Lexus LS 400: model review and owner reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Lexus LS 400 is a car that was developed by the Japanese back in the mid-80s. True, it was released only in 1989. Before that, for four years, the project was improved and tested. The car has been a success. She stood in a row with premium sedans, which were produced by BMW and Mercedes-Benz. So what are the features of this machine?

Idea

Lexus LS 400 appeared at the same time as the Lexus brand itself. In general, this event has a very interesting history. It all started with the fact that in 1983, the specialists of the Toyota concern decided to conduct some research. They wanted to find out which cars are most liked and, accordingly, bought by Americans. It turned out that many US residents, regardless of patriotism, would like to own an executive class sedan. It was these cars that were then produced by the Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac concerns. Therefore, the leadership of Toyota decided that it was time to create a new brand. This is how Lexus was born. The name was chosen to be associated with the wordluxury.

In 1989, the Lexus LS 400 was introduced to the world. The car was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. It is safe to say that the success was overwhelming. During the first year, 64,000 copies of the model were sold. And in 1990, deliveries of cars to Europe began.

Design Features

It should be noted that the Lexus was offered exclusively in the sedan. For all the time of production, the model was twice restyled. For the first time - in 1993. The second time was in 1999. At the same time, the latest restyling brought more changes to the appearance of the car. The car lost oblong orange "turn signals". They were replaced by fog lights.

By the way, outwardly, the Lexus LS 400, the photo of which is presented above, in profile looks like a Mercedes, made in the back of the W140 and W126. And this is no accident. After all, the designers did their best to make the appearance of the Japanese novelty as "European" as possible. And from whom could they take an example, if not from the most successful manufacturer of business sedans? By the way, if you take a closer look at the models of recent years, you can see 10 parking sensors.

Interior

What can you say about the interior of the Lexus LS 400? The first thing to note is the wide doors. They were made as such to facilitate landing. Looking at the chairs, we can say with certainty that this model is focused on the US market. The seats do not have pronounced lateral support. But on the other hand, they are equipped with memory settings, like mirrors and a steering wheel. An interesting feature: as soon as a person removes the key from the lockignition, the steering wheel moves slightly in and out, making it easier for the driver to get off.

It is worth noting that the model was offered with only one level of equipment. However, it has everything that can be useful. In addition, it was possible to order, perhaps, a sunroof and air conditioning for the rear passengers. So to speak, a separate climate control.

Another of the features can be noted that the parking brake is activated by a foot lever, not a manual one. The developers decided to stop at this option, because they wanted to create a model that the Americans would like.

In 1998, four airbags and a Pioner music system were added to the basic equipment. Although, if a potential buyer had a desire, the model was completed with another, better one - Nakamichi.

Specifications

For the very first Lexus in history, only one engine option was offered. But he was worthy of the highest praise. After all, it was a gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine with a volume of 4 liters! And he produced 235 horsepower. It is worth recalling that the production of the model started in the late 80s. So a lot of people were impressed with the Lexus LS 400 at the time. The specs for the time were really impressive.

Thanks to this engine, the car accelerated to "hundreds" in 7.9 seconds. Its top speed was 241 km/h. True, in 1993 it was decided to improve the motor. Power was brought up to 265 hp. s., aacceleration reduced to 7.5 s.

In 1998, the engine was improved for the third and last time. After this upgrade, the engine began to produce 294 hp. With. And a Lexus with this engine under the hood could reach 100 km / h in just 6.9 seconds. Interestingly, the power units were also equipped with hydraulic lifters.

Operation and reviews of motorists

What do people who own a car as rare as the Lexus LS 400 say? Owner reviews are mostly positive. The main thing is to follow certain rules regarding car care, and then it will last as long as it has already existed.

People say that spark plugs should be changed every 20,000 kilometers. It is enough to install a new timing belt together with rollers every 100,000 km. The operation, together with spare parts, will cost approximately $300.

It is recommended to pay special attention to the coolant. You have to make sure it is always clean. Otherwise, the pump will quickly fail. Replacement will cost a lot of money. In general, almost all the details - whether it be the lowered springs of the Lexus LS 400 or the pump - cost enough. The car is rare, especially in Russia, therefore it is better to monitor its condition than to look for spare parts later.

Checkpoint of the model is reliable. Every 40,000 kilometers it is necessary to change the oil in them. And in the rear axle gearbox - too. By the way, it was said above about the springs. It's about the suspension. If a person has a car with a spring design - well, it is veryreliable, unlike pneumatic, which began to be equipped with models since 1997.

Wheel bearings, shock absorbers, stabilizer struts, tie rods and rack - all this takes care of 200,000 kilometers. But the brake pads need to be replaced with new ones every 40,000 km. What about discs? New ones need to be bought after 120 thousand kilometers.

Cost

Many people would like to own such a legendary car. And there is an opportunity, since there are advertisements for the sale of the very first Lexus. The main thing is that the car itself is in a well-groomed condition. It is quite possible to find a car for about 300 thousand rubles. For this price, you can get a mid-90s model with a 4-liter 196-horsepower engine, and even with an optional sunroof. There are, of course, more expensive versions. And there are cheaper ones too. In general, the most important thing is to check the car for quality and grooming before buying. This can be done at any service station.