1995-2000 Lexus LS 400 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Lexus LS. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Lexus LS.

1995-2000 Lexus LS 400 Review

Shortly after the 1995 model year began, a second generation LS 400 went on sale. Roomier than the 1990 to '94 edition, the new LS 400 also had more engine power as well as fresh styling. Wheelbase was stretched by 1.4 inches, to 112.2, but overall length stayed the same as 196.7 inches. Back-seat passengers gained 2.6 inches in leg room and trunk space grew by half a cubic foot, from 14.4 to 14.9. Still rear-wheel drive, the LS 400 kept its 4.0-liter V8 engine, but horsepower output rose from 250 to 260. Standard equipment included dual airbags and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes.

Year to Year Changes

1996 Lexus LS: Except for one new body color, nothing was new for the Lexus flagship sedan.

1997 Lexus LS: Side airbags were installed in front seatbacks of the LS 400 for '97.

1998 Lexus LS: LS 400's V8 gets variable-valve timing and an additional 30 horspower and pound-feet of torque. Also, the 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a 5-speed unit and an antiskid program called Vehicle Stability Control was added.

1999 Lexus LS: Lexus added daytime running lights, a wood-and-leather steering wheel and shift knob, and reverse-down outside mirrors to their flagship sedan for '99. A satellite-based in-car navigation system remained a costly option.

2000 Lexus LS: A new Brake Assist feature and rear child-seat anchors highlighted the 2000 changes, prior to redesigning of the Lexus flagship for 2001 (to be called LS 430).

1995-2000 Lexus LS 400 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Fuel economy

Acceleration	Cargo room

Ride	Price

Quietness

Passenger room

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Not only is this version of the LS 400 quicker and roomier than its predecessor, it's also quieter. In fact, it was one of the quietest cars on the market. Acceleration is outstanding and feels considerably stronger than before--perhaps a testament to the reduced weight as well as the moderate horsepower boost. As for gas mileage, we averaged 19.5 mpg on the required premium gasoline. Behaving with greater agility than before, the LS 400 suffers less body lean in turns, and enjoys good grip on the pavement. Steering feels much crisper, too. Though slightly firmer, the sedan's suspension is still gratifyingly supple and absorbent. A longer wheelbase means adults now get ample room to stretch their legs in the back seat. They even get space for their feet beneath the front seats. Head room is adequate all around, even with the optional power moonroof. Some controls have been simplified, even though the dashboard's appearance has not changed much.

Value for the Money
Impressive as the original LS 400 turned out to be, the latest rendition is even better. Workmanship? Simply excellent. Refinement? Exceptional. Expensive? Of course. Like many items of true quality, though, an LS 400 is well worth the price.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Lexus LS 400	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	9

Steering/Handling/Braking	5

Quietness	9

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	8

Room/Comfort (rear)	6

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	6

Total:	62

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1995-2000 Lexus LS 400 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Check-engine light: The check-engine light may come on because of a problem with the fuel vapor emissions system. (1995-00)

Dashboard lights: Due to a problem in the printed circuit, outside temperature reading may report -22F. Removing the fuse for 30 seconds should reset the system. (1995-96)

Engine misfire: Undercoating on the oxygen sensor may reduce its effectiveness and cause the check-engine light to glow. (1995-97)

Engine misfire: Rough engine performance above 40 mph can be remedied by replacing the engine-control computer, cruise-control module, and spark plugs. (1995)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$1,135

Alternator	$460

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,020

Brakes	$280

Exhaust System	$450

Radiator	$635

Shocks and/or Struts	$2,320

Timing Chain or Belt	$285

Universal Joints	$1,300

NHTSA Recall History

1995-97: Due to improper assembly of terminal for starter motor switch, short circuit can occur if electrically conductive liquid, such as road splash with deicing salt, enters the area.

1995-2000 Lexus LS 400 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1995
LS 400	$6,500-7,400	$5,700-6,500	$2,900-3,300

1996
LS 400	$7,600-8,500	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300

1997
LS 400	$9,000-10,000	$8,100-9,000	$4,700-5,200

1998
LS 400	$10,500-11,500	$9,500-10,400	$5,600-6,100

1999
LS 400	$12,200-13,500	$11,000-12,200	$6,800-7,600

2000
LS 400	$14,500-16,000	$13,200-14,600	$9,000-9,900

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1995-2000 Lexus LS 400 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	112.2

Overall Length, in.	196.7

Overall Width, in.	72.0

Overall Height, in.	56.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3650

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	22.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.8

Rear Head Room, in.	36.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

All LS 400 sedans had the same powertrain: a 4.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam V8 engine, developing 260 horsepower and driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. In 1998, Lexus added variable-valve timing to the V8, increasing horsepower and torque by 30. Also, a 5-speed manual transmission was made standard.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc V8	4.0 / 242	260-290	270-300	4-speed automatic: 19/26 5-speed automatic: 19/25	4-speed automatic: 19.5 5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1995-2000 Lexus LS 400 Review:

Lexus LS 400

Lexus LS 400 Road Test

Lexus LS 400 Reliability

Lexus LS 400 Prices

Lexus LS 400 Specs & Safety

Lexus LS 400 Photos

Lexus LS 400 Full Review