When did Lexus stop making the LS400?
The LS400 was discontinued after the 1994 model year.
The Lexus LS400 marked the automaker’s bold entry into the luxury sedan segment at the end of the 1980s. Built as the flagship of the early Lexus lineup, the first-generation LS400 ran from its introduction in 1989 (Japan) / 1990 (North America) until production ended in 1994. A direct successor did not arrive for several years, with Lexus eventually launching a new flagship generation several years later. This created a notable gap in the brand’s top-end lineup before the next generation appeared.
Timeline of the LS400
Key production milestones for the LS400 include the following:
- 1989: Lexus unveils the LS400 (code UCF10) in Japan as the brand’s new flagship sedan.
- 1990: The LS400 goes on sale in the United States as a 1990 model year vehicle.
- 1994: End of the first-generation LS400’s production run in most markets.
Notes for enthusiasts and market observers: after the first generation ended in 1994, Lexus did not introduce a direct LS400 replacement for several years. The brand would later launch a new flagship generation, the LS 430, starting with the 2000 model year, marking the next major chapter in the LS lineup.
Legacy and market context
Even though the LS400’s production ended in 1994, the model helped establish Lexus’s reputation for reliability and luxury at a high level. The next flagship generation would arrive later, with the LS 430 debuting in 2000, signaling the begin of a new era for Lexus’ luxury sedans.
Summary
In short, Lexus stopped making the LS400 after the 1994 model year, with the next major flagship generation not arriving until the LS 430 in 2000, leaving a several-year gap in the lineup.
