What was the first Lexus LS?

The first Lexus LS was the LS 400, launched by Lexus as the brand’s flagship sedan in 1989 for the 1990 model year; in Japan, the same car was marketed as the Toyota Celsior from 1989.

Origins and introduction

Key design principles

When Lexus set out to create a true luxury flagship, it aimed to rival Europe’s top sedans with an emphasis on craftsmanship, quietness, and long-term reliability. The LS 400 embodied these goals from its inception.

• First-generation flagship: LS 400 (1989 introduction in Japan as Celsior; 1990 model year rollout in the United States)


• Platform and power: rear-wheel-drive layout paired with a smooth V8 engine to maximize ride quality and refinement


• Engineering focus: emphasis on cabin quietness, ride comfort, and cutting-edge electronics for its era


• Naming convention: LS stands for Luxury Sedan, with the 400 indicating the 4.0-liter engine displacement in the initial model

These elements established the LS 400 as the cornerstone of Lexus’s early global strategy, signaling the brand’s commitment to luxury and reliability on a world stage.

Japan market and global rollout

Market branding and timing

The LS 400 debuted in Japan under the Toyota Celsior name, reflecting regional branding strategies, before launching globally as Lexus’s flagship sedan later that year.

• Japan nameplate: Toyota Celsior, introduced concurrently with its Lexus counterpart


• Global introduction: Lexus LS 400 launched in North America for the 1990 model year, cementing the brand’s presence outside Japan


• Powertrain and features: featured a 4.0-liter V8 and a focus on refined ride, comfort, and advanced technology for its time


• Production footprint: built at Toyota facilities with a push to deliver consistent quality across markets

The Celsior/LS 400’s worldwide rollout helped establish Lexus as a credible rival to established luxury brands, blending Japanese precision with global luxury expectations.

Legacy and significance

Impact on design and market positioning

As the inaugural model of the Lexus LS lineup, the LS 400 set standards for quiet cabins, smooth ride, and high-quality materials, shaping the brand’s flagship philosophy for years to come.

• Brand impact: defined the blueprint for Lexus’s approach to luxury, reliability, and dealer service


• Design language: introduced understated, refined exterior and interior styling that influenced later Lexus sedans


• Competitive stance: established Lexus as a serious competitor to Europe’s luxury sedans in the late 1980s and 1990s

The LS 400’s success laid the foundation for a continuous evolution of the flagship line, including subsequent generations that expanded in size, technology, and performance.

Summary

The first Lexus LS was the LS 400, introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year and marketed in Japan as the Toyota Celsior. It launched Lexus’s flagship line with a focus on luxury, quiet operation, and reliability, cementing the brand’s status on the global luxury stage and influencing the design and engineering of future generations.

When did Lexus start making the LS 400?

1989
In January 1989, the LS 400 made its debut as a 1990 model at the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, Michigan. Production began on 15 May 1989, with the first shipments leaving Japanese ports in late June 1989.

What was the first LS Lexus?

LS 400
The first Lexus, the flagship LS 400, was introduced in fall 1989, setting a new standard for luxury cars around the world. Since that historic launch, Lexus introduced the ES, SC, GS and IS. In the following years, Lexus introduced the LX, GX and RX Luxury Utility Vehicles.

What does LS stand for in LS 400?

LS stands for Luxury Sedan. The original LS 400 – the car that launched Lexus back in 1989 – was the work of 60 designers, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians and over 200 support workers. It was billed as the finest luxury car in the world by parent company Toyota as well as the motoring press.

What is the best year for a Lexus LS?

The best Lexus LS years are often cited as the second-generation (1995-2000) for its balance of reliability and ride comfort, the third-generation (2000-2006), particularly the LS 430, for its luxury features and refined V8, and the LS 460 (2008-2012) for its overall refinement and reliability. Specific years like 1998 (with VVT-i), 2004 (a refreshed LS 430), and the mid-2010s LS 460 models are frequently praised by owners.
 
Second generation (1995-2000) 

• 1995-1997: A highly reliable and comfortable car with a smooth V8 and excellent build quality. 
• 1998-2000: Received upgrades like VVT-i, a new five-speed automatic transmission, and available navigation. 

Third generation (2000-2006) 

• LS 430: Considered by many to be one of the best generations, particularly the 2004 facelift model. 
• Key features:
  • Robust 4.3L V8 engine. 
  • Meticulously crafted and opulent interior. 
  • Advanced technology like voice-controlled navigation. 
  • Some models featured air suspension and other luxury amenities. 

Fourth generation (2007-2017) 

• LS 460: Praised for its performance and luxury. 
• 2008-2012: Frequently highlighted as a sweet spot for reliability and refinement within this generation. 
• Early models (2007-2012): Note that some early models, especially the 2007, had some issues, though they improved with subsequent years. 
• Later models (2013-2017): Saw a facelift and technology updates. Be aware that the air suspension in these models can be costly to replace when it fails, so consider one without it or with a replacement history. 

Fifth generation (2018-present) 

• LS 500: The current generation introduced a twin-turbo V6 engine, which some drivers found to be less smooth than the V8s of earlier models.