I Think These Seven Toyota And Lexus Models Are Still Underappreciated Today, And Up For Grabs

While my experience as a Toyota salesman was short-lived, I dare say it's one of the easiest jobs in automotive sales. Toyota's products have such a good reputation (which they almost always live up to) that they practically sell themselves.

And yet, there are a few Toyota models out there that for one reason or another, people never quite warmed up to. Some of these models, like the Lexus XC430, took on more established rivals and failed to make a dent in their sales, despite superior build quality.

Others, like the classic Celica SS III, were overshadowed by the achievements of a more high-performance version of the same car. I think we are better off in the end, because these hidden gems are reasonably priced and up for grabs.

1.Toyota Corolla SE Apex 

For over 20 years, the Toyota Corolla has been the most-sold car. Since its first introduction, in 1966, over 50 million units left the factory, in various forms. The current, twelfth-generation Corolla is, by far, the most diverse and exciting one in a long time. The latter is mostly due to the rally-bred Toyota GR Corolla. Sadly, the hot hatch stole the spotlight from another, much more attainable version of the Corolla – the SE Apex.  

This mildly sporty variant of the Corolla ditched the GR-Four all-wheel drive, but featured the naturally-aspirated version of the GR Supra 2.0-liter engine, mated to a six-speed manual. Due to very few Toyotas being sold with a manual, 2022 was the last year the Corolla SE Apex was available with the stick. Examples of the manual-equipped Corolla are few and far in-between, but if you come across one, you'll have to pay over $20,000. 

2.Toyota MR-2 (AW10/AW11) 

A true Japanese, mid-engine icon still remains largely underrated on the US market. When people talk about Toyota's MR2, they usually mean the SW20 generation, which shares the engine of the Celica GT-Four. Before it came the AW11 generation, which was, essentially, a mid-engine AE86 Corolla.

Moreover, the first-generation MR2 also came with a supercharged and inter-cooled version of AE86's 4A-GE engine (4A-GZE), which allowed for a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. Moreover, the AW11 MR2 came out in 1984, so it's eligible for import under the 25-year rule. With a new, GR Yaris-engined Toyota MR2 on the way, there is a good chance more people would warm up to this JDM classic. Sadly for most of us, Classic.com is showing prices of over $15,000 for good examples, but if you can snatch one now, you are getting a fun car that might outlive you.

3.Lexus SC430 

Unjustly dubbed “the worst car in the world” by the old Top Gear presenters, the Lexus SC430 is every bit as good as the Mercedes SL500 that was meant to compete with. This underappreciated Japanese grand tourer has aged surprisingly well thanks to its sleek design, and despite its age can be counted among the best Lexus models to get.

Its 3UZ-FE V-8 engine is regarded as one of Toyota's most reliable engines, having a life expectancy of over 300,000 miles. At the same time, it produces up to 304 horsepower and 325 pound-feet, which provide effortless acceleration. The best part is current prices for the Lexus SC430 start from under $7,000. 

4.Toyota Celica SS III 

When you think of high-revving, front-wheel-drive Japanese coupes, you probably think of the Acura Integra Type-R. In the 1990s, Toyota made a competitor to that in the form of the Toyota Celica SS III.

"SS" stood for Super Strut, which was a special package that offered chassis enhancements along with aesthetic upgrades. The package exists in three stages, with SS III being the most powerful. The main highlight here is the 3S-FE BEAMS engine, which developed 200 horsepower and 152 pound-feet, resulting in a 6.5-second 0 to 60 mph time, comparable to the Integra Type-R. The SS III was overshadowed by the rally-bred Celica GT-Four, which enjoyed great success in rallying. The good new is you can get a good example of the Celica SS III for way under $10,000. 

5.Toyota GR Supra 2.0 

It's no surprise most Toyota GR Supra buyers go for the inline-six model. The more powerful 3.0-liter offers, not just, more performance, but also a higher horsepower ceiling, even similar to the upcoming Toyota Supra GRMN. Still, there are a few reasons the four-cylinder GR Supra might be the better car for you. First, at $46,440, the GR Supra 2.0 is over $12,000 less expensive than the GR Supra 3.0.  

In addition to being lighter and better balanced, the 2.0-liter GR Supra is surprisingly quick, with some tests quoting 0 to 60 mph times of 4.7 seconds. If you are a true, JDM, purist, you can also perform a 2JZ swap on the cheaper version of the car that doesn't come with the already-potent B58 inline-six. The only downside is, that you will have to settle for the ZF automatic as the only transmission option. 

6.Lexus ES 350 

Even in its seventh generation, the Lexus ES continues to be one of the most alluring, luxury sedans out there. As always, the underpinnings are shared with the Toyota Camry, but with significant revisions that improve luxury and comfort. I chose the ES350 variant as to me, it makes the most sense. It still provides more than decent fuel economy of 26 mpg combined (EPA) while being the quickest of the ES models. Its 2GR-FKS V-6 engine is also surprisingly eager and simple to work on, although you'll probably never have to.  

Hybrid variants provide up to 44 mpg combined (EPA), albeit at the expense of performance. The seventh generation of the Japanese luxury sedan came out in 2021, but three years later, Lexus ES sales are dwindling for no apparent reason. The only thing against the Lexus ES, compared to the German premium models is the front-wheel-drive layout, which however, frees more interior space. 

7.Lexus SC (Toyota Soarer) 

The first-generation, also known as Toyota Soarer in Japan, is an unassuming gem. Initially marketed as a luxury coupe, the Lexus SC eventually became the cheap alternative to the Mk4 Toyota Supra. With that said, the beauty of this car is, not in the ability to take modifications, but the fact it represents effortless, old-school luxury and classic Toyota dependability.  

Both engine options are designed to outlive you even if you aren't religiously following the maintenance intervals. Both the 2JZ-GE inline-six and 1UZ-FE V-8 engines are simple and robust, with the latter making up to 294 horsepower.  Both are non-interference engines, meaning timing belt failure would not be catastrophic. Early variants of both powertrains don't even have variable valve timing.  

About the Author: 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.