1997 Lexus LS 400 Review

Name: 1997 Lexus LS 400
Brand: Lexus
Price: 2996 USD
Rating: 4.7 (36 reviews)

Used LS 400 for sale

List Price Estimate:	$2,996 - $4,858

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Lexus LS 400 model years

Lexus LS 400 for Sale

2000

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1997 Lexus LS 400 appraisal values can range from $1,161 - $3,676.

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Impeccable construction, superb sound system, ultra quiet, powerful, perfect interior

Cons

With nothing to complain about, it's kind of dull

What’s new

Side-impact airbags are standard.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1997 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$213/mo

LS 400 Base

$183/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Vehicle overview

Lexus introduced an all-new LS400 two years ago, but you wouldn't know it glancing at the car. It looks the same as the original, inside and out, even though virtually every piece has been revised or redesigned. In defense of the evolutionary styling, Lexus claims it is going for a corporate look to further strengthen brand identity. We think that engineers and stylists had a pretty tough time improving upon a car that really needed no improvement. Replacing the old LS400 with a new one was akin to pouring out a gallon of milk because the expiration date is a couple of days away, or buying a new set of Goodyears when the tread is still good for another 15,000 miles, or trading an old LS400 for a new one. But, what's done is done.

The LS benefits from a roomy interior, thanks to its long wheelbase. Trunk space is commodious, and rear passengers have lots of extra leg room. The car isn't excessively large, and the 4.0-liter V8 moves this relatively light luxury sedan with alacrity. The climate and radio controls are simply designed and easy to use, and the in-dash CD changer is much handier than a trunk-mounted unit.

Outside, the LS is characterized by subtle edges, creases, and folds, which create a strong, dignified appearance for the Lexus flagship. The price hasn't increased at all for 1997, in an effort to keep the LS competitively priced against such luxury sedans as the BMW 7-Series and Jaguar's XJ sedan.

The LS400 is a wonderful car, but we question spending $53,000 when a used and perfectly luxurious LS can be had for the price of a new Lincoln Town Car, or less.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Lexus LS 400.

5 (78%)

4 (17%)

3 (5%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.7

36 reviews

Write a review See all 36 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

My First Lexus, I Had No Idea

rickster81,12/31/2003

Coach 4dr Sedan

I wasn't really looking at the LS400 when searching for another used car after a major car accident where my 97 Camry was crushed. But after one test drive, I knew the LS400 was it. Being only 29 years old, my wife still chides me that I'm driving an 'old man' car. But the fact of the matter is, the LS400 is a feature rich luxury machine that was affordable for me …

Well Built Car, Never broken down, Reliable.

happy59,06/07/2012

4dr Sedan

Purchased car in January of 2011 for $3800. It is very reliable. If you don't want to worry about being stranded or expensive repairs, this car is for you. You must be ready to pay for premium fuel but other than that it is a great car. Better to buy used than new and better to buy used from a rich person than from a poor person. Good luck.

TOP WORK/FAMILY CAR VALUE

Phil57,12/03/2004

Coach 4dr Sedan

For reliability, performance, comfort, impressing clients and safe transportation for children (son & buddies are now 7) my 97 LS 400 is unsurpassed in value and stress-free driving despite the premium you pay for driving and servicing the best car on the road. I purchased it used for $35K with 45,000 miles, qualified for a new car 5 year loan with my insurance company, now has 97,000 …

All I have to say is WOW!!!!!

deezeer55,12/18/2012

4dr Sedan

This car is absolutely amazing. I have owned it since 2003 and the most major problem we ever had was replacing the fuel pump ($350). We got it with 25k miles and now it has 125k. We also have a 2010 TL and I still love driving my classic around. The LS is sooo smooth and so comfortable that I havent drove many like it. She still runs like a beast and I hope she runs for years to come. …

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Features & Specs

Trim

Base MSRP: N/A

MPG & Fuel: 17 City / 23 Hwy / 19 Combined; Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.5 gal. capacity

Drivetrain: Type: rear wheel drive; Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Engine: V8 cylinder; Horsepower: 260 hp @ 5300 rpm; Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Dimensions: Length: 196.7 in. / Height: 56.5 in.; Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.0 in.; Curb Weight: 3726 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 13.9 cu.ft.

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Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

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More about the 1997 Lexus LS 400

Used 1997 Lexus LS 400 Overview

The Used 1997 Lexus LS 400 is offered in the following submodels: LS 400 Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan, and Coach 4dr Sedan. The Used 1997 Lexus LS 400 comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic.

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Lexus LS 400?

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 1997 Lexus LS 400S are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Lexus LS 400 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 Lexus LS 400.

Can't find a used 1997 Lexus LS 400s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

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Should I lease or buy a 1997 Lexus LS 400?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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Check out Lexus LS 400 lease specials

1997 Lexus LS 400 Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

What’s new

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1997 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Vehicle overview

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Lexus LS 400.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Used 1997 Lexus LS 400 Overview

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Lexus LS 400?

Which used 1997 Lexus LS 400S are available in my area?

Can't find a used 1997 Lexus LS 400s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Should I lease or buy a 1997 Lexus LS 400?

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1997 Lexus LS 400 Review

Get More For Your Trade-In

Edmunds' Expert Review

What’s new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Vehicle overview

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Used 1997 Lexus LS 400 Overview

What's a good price on a Used 1997 Lexus LS 400?

Which used 1997 Lexus LS 400S are available in my area?

Can't find a used 1997 Lexus LS 400s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Should I lease or buy a 1997 Lexus LS 400?

Consider these recommendations

Related Used 1997 Lexus LS 400 info

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Other models to consider

Research similar vehicles

Recommended

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1997 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}