Why was the Lexus LS 400 so good?
The Lexus LS 400, introduced in 1989, is often regarded as a groundbreaking luxury sedan that redefined the automotive industry. With its exceptional engineering, attention to detail, and competitive pricing, the LS 400 set a new standard for what a luxury car could be. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons why the Lexus LS 400 was so highly praised and continues to be remembered as one of the best luxury sedans ever made.
1. Unmatched Build Quality
The Lexus LS 400 was meticulously engineered to deliver a level of quality that rivaled, and in some cases surpassed, established luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, invested heavily in research and development to ensure the LS 400 was flawless. The result was a car that felt solid, refined, and durable, with tight panel gaps and premium materials throughout the interior.
2. Revolutionary V8 Engine
At the heart of the LS 400 was its 4.0-liter V8 engine, known as the 1UZ-FE. This engine was a masterpiece of engineering, offering a perfect balance of power, smoothness, and reliability. It produced 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which allowed the LS 400 to accelerate effortlessly while maintaining a whisper-quiet cabin. The engine was also designed to last, with many examples still running strong today.
3. Exceptional Ride Comfort
The LS 400 was designed with comfort as a top priority. Its suspension system was tuned to provide a smooth and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease. The cabin was insulated to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), creating a serene environment for passengers. This focus on comfort made the LS 400 a favorite among long-distance drivers and luxury car enthusiasts alike.
4. Advanced Features for Its Time
The Lexus LS 400 came equipped with a host of advanced features that were cutting-edge in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These included:
- Automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable leather seats
- A premium sound system
- Keyless entry
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
These features, combined with the car’s overall refinement, made the LS 400 feel like a true luxury vehicle.
5. Competitive Pricing
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Lexus LS 400 was its pricing. Despite offering a level of quality and performance comparable to its German rivals, the LS 400 was significantly more affordable. This aggressive pricing strategy helped Lexus establish itself as a serious contender in the luxury car market and attracted a loyal customer base.
6. Legendary Reliability
Reliability has always been a hallmark of Toyota vehicles, and the Lexus LS 400 was no exception. Owners quickly discovered that the LS 400 required minimal maintenance and could easily rack up hundreds of thousands of miles without major issues. This reputation for reliability further solidified the LS 400’s status as a game-changing luxury sedan.
Conclusion
The Lexus LS 400 was a revolutionary vehicle that combined luxury, performance, and reliability in a way that had never been seen before. Its unmatched build quality, smooth V8 engine, exceptional comfort, advanced features, competitive pricing, and legendary reliability made it a standout in the automotive world. Even today, the LS 400 is celebrated as a benchmark for luxury sedans and a testament to Lexus’s commitment to excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most luxurious Lexus?
The Lexus LS – The ultimate luxury sedan car
The 2023 LS has taken things a step further with a bold new design and a state-of-the-art Advanced Drive System. A bespoke suspension system guarantees a smoother, more responsive ride and pin-sharp handling even on the most demanding mountain roads.
Are old Lexus LS400 reliable?
Super Reliable Runs Forever
For a car, the LS400 is hard to beat and worth every penny for the amount you get in return. Can't believe they last 20 years and still look new. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 5.0.
Will LS400 be a classic?
However, the original LS400 which started it all, in this writer's opinion, will go down in history as a proper luxury classic. Back in the early eighties, Toyota was not thought of as being on the same planet in terms of luxury when compared to BMW, Mercedes, and Jaguar.
What is the most reliable Lexus car of all time?
Top 10 Most Dependable Lexus Models
- Lexus LX 470.
- Lexus LS 400.
- Lexus IS 300.
- Lexus LC 500.
- Lexus LS.
- Lexus IS.
- Lexus ES.
- Lexus GX. Like its larger counterpart, the Lexus LX, the Lexus GX was designed by starting with a strong, reliable base and adding luxury features like knee airbags and Adaptive Variable Suspension.
What makes the LS engine so good?
Bottom line, the LS engine is compact, lightweight and very strong. Best of all, specialists like us who know it inside and out can extract a lot more power while keeping it reliable.
What is the life expectancy of a Lexus LS 400?
You can keep virtually any car running if you are willing to pay. Having said that I think the "Economic" life of a LS400 is somewhere around 250-300K miles. But there is a well publicised article of an LS400 with >500K on it. It's all in the maintenance.
How long do Lexus LS engines last?
The LS460 is overall quite bulletproof. I've seen the 4.6 V8 last as much as 500K miles without issue, so long as the proper maintenance has been done throughout its life. You should not run into anything that's hard to eliminate, it's going to be the standard fluid maintenance, brake, and suspension wear and tear.
Was the Lexus LS 400 a luxury car?
In March 1990, the LS 400 was awarded the "Best Luxury Car" title in Motor Week's Drivers' Choice Awards.
What makes the LS400 so good?
Especially one built by an auto manufacturer known for reliability, like Lexus. The second-gen LS400 benefits from the 1UZ-FE V8 engine. This powertrain is known for being able to achieve extremely high mileage and remain reliable while doing so. The power output is around 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
Can a Lexus last 500000 miles?
Should you purchase them? Since the Lexus LX can last up to 500,000 miles, it's safe to invest in one with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer. However, we do recommend being cautious and taking it for a test drive or to a mechanic beforehand to avoid any surprises during your time as an owner.
