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Used 1993 Lexus LS 400 Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
42 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1993 LS 400, so we've included reviews for other years of the LS 400 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Awesome car

tjh1, 02/02/2010
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
19 of 19 people found this review helpful

It is now 2010, I've had this car for 11 years and have found it to be a wonderful car for a 17 year old car. I get compliments that the body style doesn't show that it's that old. The ride is still incredible with good tires. The comfort is superb. Reliability is excellent. In the years I have had it, there are a couple of known issues. One, is the dash electronics start turning off on cold days. This is caused by some degraded components (half dozen capacitors) in the dash PCB which can be replaced by folks who do this on ebay, or you can do it yourself(as I did). Took 4 hours total. Overall, this car has been very reliable at 200K miles for me. The engine/tranny is very strong.

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4 out of 5 stars

Superb Mediocre Car!

Colin Kellogg, 01/07/2016
updated 07/13/2020
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

It was Toyota's finest effort. It cannot handle or stop like a BMW or Mercedes, but they did manage to run away from the Germans with true ingrained quality of manufacture. This Lexus has given me 100,000 miles of totally reliable driving, the engine is a dream, smooth, free-revving, outstanding fuel economy of 24-28 mpg (if other reviewers are complaining about fuel economy, try changing the o2 sensors), the transmission is smooth and capable (though it does not hold the gear you're in if you get off the gas quickly like the fully-hydraulic transmission in my Mercedes manages to figure out), and the overall experience of this car has held constant, from 77,000 miles to 180,000 miles. Leather is intact. Carpeting is plush. Engine is silky smooth. Nakamichi stereo is simple and competent. My favorite doodad is that electro-flourescent instrument panel. Yes the speedometer needle went dark, yes the dealer wanted $1,200.00 to repair, yes, I fixed it for $15.89 (a bottle of window defogger repair paint tp establish an electrically continuous line on the backside of the needle). I love Toyota's real effort with this car. I do not like new Lexus Bloat Barges . . . update: July 10, 2017 - gave reviewed car to brother. Then had crippling Seller's Remorse. So, I bought an identical 1991 Lexus LS 400 with only 57,000 miles that is utterly perfectly fresh (still smells new in the trunk). Set for life. 07/11/20 The 1991 now has 88,800 miles. Nothing has broken, no top-off of any fluids, drives like a dream ...

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Classy design and dependable car.

Tadashi Davis, 07/09/2010
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
11 of 12 people found this review helpful

After reading the reviews on the Lexus LS400, we found one with 97K miles in good condition. The car run smoother than many new vehicle I have driven! The car if maintained well is very dependable and will last for 300k miles I am sure. I will say this: if you are buying a used one especially the 1992, make sure the timing belt service has been done to it (think it is the 60K or 100K service) it is pretty pricey. I have had it since Feb 10 and it looks brand new. The cars lines are ahead of its time, straight and classy. The interior it nice and comfortable, The factory sound system is very nice. I do suggest tinting the windows cause the leather gets hot during the summer.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Bargain

ergo, 04/24/2006
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Bought as a one owner vehicle with low mileage. Runs GREAT!!!! Far superior to many new cars today. The interior is like new and that IS NOT AN exaggeration by any stretch. For the price of a used one you can get a far inferior vehicle. Quiet drive, great sound system (Nakamichi), and a smooth ride. Great touring vehicle. They are doing fine with the LS 430 and later models LS 400's. Go 98 and above if you can afford it but for a great bargain go old school.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Simply the best!

Lexus Fan Forever, 05/29/2006
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

After renting 20 new cars in 2005 I have to say the 1993 LS 400 beats them all. The quality, durability, feel and beauty of this luxury car will change one forever. Each day I drive and feel great in this wonderful car. If you take the time and ask people how do you like your car you may hear it's good, it's fast or I like it. Ask a LS 400/430 owner and you will hear, "I love it!" Daily I get compliments on this 13 year old car. The fact is one can add wheels and few other extras and this car is a dream for any 20 year old. Drive it stock at it's a dream for any corporate executive. I LOVE MY LEXUS!

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5 out of 5 stars

My Best Buy Ever

Dan McCurdy, 01/13/2008
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Purchased this Lexus in September 2004, initially concerned about higher mileage, but after 3 1/2 years of superb performance and driving comfort, I plan to drive this exceptional vehicle until the wheels come off of one of us. Never had a better vehicle in my life, no major repairs, no cash outlay except for the Premium gas. Well worth it for what I've received in return, what a wonderful investment and dependable to the nth degree.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Supreme Quality

Melody, 03/13/2002
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

This vehicle has been the most reliable of the 20 cars that I have owned. Along with reliability comes comfort, luxury and a the little extras that no other car manufacturer can touch yet. When comparing with Mercedes, BMW and Porsche, Lexus as a whole package has them beat by far. The car is fully loaded, handles well, very comfortable, and very reliable. You will get plenty of room in this car, trunk included.

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5 out of 5 stars

Is it Sick to Love a Car?

Edric K., 07/14/2017
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I saw Toyota's VCR-tapes of the Celsior's tortured development in 1989 and wanted it for its soul, not its looks. It's the best way to consider a Toyota product. It arrived as a "The LS", and my birthday gift from me to me was a good price on the last '92 at Lexus of Oakland... and driving home, I said-to-ME "I HOPE this is the last car I ever have to buy". I was 49. That was TWENTY-FIVE YEARS ago. It's cost me normal care & feeding, a "surprise" alternator and starter, and a new windshield from a rock-hit. Sure, some of its more gee-whiz features have faded, but then, so have MINE. When I see what $37,000 buys "new" NOWADAYS? To ride on a sled of Lithion-ion BATTERIES? Are you CRAZY?

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Good Choice

JHenry, 01/29/2010
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Purchased in 2001 with 87,000 miles for $12,500 in spring of '01. Should have waited a few months - I would have learned that AC did not work. Never bothered to fix the AC, but shelled out around $5,000 over the last 9 years for brakes, front end parts, water pump, timing belt and power steering pump. Engine and tranny have never been a problem. Love the smooth ride and premier sound system. I believe the vehicle would match up very well against a Caddie or Lincoln of the same year. It's going up for sale soon and for $1,000 someone will get a darn good used car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Review

Newgirl35, 09/02/2008
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

My husband bought this car for me to have something to drive other than my SUV. It purrs like a kitten. I figured the high miles would impact the performance of this vehicle, but it runs like a dream. I love it.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Maybe I just lucked out?

DrPhil_Fan, 01/16/2010
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car for next to nothing with 160k miles on it. The exterior has a few minor dings, chips and scrapes, but the paint is still glossy and, while a late model, the design still feels modern. The interior is worn, but clean and comfortable. This car was made in 1992 and other than the power antenna (doesn't extend, I disconnected myself), and the dead LCD display for the climate/clock (a known flaw) all of the accessories function as they should. This is a great thing because this car is absolutely loaded. Way ahead of its time. In the 1.5 years I have owned this car, I've put <$500 of maintenance toward it. Doesn't get great mileage, but hey, V8. HELLO! 20 on the HWY.

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5 out of 5 stars

Lexus

eicu-rn, 01/04/2009
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This car is superb 1993 LS 400. It is now (age) sweet 16 and still is better than most new cars out there. I can't get rid of it because she performs flawlessly on a daily basis. I had the timing belt and water pump replaced.. that's it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Nice long term vehicle

BigJake, 07/03/2008
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought with 48,000mi. Now have 148,500. I was going to trade for a more fuel-efficient, but tried using regular instead of premium gas. Still gets 20-21 in town and 25-26 on the hwy and hasn't given me any trouble running regular. I've replaced timing belt, ac compressor/condenser, and it still runs great.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

lovemylexus

Insuranceguy, 05/29/2002
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have 164,000 on it and it still rides great. The drivers seat is not as comfortable as I would like and it would be great to be able to lower it some for extra headroom but it is terrific in every other way. Reliability has been awesome for a luxury car. There is a lot left in this car and you can't say that about any American luxury cars. Caddy's and Lincoln's are unreliable and expensive to keep by 100k so forget about them. buy one and see for yourself. Don't let the mileage slow you down!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

1992 LS400

shaun112, 01/31/2004
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

An all around great car. The Interior is spactular. My favorite feature is the padded leather on the doors.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Lexus Quality

Quality convinced, 03/25/2004
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Car has over 100K miles and drives and looks new. Quality is unmatched. Great used car value!! Best Car I have owned.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Reliability

Sv7887, 03/16/2003
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I own both the Original LS400 and the new LS430. The LS400 is bulletproof in reliability. (In many ways the Build quality is better than the new one) Great performance and no issues so far other than scheduled maintenance. Look out for cars beyond 90K. It is essential the timing belt and water pump be changed by then. Other than that it's a car worth buying provided it has been properly taken care of.

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5 out of 5 stars

Smooth as Butter

Rahmo242, 08/15/2007
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought it off eBay. Drove from Akron Ohio to West Palm Beach. It's a dream to drive on the interstate with plenty of power, plus 25 mpg. Not bad at all.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Value

Dennis Swanso, 05/20/2007
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought a 93 LS 400 used with 40,000 miles. It now has 318,000 miles. Unfortunately, last week I hit a deer, so technically the car is totaled, even though it is very driveable. No work other than scheduled maint on drive train! Still has original complete exhaust system - no new tailpipe, muffler, etc. Had I not hit a deer, I expected to clear 400,000 in a few years! Fantastic car!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

JAS037, 05/24/2003
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My LS400 now has 73k miles, and feels like new. I purchased it 3 years ago with 39K, and have enjoyed the "Ride". The build quality is second to none. Repairs can be expensive, if they are needed, as Lexus parts are not cheap. My only repair has been the replacement of one "air" suspension strut. I plan to keep this one for a long time...

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5 out of 5 stars

The best car I've ever driven/owned

Extatic owner, 06/18/2003
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Before getting my car, I remember seeing the TV commercials where they stacked champagne glasses on the hood & rev up the engine to demonstrate the smoothness & quietness of the car. I recall thinking to myself "How can that be possible?". Well... I found out very quickly. Not only the smoothest car I've ever driven, but the most reliable, trouble-free car I've ever owned. Even though it's 10 yrs old, I will not replace it until I can do so with a newer 400 or 430 model!

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5 out of 5 stars

No Clunker!

Bill, 08/10/2009
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great car and a real workhorse. Nothing made can compare to the all around utility of the LS. No rattles, great ride, good MPG, and great paint.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful car...to a point.

jsweb, 10/15/2003
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Two weeks after I bought the car, the A/C went out ($4500). After a few months, it sprung a leak in the rear main seal ($400), the master switch for doors and windows went out ($400), the wheels were already replaced when I got it, the passenger door lock broke ($400), the driver's side handle broke the sheet metal ($300), the cooling reservoir sprung a leak ($200), it sprung an exhaust leak ($800), the starter is going out ($1000) and the power steering ECU went out ($400). All this within two years. On the bright side of a pretty miserable investment, the car has nearly 190,000 miles on it now and still runs like new.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Good news

Lexus, 08/17/2005
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Absolutely the easiest vehicle to drive; great on the highway: superb, safe acceleration when passing and in difficult situations. Zero road noise - less than my RX330. More comfortable than comparable vehicles. Wonderful Nakamichi sound system.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best on the road

Bestusedcar, 03/04/2003
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought the LS 400 with 89000 miles on it. Best used car I have ever bought. It now has 122000 and runs like new. Great car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Best in class

dzempel, 11/18/2002
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

After researching used vehicles for the last year, I could not help but be awed by the reliability, safety, and standard features that I found in the LS400. Price was the biggest issue to overcome, but after purchasing I have no regrets. Well worth the $.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

93 LEXUS LS400

tstat, 07/20/2002
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

PURCHASED A DEALER CERTIFIED CAR WITH ABOUT 12K & 2 YEARS OLD. HAD EVERY FACTORY OPTION. IT HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL PURCHASE. OTHER THAN HAVING TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT A LITTLE EARLY (50K mi) DUE TO A LEAKING WATER PUMP, THE CAR HAS PERFORMED PERFECTLLY. IT IS SENSITIVE TO BRAND OF TIRES, i.e. ROAD NOISE. WITH THE RIGHT TIRES, IT IS STILL VIRTUALLY SILENT WHEN ON THE ROAD.

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5 out of 5 stars

Ultimate luxury car

lexnit, 09/12/2007
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Purchased my 93 LS 400 back in June of 07 from the 2nd owner with 167000. Since the I've made it to 174000 and the car hasn't ever had a problem! It's an amazing ride and car all around to pass up on the used car market. They are smooth, extremely quiet, peppy, fast, economical engines and have great class still today! I will continue to buy them!!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Do not buy

300dturbo, 07/17/2009
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 9 people found this review helpful

Car will blow heater core, overheat, and leak antifreeze 94% of the time in these cars. You will have to buy new heater core for around $350 and then pay a mechanic 8 hours of labor $1000 to take out dashboard and replace it. Moon roof vents constantly get clogged and it will pour heavy rain inside car. Temp control unit LCD display is always broken, so are the nighttime bulbs, horrible gas mileage 9-14 city for a 4.0 liter v8 with 200 horses, air suspension on thee cars are comfy but will not last more than 50,000 miles and are $1100 each x4 to replace.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

car is expensive to maintain.

tonyfazt, 05/04/2013
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 7 people found this review helpful

93 ls4 145k car is fun to drive when you can drive it it was the fuel relay, then the ecu,then the tps, then the radiator, then the rear main seal, then the water pump found myself either at the gas pump or under the hood. car is fast but i wouldnt recommend it i actually wouldnt drive it farther than 500 miles to afraid of it breaking down and leaving me stranded i have driven both f150 5.4 and chevy cavalier - 2000 miles round trip no problems and both got better mpg yes even the truck considering the price of supreme for the ls4 vs regular f150 in a twenty gallon tank it evens out dont do it unless your a mechanic with a endless supply of cheap supreme gasoline

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Sadly, a lemon

Lance M., 06/07/2010
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 8 people found this review helpful

Nice car, big $$$ problems (I am 2nd owner). Brakes need fixing every year. Power steering pump replaced 2x. A/C died, and fix required engine removal (big $). Imbalance in the drive shaft caused vibration at hwy speeds - 5 dealerships could not find cause until Heffner Toyota did - fix would have cost thousands and fault was factory caused but dealerships never noticed or fixed for original owner (little old rich lady family friend - honest!). 5 of 7 dealers not very ethical or reliable, with one of the two good ones susceptible of "bad days". Every repair is big $. Nice drive, comfortable yet responsive. Quiet. Handles snow well for RW drive. Stick with regular Toyota in future.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

One Great car

Joseph, 08/07/2002
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had my car for six years now and I have nothing to complain about. I have had only one problem and that was the sunroof, a $75 fix no big deal. I love how this car is put togehter, engine, paint, body it is all done right. Still rides real nice and quiet and no squeaks or rattles after 110,000 miles, amazing.

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5 out of 5 stars

love this car

george hoxsey, 03/09/2004
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Never a problem with vehicle,or service. Only auto I've ever owned to include MB, MG, Audi, VW, Buick, Honda & Toyota that I enjoy driving EVERY time I get in. Dealership service personel are ALWAYS helpful & courteous. I will probably be buried in this car.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

White Lexus

Hreza, 04/22/2002
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Extremely reliable. Good Handling and comfort. Economical torun.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Value As A Used Vehicle

bostongarden, 05/26/2002
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The LS400 offers tremendous value. I purchased mine used in 1998 for the same price as a new base Camry LE. The quality is bulletproof and it drives the same today as it did when I bought it. If you are value-conscious, then this is a great car. The luxury aspects were not extremely important when I purchased, however, I have enjoyed the vehicle's comfort, ergonomics and Nakamichi stereo.

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5 out of 5 stars

Impressive!

LexusAficionado, 09/17/2002
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What a wonderful car this has been to us! We bought it used at 72,000 miles and just sold it to make room for another baby at 120,000. The only major repair that we've done was replace the power steering pump at 90,000 miles. All other work was simply maintenance. They treat you with respect at the Lexus dealer no matter where we've had it serviced and that alone makes the car worth owning. Are you considering buying a used LS400? Don't hesitate, you won't regret it.

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5 out of 5 stars

THE BEST CAR EVER

hassan, 07/23/2003
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is amazingly smooth and very powerful. When i first bought it from the dealer i took it for test drive and i wanted to check how strong the engine is, so i stomped on all the gas and the delaer besides me leaped back wards and i was thrown back as well. The car has 90k on it now. And it drives like a new. How does Lekus do it i don't know, but they should keep it up i never changed anything. All i do is keep maintence and keep checking engine, trans, and suspension.

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5 out of 5 stars

The best car ever

lexesy, 12/22/2003
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this car is without doubt one of the greatest cars that were ever built. Amazingly smooth and very quick i got a ticket becuase i was going 90mph on freeway and i did not even notice it. This car has the best features and the system is great. A big car, yet this thing is very lethal and quick

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Pleasure to drive

JW, 05/15/2003
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased 10 year old w/55k miles and other than scratched wheels the car was and remains nearly perpect. The price I paid was comperable to a new honda civic yet a got a $45,000 car with years of wear and pleasure remaining. I woukd recommend a used LS to anyone who appreciates the pleasures of driving an automolile of the highest quality, safety, and reliability.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great automobile, even after 10 years

mnbeckertx, 01/19/2003
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great automobile, even after 10 years

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5 out of 5 stars

classic car

joe yaroma, 11/22/2019
1993 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is the best ls400

Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Best Ever

Mike4puy, 04/21/2002
1992 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

The Lexus 400ES is by far the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. The very solid feel about the car is very reassuring, performance is excellent, handling is it's weekest point, but with the adjustable ride control fitted to mine the suspension can be set to a performace mode and this helps on trwisty roads but is a little too firm for highway driving. The car has a V-8 engine that give very good gas milage (mine gets 25MPG on the highway) Everyone that rides in the car has nothing but praise for the ride t

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