1998 Lexus LS 400 Review

Perfection

Written by: LoveLex on 08/07/2009

Vehicle

1998 Lexus LS 400 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I bought this car in 2008 with 100k miles on it. I traded a 2003 Saab 9-3 and at first was concerned with "stepping back." Not anymore, this car offers comfort, power and convenience that even the newest Saab's can't touch. Have driven the car from NC to Key West Florida twice with no problems. Recently had to have the drivers side door lock actuator replaced, but that is minor for an 11 year old car and the warranty that I purchased for the car covered that. My Saab spent more time in the shop than in my garage. I have spent a lot more time with Lexie. You will never regret owning this car even though it is 11 years old. Lexus Rocks!

Favorite Features

V8 engine, automatic sunroof and window opening with key from outside the car, standard sound system is great, comfort (especially on long trips), dual climate control and heated seats, automatic headlamps.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders only hold a small drink or a can and the trunk is not as big as you would expect from a car this size. Also wish there were folding rear seats. These are all minor though, and owning the car as it is is still worth it .

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1998 Lexus LS400

Written by: ChrstFltch on 05/27/2008

Vehicle

1998 Lexus LS 400 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

This is an excellent car. I purchased it used in 2003, and this was an excellent decision on my part. I will be purchasing a CLK 500 Mercedes next month (June 2008), I wanted something a little smaller. However, I refuse to get rid of this car, they could never give me enough to trade in my vehicle. The car still looks good inside and out (10 years old). I get so many stares. I guess I will need a bigger garage. This car rides smooth, and is extremely reliable. Since it is 10 years old, of course it requires routine maintenance,not too expensive. This is a fine machine, exceeds expectations!

Favorite Features

Interior, separate compartment for six CD changer, heated seats, and the comfort of the entire vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders in the front are not good at all. Most of the time, I use the back cupholder, so I can live with this.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best of the Best

Written by: greg hadden on 12/14/2007

Vehicle

1998 Lexus LS 400 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

Lexus makes the BEST cars period. The LS shows it all off and gets you there in style, comfort, with a bit of performance. You'll not have to worry about these cars as they are virtually indestructable with bulletproof engines and transmissions. This is the fourth LS I've owned, moving from a '92 to '94 to '96 and now the '98 which is far superior to the others in the options and styling that it offers. The Xenon HIDs and Nakamichi sound really make a difference. Buy this car, you won't be sorry.

Favorite Features

Xenon HID, Nakamichi sound system, wood shifter and steering wheel. Unbelievably quiet interior and soft, long wearing leather. Nice big sunroof opening, too.

Suggested Improvements

Lexus needs to come out with a retrofit for the cupholders, probably the worst design ever (as to the limited size)! Everything else about this car is perfect so I guess I'll just have to get over this detail.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The best car in Lexus and all others

Written by: Allen on 11/26/2007

Vehicle

1998 Lexus LS 400 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I bought the 98 LS 400 from Toyota at 110K for $11K in 2007. Tried many cars including MB and other Lexus. I would say this is a car beyond belief, 10 fold better I mean. Even compare to brand new RX, it still is on different level. I plan to buy another soon. No matter how you compare, comfort, quality and reliability, it all scores top of all cars. This car's body integrity is so good, you simply feel solid and can drive confidently.

Favorite Features

Body design is better looking than LS 430; I love the armrests on doors which are leather wrapped. All leather are top grades. Quiet, comfort, very nice wood trim, Even the key is well designed. It is that detail oriented!

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder too small, especially the driver side, looks very cheap. Newer version are much better. But the leather in LS 400 is better. Wish they have a wagon version, then I don't need to buy a larger car. RX is not that great. Interier material looks cheaper.

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From a Mustang GT to a Family Car

Written by: Ben Logan on 08/23/2007

Vehicle

1998 Lexus LS 400 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

The car is solid as a rock. It has never once coughed or buzzed or knocked. I feel very safe driving my family around in it. Switching from a Mustang GT stick, it took a while to get used to the delay in jumping off the line. If you want power immediately, or are doing an instant merge to freeway speeds, you better be power breaking it from the get go. It has plenty of power, even more than the GT, but that half second delay can get you if you aren't used to it. I am still finding cool features. It is luxury at its finest.

Favorite Features

Everyone loves to fall asleep in it. The driver's seat goes completely horizontal. The ride is silent and smooth.

Suggested Improvements

It is pretty generic looking overall, but most execs and mature guys aren't interested in getting attention with their car. The CD player went out on me, and changing out the stereo will kill the dash because the sound system is so integrated. I would suggest finding one with the Nakamichi.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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