How much was a Lexus LS 400 in 1997?
In 1997, a new Lexus LS 400 typically carried a base price in the low-to-mid $50,000 range, with options pushing the sticker toward the high end of the $60,000 spectrum.
The question refers to the sticker price for the 1997 model year in the United States. The LS 400 was Lexus’ flagship luxury sedan at the time, blending comfort with reliability, and buyers could equip it with a range of options that affected the final price. Here is a concise breakdown of the typical price points for the model year.
Price snapshot for the 1997 model year
Prices varied by market and trim level; the following figures reflect common U.S.-market configurations for widely sold models.
- Base MSRP in the United States: approximately $53,000, placing the LS 400 in the low-to-mid $50k range at launch.
- Popular options and packages: additions such as premium audio, leather seating, upgraded trim, and convenience features could add about $3,000 to $8,000 to the sticker price, depending on the combination.
- Fully loaded price: with a typical mix of options, the price could reach roughly $60,000 to $62,000 for a top-trim LS 400.
Note: These numbers reflect the domestic (U.S.) market and are approximate, as exact pricing varied by dealer, location, and availability of options.
Context and market position
In the late 1990s, the LS 400 competed with the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Infiniti Q45, and others in the premium-luxury segment. The price reflected Lexus’ positioning as a luxury brand emphasizing comfort, craftsmanship, and long-term reliability.
Inflation-adjusted perspective
Using consumer price index figures, a 1997 sticker price of about $53,000 would translate to roughly $95,000 to $110,000 in today’s dollars, depending on the exact year and index used for adjustment. This provides context for how the value of the car compares to contemporary luxury sedans.
Summary
The 1997 Lexus LS 400 carried an approximate base price in the low-to-mid $50,000 range, with common options pushing the total toward the upper $60,000s. Values varied by market and configuration, but the LS 400's price in 1997 positioned it squarely in the premium-luxury segment of the day.
