1991 Lexus LS400 review from North America

At 485,000 miles this Lexus has been tested.

Problems over the 11 years of ownership:

1. Power steering pump leaking badly at 95,000 miles.

2. A 'faint' engine 'miss' between 40 to 45 mph at time of purchase. The torque converter was replaced years later and the problem disappeared. Endless tune up parts were replaced to remedy this problem earlier, but nothing helped until the torque converter was replaced.

3. A/C not holding freon at 68,000 miles (time of purchase). After endless leak tests the system STILL will not hold freon over three months. This could be the expansion valve leaking under the dash.

4. Serious road noise (transfer noise from tires into the interior). It's still not as quiet as it should be in my opinion. Many brands of tires have been tried over the years.

5. The Pioneer radio has been replaced or rebuilt many times. Lights that constantly blow out, tape not working or volume control problems that still occur to date.

6. Antenna mast replacement, at least three different times. It binds itself and finally quits.

7. LED A/C control head unreadable after 150,000 miles. I was told heat caused the problem. The replacement head works fine to date.

8. Coolant recovery bottle cracking and leaking at brass connection.

9. Drivers side retractable seat back 'ROD' stripped and had to be replaced.

Quite possibly the most reliable automobile ever built, regardless of the minor problems mentioned.

Overall material quality is remarkable and well engineered.

Extremely well handling, smooth and stable at speeds over 100 mph, designed for speeds exceeding 140 mph.

The engine was derived from Toyota's own racing V8. Possibly the finest engineered motor on the market and ultra reliable.

Well thought out in every detail.