1996-1997 Lexus LX 450: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

1997 Lexus LX 450
1997 Lexus LX 450
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1996-1997 Lexus LX 450

  • Price Range:  $6,800 - $8,800
CG Rating

45

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1996-1997 Lexus LX 450 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Cargo room
  • Antilock brakes
  • Passenger room

Cons

  • Entry/exit
  • Ride
  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Essentially a dressed-up version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Lexus rendition debuted early in 1996 to compete against the growing number of upscale sport-utility vehicles. Like the Land Cruiser, the LX 450 was a 4-door wagon with a 212-horsepower, 4.5-liter twin-cam 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, and permanently engaged 4-wheel drive. Dual airbags and antilock brakes were standard. According to Lexus, the LX 450 combined "luxury car convenience with superior on/off-road performance." Appearance differences from the Land Cruiser included the grille, headlamps, wheels, and exterior trim. Befitting its upscale target audience, the LX 450 also contained a softer suspension, standard leather upholstery, wood interior trim, automatic climate control, and a premium stereo system. Seating for seven was standard, including two front buckets, a 3-place bench in the middle, and two folding rear seats. Only three options were available: a power moonroof, CD changer, and locking differentials. Principal rivals included the Range Rover, Acura SLX (itself a dolled-up Isuzu Trooper), and top-line versions of the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Lexus LX 450 Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 45
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1996-1997 Lexus LX 450. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1996-1997 Lexus LX 450.

Year to Year Changes


1997 Lexus LX 450: Nothing changed much in the Lexus SUV's second season, which was destined to be its last. Lexus did not leave the sport-utility market, however. Instead, it redesigned the SUV for 1998, dropped in a different engine, and renamed it the LX 470. By 1997, another competitor had appeared: the Infiniti QX4, from Nissan's luxury division--a higher-level variant of the Pathfinder.

Our road test for the 1996-1997 Lexus LX 450 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-1997 Lexus LX 450 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-1997 Lexus LX 450 is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

As with Toyota's version, acceleration with the 6-cylinder engine is adequate, but fuel economy ranks as dismal. A test LX 450 averaged a miserable 11 mpg in a mix of city, suburban, and highway driving--markedly below the EPA rating. Although the softer suspension irons out road bumps better than the Land Cruiser can manage, this abundantly sized vehicle feels heavy, even ponderous. It doesn't even approach the cushy ride of a Lexus sedan, and definitely does not ease past every pavement imperfection. With more sound insulation than a Land Cruiser, the LX 450 suffers less road noise and feels more isolated from the outside world. The huge interior offers bountiful passenger and cargo room. Simulated wood trim and standard aromatic leather help give it a luxury feel. On the down side, getting in and out is a chore because the vehicle sits so high off the ground.
Value for the Money
When new, an LX 450 cost some $7000 more than its Toyota Land Cruiser counterpart. Quite a premium to pay for the prestige of the Lexus name and the more attentive service expected from a Lexus dealer. Secondhand prices don't differ quite so much.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Lexus LX 450 Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 45

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.
Our reliability study for this generation Lexus LX 450 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lexus LX 450 .

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.

Antenna: Problems with the radio-antenna ground connection corroding causes static, especially on AM stations.

Check-engine light: The check-engine light may come on because of a problem with the fuel vapor emissions system. (1996-97)

Dashboard lights: The check-engine light may come on indicating a problem with the evaporate-control system which is fixed by replacing several vacuum hoses. (1997)

Electrical problem: Using the wrong cigarette lighter or accessory plug can easily damage the socket.

Transmission noise: The automatic transmission makes a clattering noise when shifted into neutral or park from reverse requiring a special check-ball to be installed in the valve body. (1997)

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 $555
Alternator $340
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,025
Brakes $490
Constant Velocity Joints $1,305
Exhaust System $405
Radiator $610
Shocks and/or Struts $1,240
Timing Chain or Belt $475
Our price chart for this generation Lexus LX 450 details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
1997
LX 450 $8,700-9,800 $7,800-8,800 $4,500-5,100
1996
LX 450 $7,500-8,500 $6,800-7,700 $3,800-4,300
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.
Specs for this generation Lexus LX 450 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 112.2
Overall Length, in. 189.8
Overall Width, in. 76.0
Overall Height, in. 73.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 4971
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 90.9
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 25.1
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 40.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.7
Rear Head Room, in. 39.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 32.8

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

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powertrain was available: a 4.5-liter, dual-overhead-cam inline 6-cylinder engine rated at 212 horsepower, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I6 4.5 / 275 212 275 4-speed automatic: 13/15 4-speed automatic: 11

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lexus LX 450 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1996-1997 Lexus LX 450 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

: None

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