Chariotz

Remember when the 1989 Lexus LS400 first came out?

There was such a huge buzz about it coming from Japan. The new "luxury" edition vehicles for Toyota enthusiasts.

The original engine was a 4.0-liter DOHC aluminum block V8, which had 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Lexus gradually improved all aspects of the LS, but the significant power boosts came in 1995 and 1998, with horsepower eventually reaching 290.
In 1998, the 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a 5-speed, and Lexus also introduced Variable Valve Timing + intelligence technology. "VVT+i" not only increased power, but also lowered emissions and improved fuel economy . It was only available in rear wheel drive.

Remember that wine glass commercial? They balanced a pyramid of 15 champagne glasses on its hood as it accelerated to about 145 mph, supposedly:
Did you or your parents have one of these? How was the overall driving experience?
Was it as smooth as the commercial depicted? Was it reliable?











^^^ Stance Nation // Vincent Shumai’s VIP style Lexus LS400.

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R Z

My father in law had an 89 LS400. Bought it new. Loved that car.

Chariotz

Oh nice! From what I've heard it was a very comfortable car to ride in. How long did he own it for?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

FYI for those who don't know what chariotz is about.
http://www.chariotz.com/aboutus

"We want to bring automobile lovers and customizers together in a photo rich, collaborative online environment, helping inspire, provide ideas, and connect each other. We want to make it simple, easy and fun for everyone to DRIVE DIFFERENT™. We want to make auto customization & restoration more easily and widely accessible.

We are based in San Francisco, California."

dicer

Does a late 89 manufacturing date 90 count?

SW17LS

There was no 1989 model year, the first LS was a 1990 model built in 1989

My dad wanted one at the time but for business reasons he couldn't buy a foreign car. He got a 1990 Lincoln Continental instead.

PlatinumV8

I still have a black 1990. I would jump in it right now and drive anywhere, Cali, Florida, you name it. If it had dual front airbags I'd still use it as a primary car. Unfortunately, it is just a backup for when I need to get parts for other vehicles or no snow on the road days for winter commutes.

The motor and trans are going into a project car when the body finally gives up against Michigan salt. When you spray brine on the roads before and after a storm, no car will bear it forever. Car from here? Avoid it!

Chariotz

Thank you

R Z

He traded it for an 02 ls430.

dicer

With all the things I've read about airbags your better off with out them. They will not protect against a crushing injury. And then theres that recall.

SW17LS

This is flat out absurd. There is nothing but positive evidence that airbags save lives. All you have to do is look at traffic fatalities before airbags and after, it is simply not even a question that you are safer in a car with airbags than without.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I have to concur with SW about the airbags.