The Lexus ES250 - Less Expensive, but no Less a Lexus (photos)

The Lexus ES was introduced in 1990, as their entry level luxury sedan, and became one of their best selling models. It may be smaller, and less expensive than the LS and GS models, but it shares their commitment to quality and quiet competence.

By Bryan Wood - April 4, 2017

1. The New Lexus ES250

Debuting in 1989 at the North American International Auto Show as a 1990 model. The ES250 was based on the Toyota Camry and shared its 2.5 liter 156hp V6 engine and much of the structure. It was created to compete with cars like the Acura Legend, and smaller luxury offerings from Buick and others.

>>Join the conversation about Lexus ES250 - Less Expensive, but no Less a Lexus right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

2. Attention to Detail

On the exterior, the ES 250 shared the same general body style and dimensions as its Toyota counterparts, but had a more prominent grille and tail lights, more chrome trim, frameless windows, distinct wheels similar to its LS counterpart. For many buyers, it never occurred to them that this car was still 80% Camry, because it certainly didn't look like it, even when parts nearby.

>>Join the conversation about Lexus ES250 - Less Expensive, but no Less a Lexus right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

3. Luxurious Interior

Inside, more luxury was provides with a six-speaker Pioneer sound system, genuine wood trim, one-touch power windows, and leather seats (though cloth upholstery was standard, it was rarely seen). To look at it or ride in it, you would never suspect how much it shared with the bred and butter Toyota midsize car.

>>Join the conversation about Lexus ES250 - Less Expensive, but no Less a Lexus right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

4. Sport Sedan?

The ES250 was advertised as "The luxury sedan of sports sedans" but it certainly was no BMW. One thing Lexus did offer though was a 5 speed manual transmission, and in 1990, a midsize car with over 150hp and a manual transmission would actually be considered fairly sporty. Good luck finding a manual equipped on now, 25 years later, this is the only picture on the internet to be found, though they were an option until 1993.

>>Join the conversation about Lexus ES250 - Less Expensive, but no Less a Lexus right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

5. Production Numbers

Are these cars collectible? Only time will tell, but it is a real Lexus, so chances are it will still be running by the time it is. Almost 20,000 were made for the 1990 model year, and just 17,000 the next year, so they are fairly rare compared to many other Japanese cars. Find a manual transmission model and cruise it to Japanese nostalgia car meets and you will certainly get some attention.

>>Join the conversation about Lexus ES250 - Less Expensive, but no Less a Lexus right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

for help keeping your car in good tune, check out the how to section of ClubLexus.com

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