How fast is a 2000 Lexus LS400?

In brief, a 2000 Lexus LS400 with its 4.0-liter V8 delivers about 290 horsepower and roughly 300 lb-ft of torque, allowing 0–60 mph times in the low-to-mid 7-second range and a governed top speed near 149 mph.

Performance snapshot

The following figures summarize the LS400’s baseline performance for typical road conditions and factory specifications.

• Engine and power: 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE) producing about 290 SAE net horsepower, with torque around 300 lb-ft (approximately 406 Nm).


• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a traditional four-speed automatic transmission and overdrive.


• Acceleration: 0–60 mph typically reported in the 7.2–7.8 second range, depending on tires, condition, and testing method.


• Top speed: Electronically limited to about 149 mph (240 km/h) in many markets; actual top speed can vary with tires and wear.

These performance figures provide a baseline for a well-maintained, stock LS400. Real-world results can vary based on maintenance, tire choice, weather, and vehicle condition.

Technical specifications and real-world factors

Engine, transmission, and drive characteristics

The 2000 LS400 uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE) paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is engineered for smooth, confident highway acceleration and refined, quiet in-cabin operation rather than outright track-focused performance.

What affects real-world speed and acceleration

Several factors influence actual 0–60 and top speed in a real-world LS400, beyond the factory numbers. The most impactful include:

• Engine health and maintenance (timing belt/chain, spark plugs, fuel system, and compression).


• Tire type, condition, and inflation pressure; wider or stickier tires can alter grip and acceleration.


• Vehicle weight from options, passengers, and cargo; aftermarket accessories can affect performance.


• Altitude, ambient temperature, and air density, which influence power delivery and cooling.


• Transmission condition and fluid health, which affect shifting feel and responsiveness.

With proper maintenance and optimal tires, the LS400 will align with the general performance range cited above; deviations are common in aging vehicles or when worn components are present.

Real-world driving expectations

In daily use, the LS400 prioritizes smoothness and luxury over aggressive acceleration. For highway merging and confident passing, the 1UZ-FE V8 delivers steady torque across a broad rpm band, supporting steady highway cruising and comfortable acceleration rather than sprint-length performance. Braking, steering feel, and ride quality remain strong suits for the era, contributing to an overall refined driving experience rather than a sport-oriented profile.

Summary

The 2000 Lexus LS400 sits in the luxury-sedan camp with a refined 4.0-liter V8 that produces around 290 hp and roughly 300 lb-ft of torque. Expect 0–60 mph times in the 7.2–7.8 second range and a governed top speed near 149 mph. Real-world results depend on maintenance, tires, and vehicle condition, but the LS400 is designed for smooth, comfortable, long-distance performance rather than rapid acceleration. In short, it delivers dignified, luxury-level speed appropriate to its class.

What is the top speed of the 2000 LS400?

The top speed of a 2000 Lexus LS 400 is 155 mph (250 km/h). This is the electronically limited top speed, a common feature in many vehicles to prevent them from exceeding certain speeds. 
You can watch this video to see a 2000 Lexus LS400 driving on the highway and a test of its performance: 57sIntechdude300YouTube · Mar 2, 2018

• Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)
• Limitation: This speed is electronically limited
• 0-60 mph time: Approximately 8.5 seconds 

This video shows a 1995 Lexus LS400 performing a 0-60 test: 57sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Mar 22, 2024

Is the Lexus LS400 fast?

Yes, the LS 400 is fast enough to be considered a performance luxury car, but its speed depends on the model year, with later models being quicker. The original models were fast for their time, with a top speed of around 155155155 mph, while later models with more horsepower (like the 2000 model) could do 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in 6.46.46.4 seconds.
 
This video demonstrates the acceleration of a 1995 Lexus LS400: 53sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Mar 22, 2024
Early models (1989-1994)

• Horsepower: Approximately 250250250 horsepower.
• 0−600 minus 600−60 mph: Around 7.87.87.8 seconds.
• Top speed: Approximately 155155155 mph. 

Later models (1998-2000)

• Horsepower: Around 290290290 horsepower.
• 0−600 minus 600−60 mph: As quick as 6.46.46.4 seconds.
• Top speed: Over 155155155 mph. 

What makes it fast?

• Engine: The LS 400 uses a 4.04.04.0-liter V8 engine that provides strong acceleration and is known for being smooth and reliable. 
• Aerodynamics: The car has a low drag coefficient, which allows it to achieve high speeds with less effort. 
• Weight: It has a relatively light curb weight for a luxury car, which helps with acceleration. 

Overall, the Lexus LS 400 is a fast car for its time and still feels quick today. While not a sports car, its acceleration is sufficient for merging with traffic or passing other vehicles on the highway.

What makes the LS400 so special?

LS400. So what made it. Great. It all starts with the original petrol V8 dual overhead cam. And just smooth as butter to drive it was made to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Is the 2000 Lexus LS400 reliable?

The 2000 Lexus LS400 is considered a very reliable car, but not without its potential issues, especially with its age. Its mechanical and powertrain components are known for durability, with many owners reporting high mileage without major engine or transmission problems. However, common problems that can be costly to fix include failures in electronic components like the ECU and instrument cluster due to aging capacitors, starter and power steering pump issues, and cracks in the EGR pipe.
 
This video explains the pros and cons of owning a Lexus LS400: 59sCar Adventures With RegYouTube · Feb 25, 2024
Strengths

• Durable powertrain: The 4.0L V8 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission are generally very reliable, especially with proper maintenance. 
• High mileage potential: It is common for these cars to reach and surpass 300,000 miles. 
• Overengineered design: The car was built with a large budget, resulting in high-quality materials and construction. 
• Comfort and quietness: It is a comfortable and quiet highway cruiser. 

Potential weaknesses

• Electronic failures: Age-related failures in electronics like the ECU (Engine Control Unit), instrument cluster backlighting, and radio/HVAC controls are common, often caused by failing capacitors or transistors. 
• Labor-intensive repairs: Some components, like the starter, are buried under the intake manifold, making them difficult and expensive to replace. 
• Power steering issues: The power steering pump can fail and leak onto the alternator, potentially causing damage. 
• EGR pipe cracking: The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) pipe is prone to cracking and is difficult to access for replacement. 
• Maintenance and suspension: While mechanicals are durable, components like the power steering pump, starter, and suspension parts can wear out due to age and are costly to replace. 

This video explains why the Lexus LS400 is considered overrated: 57sRatchets And WrenchesYouTube · Sep 10, 2023