Lexus LS400 Review and BREAKDOWN

Toyota had enough of the big, bulky, and unreliable luxury cars in north America. They knew they could come into the luxury car market with something better and they did. The first model of the Lexus lineup, the Lexus LS400. It was more reliable than all its competitors, especially BMW and it was considered the Gold Standard of luxury cars for the time. That’s cool and all, but what does that mean in todays time? By the end of this article, I know you will want one because I am going to go over exactly why you should buy one of these legendary luxury cars because I will go over the history, its cool factor, difference between the series, why its still great in 2021, and its common issues and reliability break down and give you an overall review of this Lexus LS400 from 1989-2000!

Lexus LS400 History Review

It all started in 1983:  Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda started the F1 Project. The “Circle-F” Project or also called the “Flagship No.1 vehicle” project with a heart set to develop a world class luxury sedan for the international market. There was no budget nor did it have a time frame for completion. Using all unique parts to assemble this gem, it costed nearly 1billion converted in US dollars. Toyota set forth a venture to test to quality of their 450 vehicle prototypes and 900 engine prototypes in the winter climate, aired desert in Arizona and Australia and Saudi Arabia. In 85, the exterior models were shown to the management team with a sportier style and was changed to a more upright classic design to fit its market. Finally, finalizing the design in 1987 with UCF10 as its chassis code.

It Is Pretty Cool

Lexus LS400 Model Review

Debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model at the north American international Auto show in Detroit Michigan, equipped with a 4L 1UZ-FE V8 with 250HP and a 0-60mph in only 8.3 seconds, which was pretty good for the time and beat its BMW and Mercedes competition. They had pure intentions to wipe out the BMW 735i and the Mercedes 420SE W126 for the time. The LS had a quieter cabin, a higher top speed, weighed less and it had better gas mileage with its 18-23MPG.

The difference between the series

The LS400 had basically 2 series.

Series 1 or MKI,

which was the debuted model in 1989  which offered many progressive features like an electric tilt and telescoping steering wheel, SRS airbags, power adjustable seatbelts,  electro chromic rear view mirror, electric gauge cluster with unique visual effects, air suspension, a phone if you opted in for one, premium sound system and sat 5 passengers.

Series 1a or MKII

in 1992, which received nearly 50 revisions, MORE safety and refrigerant that was better for the environment.

Series 2 or MKIII

in 1994, which received a longer wheelbase and an upgraded engine with 260hp, dual zone climate, and it was a bit more aerodynamic.

Finally, Series 2a or MKIV

in 1997, which received a 5-speed transmission compared to its 4 speed it previously had, so that means its faster. And guess what, it received more fast bits with 290 HP with a variable timing system and it increased the MPG to 19/25MPG. And, once again, it had more styling updates.

The end of the LS400 was in 2000, because Lexus revealed its LS430 in 2000.

I did not write up about all the odds and ins because if I did, we would be here for a long time.

Still Great In 2021

(Quick Review of its ability to keep up in 2021)

The LS400 is quite competitive and even up to today’s standards. For instance, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra has a 6.9 second 0-60. The 1998 LS400 has a 6.3 second 0-60 due to its 5-speed transmission. All you must do is upgrade the radio and you will have something nicer, cheaper, and more reliable compared to the Elantra. Of course, the Elantra has much better gas mileage, but that is just the tradeoff.

Speaking of its reliability, if you do not know already, this car is known as the million-mile Lexus. That is to the moon and back 2 times. Guess what, that is with typical maintenance and the OEM powertrain. Knowing Elan Musk, he is probably already trying to use the 1uzs engineering to have a car fly to the moon and back.

The Potential Is endless

The potential for this car is nearly endless. Like stated before, you could modify this car to meet all your needs. The possibilities really are endless: If you want to drift it, you can. Do you want to get stuck on speed bumps, you can. If you want to drag race the car, you can do that too. Or simply keep it stock and allow the miles to stack on top of each other.

Buts, lets just say you want to modify it:

You know, because the 2jz is becoming way to expensive and that sound will keep me up at night with excitement.

The early model was so over engineered that they started to install weaker rods and pistons over the years.  So, the early 1uz is a bit more desired if you want capability and reliability out of the box.

There have been several people slapping turbos on their pre 1995 1uzs with stock bottom ends and receiving 800hp. Sure, how long will that last? I do not know, buts it has been and is still being done. If they can do it, you can too.

You can really build your LS400 to be a sleeper. Even post 94, the weaker rods and internals should still be able to handle around 500hp.

Common Issues and Reliability Breakdown

Alright, so we talked about the good, now let us go over the common issues that usually happen with the LS400s.

So, here are somethings you need to look out for:

Timing belt should be replaced every 60-100k miles, you will need to basically take apart the entire front of the engine. This is a part of typical maintenance.

While you do that, go ahead, and replace the water pump because those commonly fail at high miles.

The Power steering pump commonly leaks on the early cars. Replacing the pump is not very hard or you could rebuild it with new gaskets.

Tranny and engine mounts go out, as expected with any high mile car.

LCD displays can fail in the mirror and the climate controls. OEM replacement is expensive so there are aftermarket parts to fix this issue.

And the air suspension is pricey to repair. You can fit some stock suspension in if you would rather not pay that pretty bill.

The Lexus LS400 is awesome. The 1uz is awesome. The potential is there, and the price is there as well because you can find them under 3k all day for a running and driving example.

This is the start of 2021 and I have much hope for this year.

I preach inclusivity and equality, so let us help and lend a handout to a fellow neighbor on different projects, no matter their gender, color, background or even the color of their hair.

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