1991 Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 from North America

Summary:

Best vehicle in this class overall, price and UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE

Faults:

Oxygen sensor replaced DIY.

General Comments:

The Climate Control system is very seriously flawed. Designed by NipponDenso, Denso USA, and used by many Japanese manufacturers.

In order to increase MPG the ability for fresh airflow is severely restricted by the size and location of the cabin atmosphere exhauster port.

Restricting outlet airflow does reduce the need for the A/C compressor to run, but at the same time increases the probability of the cabin atmospheric humidity rising to the dewpoint of the windshield and windows.

Vehicle is therefore horribly subject to instances of sudden and spontaneous windshield fogging in cool and cold climates.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2004

1991 Lexus LS 400 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Very good value if you can afford the spare parts. Put it on a fully maintained lease

Faults:

Alternator fused at about 97000km. Looks like it might have been caused by the power steering unit leaking onto it. The Toyota dealer where I bought the car would not tell me what caused the alternator (AUS$2040) to fail. They in fact replaced the broken alternator with a second-hand alternator and refunded me my extended warranty premium (about AUS$1500). I have had no such problems with genuine Lexus service departments, and have not gone back to the Toyota dealer where I bought the car.

The temperature LCD display leaked at about 120000km; I have not had it fixed, but have asked for a quote.

Had the steering pump replaced at about 150000km. AUS$1200+.

General Comments:

Apart from the above the car has been ultra reliable for over two years.

There is a bit of tyre/road noise on rough bitumen roads, but it is *very* quiet on smooth bitumen. No engine noise much at all (I've not driven it beyond 120km/h much) at freeway speeds.

Leather seats could be more comfortable. Improved in later models. I think Toyota Camry seats are better. The best seats I ever had were in my Renault 16 TS.

Excellent air-conditioning (compared to my 1998 Prado VX Grande).

The car really needs traction control (my model does not have it).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2003

1991 Lexus LS 400 from North America

Summary:

I have only praise and I have never heard a negative comment from any owner

Faults:

1. Air conditioner compressor replaced.

2. Power steering pump failed, which lead to the failure of the alternator by way of a fluid leak.

General Comments:

1. This car has never let me down. Even when the alternator failed, I was still able to start and get to the dealer.

2. Superb comfort even with 124,000 miles. I've had it six years and intend to keep it until final failure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2001

1st Jul 2001, 00:47

I own a '91 Lexus LS400 and I have to say that I truly believe that with all things considered, this is the absolute BEST car in the world.

4th Aug 2001, 07:50

I own a 1990 model with 147,000 on the clock and it's the best car I have had. My work mates laugh at my "shiny Toyota", but I just sit back happy in the knowledge that I have a faster, quieter, smoother, better made and more reliable car than any of theirs.

The best part of the car is the engine. I have enjoyed surprising many GTi owners at the traffic light Grand Prix. The auto box is also very good - much better than the BMW that I previously owned.

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1991 Lexus LS 400 4.0 V8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Pipe replaced. Couple of blown dashboard illumination lights.

That's the lot in 103,000 miles apart from new front discs at 85,000 miles.

General Comments:

Very reliable, very cheap to run for class of car. 24-25mpg regular consumption.

Very quiet, fast and comfortable but handling may be a bit soft for some tastes and front seats not as good as they should be.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 1997

20th Nov 2002, 17:16

I have an 2002 Toyota Tundra. This vehicle is also a very good vehicle, but like many Toyota's and it seems Lexus, the seats are hard and a class below standard in comfort. Time for Toyota and Lexus officials to sit in a Buick.

12th Oct 2005, 22:19

A Buick? are you for real?

7th Jul 2006, 04:28

He's for real: Once you sink into velour, you'll never go back to leather.