2000 Lexus LS 400: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's luxury-division flagship sedan closes out its second-generation design by adding a Brake Assist feature and rear child-seat anchors. A redesigned 2001 model, called the LS 430, is due later this fall with similar styling, but with a larger V8 and even more luxury features. The 2000 LS 400 continues with V8 power, 5-speed automatic transmission, seat-mounted front side airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, and Lexus's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) antiskid system that brakes individual wheels when needed in emergency maneuvers. Options again include power moonroof, heated front seats, premium Nakamichi audio, CD changer, high-intensity headlamps, electronic air suspension with rear self-leveling, and a satellite navigation system with in-dash screen. Also, new Platinum Series option packages add special trim inside and out and include a Lexus-paid American Express credit card for two years, the last a $600 value, according to Lexus.

COMPETITION

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.