bwilsongs

Any perspectives from those who may have had both generations? Found a low mileage1990, and I've owned a 1998. Thoughts/opinions would be appreciated about the whole car in general, but especially ride comfort. Thank you for your time.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

I have had 8 90-97 LS's and 4 99LS's (still have 2) they are the most pleasant to drive, ride in and enjoy (for me).
90-94 had too many problems that needed attention, seems like it always had a nagging weakness.. 95-97 were probably the "toughest" LS ever built. STRONG car with a few (egr tube) hickeys... then "they" found it.... 99 in a class by its self (never had 98 or 2000) everything you could want, just get in it and go soft soft soft.... of course I am 79 years old and I want everything around me soft and tender..... so what do I know.... ask some of these young bucks, but this gave you something to read.... cheers!!

Kansas

Having driven a 1990 LS400 from new to 183,500 miles and a 2000 LS400 from 38,000 to 167,000 miles, my opinion is that the two cars have little in common other than the "LS400" model designation. I could probably talk for hours about the differences.

Ride quality / noise isolation is far better in the 2000. The seating position in the 2000 is very different - higher and more comfortable with more supportive seats. The interior space of the 2000 seems huge compared to the 1990 including at least two inches more rear seat legroom. Actually, everything about the 2000 was bigger.

The really big difference is in safety. The 90 had HORRIBLE headlightsl, pathetic brakes, tires too small, a crude ABS system, no side air bags, no front passenger air bags, no vehicle stability control (VSC), no "Brake Assist" and on and on. The 2000 solves all those problems. And very important, the 2000 gives my wife her own temperature control!!!

And the 2000 is FAST!

When I bought the 2000 LS in 2003, I thought about keeping the 1990 and occasionally driving it since it still looked and drove like new. After a few weeks I realized that I didn't want to drive the 90 anymore and I sold it not long after that.

Don't get me wrong. The 90 LS400 was an incredible car in its day.

Here is a photo from 2003 of both cars.

xtremex626

iTrader: (3)

i've driven a few 90-94 ls400s and they're nothing compared to the 98-00 ls400 in terms of ride quality. the 90-94 feels extra boaty while the 98-00 you can actually feel the road with the stiffer suspension. in terms of overall, it's no doubt the 98-00 chassis is the best out of the 400's. think about it.. it took about 7-10 years to perfect before they moved on to the ls430.

LScowboyLS

you forgot "no awesome theft deterrent system", which in some neighborhoods is the difference in getting your car stolen and the thief deciding "I'll pass"