5 Lexus Future Classics

1. IS 300 (2000-2005)

The first generation IS sedan was a groundbreaking car for Lexus, one that ushered in a new era of compact luxury performance. It featured a curvy design that was distinctly Japanese, and even spawned a new taillight craze with its clear units, now referred to as "Altezza's." The IS was originally sold in Japan as the Toyota Altezza beginning in 1998 but didn't land on U.S. soil until 2000. The IS 300's emphasis on performance and historical significance give it a solid shot at becoming a future collectible.

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2. SC300/SC400

The Lexus SC was one of the first cars designed using 3D modeling and went on to inspire car form for quite some time. The front engine, rear drive grand tourer was built from 1991 to 2010, but later models tend to be a little bloated and soft. The earlier SC300 and SC400, on the other hand, were solid performers in their day that carried the 1JZ-GTE engine that was the sibling to the 2JZ that came in the Toyota Supra. Combine that with styling that is still considered to be among the most influential in automotive history, and you've got the makings of a future classic. 

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3. LS400

The original LS is one of the most dependable and well-built cars ever produced. It was also largely responsible for helping Lexus establish itself as a brand, as the flagship sedan proved to be quite popular. Designed and built without a budget or time constraints, Toyota had only one goal when building the LS - to make a world-class luxury sedan that would surpass all others. The result was a car that was faster, quieter, more fuel efficient, and more aerodynamic than the competition. Combine that with a host of industry-first technology and safety features, and you've got the makings of a car that people will be clamoring for in the future.

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4. LX (J80)

Toyota Land Cruisers from this era have already shot up in price, yet it's luxury-laden twin, the Lexus LX, is still quite underappreciated. But the LX has all the goodness of the Land Cruiser - it's tough as nails off road, dead reliable, and rather handsome. Though it was considered a success, Lexus didn't produce or sell a ton of LX's - only around 5,000 in 1996 and 9,000 in 1997. That makes them a fairly rare sight today, but prices haven't caught up with their potential just yet.

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5. IS F

The high-performance IS F debuted in the U.S. back in 2008, packing a 5.0 liter V8 pumping out 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque. It was a highly capable performance coupe, registering an impressive 4.7 second 0-60 time and running the 1/4 mile in 13.1 seconds. A host of suspension upgrades and bigger brakes ensured that the IS F handled just as good as it performed in a straight line. And relatively small production numbers mean that the hot rod Lexus is bound to be an appreciating asset in the future.

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