1997 Lexus LS 400 Review
1997 Lexus LS 400 Review

Used LS 400 for sale
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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 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 $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$198/mo for LS 400 Base
LS 400 Base
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
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 star(78%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
My First Lexus, I Had No Idea
rickster81, 12/31/2003
1997 Lexus LS 400 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 … and at the
same time offered some prestige with a
long list of standard features. I hope
to drive this car up to 250K miles and
then i'll be another Lexus... why pay
for a Benz when you get all that luxury
and comfort in a Lexus for half the
price?
4.75 out of 5 stars
Well Built Car, Never broken down, Reliable.
happy59, 06/07/2012
1997 Lexus LS 400 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.
4 out of 5 stars
All I have to say is WOW!!!!!
deezeer55, 12/18/2012
1997 Lexus LS 400 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 ($350). We got it with 25k miles and now it has 125k. We also have a 2010 TL and I still love driving my classic around. The LS is sooo smooth and so comfortable that I havent drove many like it. She still runs like a beast and I hope she runs for years to come. … Really a great and reliable car. Thanks Lexus!!!
5 out of 5 stars
own one of the best cars in the world
ondro1977, 05/18/2011
1997 Lexus LS 400 4dr Sedan
I purchased My 1997 Lexus LS400 with 150 000miles for 4000,-$ in February 2011. But I can assure you, that this car is more reliable than any German car of those years or newer. Sure '97 BMW 740,is more powerful and is a bit more fun to drive and MB-S430 is more luxurious and even a bit more spacious, but in overall performance/reliability/luxury.... this car outperform any of them by a … long shot. Previous owners did not took care of it properly and didn't use premium fuel and use some shady trans fluid, but car is still awesome. Do yourself a favor and change transmission filter ,gasket and toyota t-IV ATF. keep your regular oil change and always use premium fuel.
1997 LS 400 Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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