never drove a 07 gs350 I will probably not be stuck on lexus. The 07 gs350 will actually surprise you with its performance. Strut brace a little bit firmer suspension more responsive transmission that won't up shift for you. Loved it.

Now only lexus I still really want is the GSF then maybe the LCF.

 

[mikeavelli]

I miss my GS 450h a bit. I know it’s easy to be nostalgic but the car didn’t drive any sportier than the second gen and the plastics were harder. Didn’t feel any roomier. I loved it though at the time as it felt toward thinking being a vehicle with V-8 power and performance from a hybrid V-6. Didn’t realize how far ahead I was modifying a “performance” hybrid,

We also then got a RX 400h. Those early hybrids were tuned more for performance than MPG.




Fast forward to today and I would have to jump to a German to get a luxury hybrid performance sedan. Wild

 

[bogglo]

I miss my GS 450h a bit. I know it’s easy to be nostalgic but the car didn’t drive any sportier than the second gen and the plastics were harder. Didn’t feel any roomier. I loved it though at the time as it felt toward thinking being a vehicle with V-8 power and performance from a hybrid V-6. Didn’t realize how far ahead I was modifying a “performance” hybrid,

We also then got a RX 400h. Those early hybrids were tuned more for performance than MPG.




Fast forward to today and I would have to jump to a German to get a luxury hybrid performance sedan. Wild

That's crazy. This car was what sold me on getting into my first GS. It showed me what a tastefully modified gs could look like. I had the smokey granite Grey.

 

[mikeavelli]

That's crazy. This car was what sold me on getting into my first GS. It showed me what a tastefully modified gs could look like. I had the smokey granite Grey.

Haha awesome. It was a great looking sedan. Wish I kept it but I got a great offer to sell it. This was the first one before the BBK. Otw to Key West

 

[bogglo]

Haha awesome. It was a great looking sedan. Wish I kept it but I got a great offer to sell it. This was the first one before the BBK. Otw to Key West

Yeah I couldn't afford the vossens at the time so I went with TSWs. IMO it also had a better sub than the 4gs and a better automatic sound levelizer. Its dissapointing to see where Lexus is today.