It was 1989 when Toyota launched the brand with just two models. Some critics were skeptical about whether they could pull it off. Well pull it off they did! This year, the two original Lexus models have received a few updates.
This includes many big changes for the ES, which has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The 1990 Lexus ES 250 was seen as a little more than showroom filler, and wasn't especially luxurious.
Since then, however, things have really changed. The 2013 ES 350 is brimming with luxury, and brings new levels of quietness and interior space. Throw in the build quality and technology Lexus has become known for and you've got a great luxury choice.
It's also the latest Lexus to get the remote touch interface, which lets you easily scroll through menu items via a control knob. Tactile feedback helps you feel your way through.
From the beginning the ES has consistently received one little dig; since it was always based on the Toyota Camry, a lot of people liked to say that it was essentially a Camry with a nicer interior. Well' that's never been totally true and now it's not true at all.
The 2013 Lexus ES is based on the larger and more upscale Toyota Avalon, which also means increased interior room, including much more legroom in the rear.
Its bigger brother has also been refreshed for 2013.
The Lexus LS 460 now wears the new Lexus spindle grill as well as other updates.
The Lexus LS has been the flagship of the brand from day one, quiet interior, comfortable seats, and smooth power from a v8 engine.
If there's one criticism of Lexus that's been a constant, it's that the cars tend to be on the boring side.
Some other luxury brands manage to add a bit of performance panache into all their cars while Lexus prefers to concentrate on things like technology and safety. That seems to be okay with Lexus customers whom are some of the most brand-loyal and satisfied of any other brand.
To them, Lexus doesn't need to change things too much from the way they've been doing it all along.
