flipside909

It's astonishing to see how much the LS has grown since 1989 when it first came out.

LS 400 & LS 600hL together.



via: Lexus Netherlands

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The size differences over time are amazing too and that is across the Lexus line and competitors. I find the 1-LS aesthetically more pleasing to my eyeballs than the 4-LS.

SammySnit

Agreed. The early LS is a much better looking car.

drs23

Agree 100%. The Gen 1 cars appearance is just time less.

Just don't care for the 430s & later. They just seem to be getting uglier in my eyes. YMMV

Kansas

The attached photo somewhat fills in the gaps between the OP's photo of the gen 1 LS and the 2013 LS.

My 2000 LS400 is the top photo. It's been a struggle to want to buy or even like the LS430 and later LS models. I love some of the newer technologies they contain - especially PCS - but their interior and exterior designs seem to be moving further and futher away from what I want.

I have not driven a 2013 LS but I did test drive a new 2012 LS460L AWD with air suspension in fall 2011. I didn't like it - ponderous and barge-like and with an obvious unpleasant shudder at low speed gear changes. After the test drive, it was a startling relief to get back into my 2000 LS400 and drive it away.

Maybe Toyota is doing the right thing with the direction the LS has been going but they are certainly leaving me and some of my friends no longer wanting them.

ls400geek

I don't understand the front "locomotive-like" fascia of the new Lexus vehicles--personally, it doesn't agree with me. BTW, I'm not to impressed with the headlights of modern vehicles these days either--how they slant so viciously.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

2007-2012 LS hands down imho

ls400geek

..but the interior design of the instrument panel, dash :



I like the LS400 dash better. The LS460--along with most of the newer model cars--have such masculine/macho interiors. I don't enjoy feeling like I'm in a Star Wars or Battlestar Galactica film, lol.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

I love my '99 LS, other than the '95-00 generations, I would LOVE a '13+ LS460, preferably in FSport trim :3

VanCityLS4

iTrader: (1)

Ya the F sport LS460 commercials are getting to me. First year of the 07+ that im actally feelin. Love my 99 because its a decade plus of R&D into that style. But feelin the need for a 06' UL.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

That is my feeling as well, the LS is departing from my tastes as time continues. The 430 and 460 have qualities that appeal but overall, none motivate a purchase. Some weeks back I was talking with the sales guy about a '11 or '12 460 in Sport trim. No 2011 's on the lot but he did have a new '12. Asked me why I was after those when the '13's he'd have shortly. "I don't like the grill." He nodded with me. LOL. He'd cut a deal to get that '12 off his lot but the numbers were still pretty high in spite of it being the previous year.

Shmee

iTrader: (3)

my dad picked up a 2013 LS and it really dwarfs my 2LS... the features are amazing, the ride comfort is awesome and overall it's an exceptional car but i'm not a fen of the styling. i much prefer the previous 07-12 body style just for the much cleaner lines.

I still think the 98-00 is the best looking...

1sWt2GS

iTrader: (6)

LS is such a flagship for Lexus and will always be a classic

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

fun fact: the ~$52,000 base price for a '95 LS400 in 1995 is equivalent to ~$78,573.23 in 2013 dollars when you factor in inflation.

A 2013 LS460 base lists for ~$71,990.00 USD (that's approx. $47,643.20 in 1995 money).

So in a way, the price of the LS460 isn't really that much more, especially when you consider all the improvements and up-scaled specs of current models.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

That's true about the inflated $. The deal wasn't as sweet for the '12 and I have a hard time dealing with the depreciation even though I'm a long term driver of cars. We'll see what comes but I would like to drive ours much longer. The simplicity of it these aging rides becomes more appealing each year.