1990 Lexus LS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Throughout the mid and late 1980s, Toyota investigated the idea of a Japanese luxury car that could compete with European names like BMW and Mercedes. In 1990, years of thorough American consumer research culminated with the arrival of the Lexus LS 400. The full size luxury sedan would become the Lexus flagship for the next 18 years and counting. Unlike its distant kin, the Toyota Camry-based Lexus ES series, the LS was a totally unique creation. It blended refinement, reliability, and power into one package fit to compete with European luxury. Somehow, it was initially priced between $10,000-20,000 less than many of its competitors. The LS 400 was powered by a 4.0-liter DOHC 32-valve V8, which featured a cast aluminum block and heads. The engine generated 250 horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque. Such power propelled the 3900 pound sedan from 0 to 60 in 7.9 seconds. EPA was observed at 18 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. The engine was teamed with a 4-Speed automatic electronically controlled transmission, aided by an intelligence technology to regulate power. The LS included a myriad of features to complement the ride quality. A vehicle and audio theft deterrent system, automatic air conditioning, dual power heated outside mirrors, leather seats, walnut wood trim, power windows and locks, and an eight-way power driver's seat were all standard. Options included heated seats, memory seat function, power moon roof, six-disc CD changer, a premium Nakamichi sound system, and electronic air suspension with ride control.
The LS quickly became the one of the most beloved and sought after cars on the road, always praised for its silent cabin, soft ride, and substantial power. By now, some have reached over 400,000 miles. While that speaks volumes about the LS's reliability, owners warn that service can be very costly: first generation LS parts are hard to find and can be several times more expensive than Toyota's. Most drivers had a difficult time finding any significant shortcoming.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1990 Lexus LS
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by Bez B
Oct 25, 2010
Wicked car all around, not the biggest fan of the 4L quad cam small V8 but it did the job..
Build like a tank, has all the inbuilt and endless luxury features alot of new cars dont even have and has a wicked interior. Factory airbag suspension is a bonus aswell!
Oct 25, 2010
by David H
Aug 18, 2010
I absolutely loved this car! Even at 20 years old, it was in extremely good shape, and was a delight to drive. Performance was solid with a exceedingly smooth V8, and even at it's age the suspension made for a smooth-as-butter ride. I would not hesitate to buy another in the future.Aug 18, 2010
by Jeremy S
Aug 08, 2010
qaud cam v8 had factory airbags did a sweet skid full leather interiour n back seats massage ur back n ass n recline in n out to much electrics in these things tho n slow for a v8 blah blahAug 08, 2010
User rating:
by Bez B
Oct 25, 2010
Wicked car all around, not the biggest fan of the 4L quad cam small V8 but it did the job..
Build like a tank, has all the inbuilt and endless luxury features alot of new cars dont even have and has a wicked interior. Factory airbag suspension is a bonus aswell!
Oct 25, 2010
by David H
Aug 18, 2010
I absolutely loved this car! Even at 20 years old, it was in extremely good shape, and was a delight to drive. Performance was solid with a exceedingly smooth V8, and even at it's age the suspension made for a smooth-as-butter ride. I would not hesitate to buy another in the future.Aug 18, 2010
by Jeremy S
Aug 08, 2010
qaud cam v8 had factory airbags did a sweet skid full leather interiour n back seats massage ur back n ass n recline in n out to much electrics in these things tho n slow for a v8 blah blahAug 08, 2010
by Anonymous
Mar 14, 2010
I like all the things about my car that I put into it like the rims, tints, tinited tail lights, and seat covers. I like everything else just want to do more to it. I cannot stand the paint job though im hoping to two tone it black on bottom and the original silver on topMar 14, 2010
by Andrew H
Sep 09, 2009
fantastic car for the money, built like a tank, seriously. not as thirsty as american large sedans, more luxurious, and more reliable. parts are pricey, and making it look cool is also pricey. a good rich guys toy, or daily driverSep 09, 2009
by Shane K
Aug 12, 2009
Luxury inside and out and in between! A button to do everything imaginable and then some, there may even be a button to wipe your ass but I haven't found that one yet. Beautiful drive on the highway. Gas mileage is certainly an issue tho.Aug 12, 2009
by Stephen K
May 26, 2009
what a rocketship this car was
I put a motor in it
awesome for it's day
21 MPG with a V8 incredible!!!!
I loved driving this car around town with my dog sticking his head thru the sunroof. What a blast!!May 26, 2009
by Dean M
Apr 13, 2009
japanese rolls royce
itss big, black, chrome 5 spoke 20's, 4.0l v8, grey leather, electric everything sun roof, windows, seats, head rests, steering wheel, even seat belt position, pimped, vip motoring, custom grill, custom rear lights. custom twin induction kit.
bargin luxury car, cost £45.000 new,Apr 13, 2009
by Sam L
Jan 26, 2009
Lexus LS400 - 4.0 Liter V8 Engine
UCF10 I
1UZ-FE Toyota Engine: 250 HP
0-60: 7.9 Seconds
Top Speed: 155 MPH
Options: Air Suspension, Nakamichi Premium Sound System
Build Quality EXCELLENT! over 250,000 Miles.
Appearance, Still looks nice, leather interior
STILL FUN TO DRIVE, enough HP and Torque to have fun, while still being an excellent luxurious daily driver.Jan 26, 2009
by Max H
Jun 24, 2008
It's actually a Toyota Celsior, but its pretty much the same as the Lexus LS400. It's a Japanese Delivered model, therefore, badged a Celsior. An amazing car that has had huge development and won many awards. I love it.... Also got a AE86 Drift/street car, with a 4AGTE making 162rwkw with large $dollars$ spent....Jun 24, 2008
by Maria S
Apr 22, 2008
my car is brown with leather interior. it has a v-8 engine, it has tinted windows, moon roof and its pretty much an amazing car!!!Apr 22, 2008
by Eric E
Apr 12, 2008
Here's my expensive history:
March 1999 - Heater control valve was leaking - - - $239 to replace.
June 1999 - Oil change and advised that the AC compressor was leaking. $109 Big mistake going to the dealer.
July 1999 the AC compressor died (in Las Vegas that isn't acceptable when it's 110 degrees in the shade) that set me back $1200.
July 1999 the air suspension froze-up and the car was not safe to drive. The driver side front shock was all the way down to the ground, and the passenger side rear was all the way up. Apparently when the shocks leak too much the pump ($1600 to replace) shuts off and you are stuck with a mind shattering stiff ride with no air coming in or out of the suspension. I opted to gut the air suspension and replace it with factory shock and strut suspension and saved $800 over repairing the problematic air suspension. Each air shock costs $800 and has to be replaced in pairs. This was done at the same time as the AC compressor and this alone cost $2200 to do. I was confident that this would be a permanent fix because the air shocks only last approximately 40,000 miles.
Eight days later a high pressure freon hose broke. At this point my mechanic felt sorry for me and only charged me the cost of the part - - - $156.
October 1999 - Power steering rack was leaking and 8 new spark plugs were needed. - - $940. They also replaced the antifreeze no charge. I think they discovered the "new guy" shouldn't have told me that regular green antifreeze won't hurt it. I've heard and read that only the pink alcohol(?) based antifreeze is to be used.
Replaced the power steering rack again (mechanic felt sorry for me again and cut me a deal).
Replaced the battery twice $120 first time, the second was replaced under warranty.
Replaced the timing belt and water pump, water pump was leaking, timing belt wasn't due for another 20000 miles. $650
I'd only recommend this car to a filthy rich person that I don't like. On the plus side, the flawless V8 engine was great, but at a cost of only 21mpg on the highway . . . and that's cruising only at 70. The Nakamichi stereo sounds better than some live concert halls.Apr 12, 2008
by Joshua B
Mar 25, 2008
My second car. It's at about 181k miles now and still running. I'm using it as my workhorse until I replace the Bimmer. No complaints other than the amount of maintenance that's required for a vehicle this old. I've also owned this longer than any other vehicle I've had.Mar 25, 2008
by Corey M
Dec 26, 2007
Wonderful car, surprisingly fast (163mph top speed) and excelent handling.Dec 26, 2007
What users have asked
1990 lexus ls400
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1990 Lexus LS Pricing
Original MSRP
$35,350 to $35,350Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Nakamichi Audio · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent