Hello.

I've been wondering about this for a long time.

Isn't the 98-2000 LS model basically the same as the 95-97 LS model with redesigned front/rear, different engine??
If that is true, 98-200 LS is still the 2nd genaration. Correct??

 

Abcedefghij

 

Are you sure the interior was changed ? The only difference, at least here in Oz spec, between the two interiors is the 98-00 models had a leather/wood steering wheel and gear shift **** (wood steering wheel was optional down here), and a very slightly redesigned climate control/clock/outside temp guage facia. The rest of the interior is more or less identical.

 

as far as i know, no major interior changes.

so the current LS430 is the 3rd generation just like the current q45.

 

In addition to the above the 3rd generation LS (98-00)

-More horsepower 290 vs 260
-Middle headrest in rear seat
-Digital read outs under the speedometer other then the odometer.

Now as far as the current LS430 and the 3rd gen 98-00.
Major changes both on the interior and exterior.
So the current LS430 is not the 3rd generation.

 

what i meant was 98-2002 models are still the 2nd gen. thus the current LS is the third.

 

Hey does anyone know if a Dash kit for a 95-97 lexus LS400 will work on a 99 LS400, since were on the topic of interior differences

 

1990:The rear-wheel-drive LS 400 luxury sedan arrived in 1990 with a 250-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine, a high degree of mechanical refinement, a very accommodating interior, and one of the quietest rides of any car ever manufactured. Standard equipment included a 4-speed automatic transmission, antilock brakes, a driver-side airbag, automatic temperature control, and walnut interior trim. Traction control was optional in 1990 as was an air suspension that adjusts ride height automatically by altering spring and damping rates.

1991: The flagship Lexus gets only a handful of minor equipment revisions the second year out.

1992: The LS returned as a virtual rerun in 1992.

1993: A standard passenger-side airbag highlighted numerous cosmetic and functional changes made to the Lexus flagship for '93. Outside, the LS 400 sports a retouched grille, thicker bodyside cladding, and new color-keyed rocker panel moldings and lower bumpers. Inside, the instrument panel display has been expanded to include outside temperature display, brake-wear warning light, and a headlamp-on indicator.

1994: Given the fact that many changes were made for '93, and an all-new LS 400 is set to debut in 1995, only a few minor color and trim changes are put in place for '94.

1995:Roomier than the 1990 to '94 edition, the new LS 400 also had more engine power as well as fresh styling. Wheelbase was stretched by 1.4 inches, to 112.2, but overall length stayed the same as 196.7 inches. Back-seat passengers gained 2.6 inches in leg room and trunk space grew by half a cubic foot, from 14.4 to 14.9.Still rear-wheel drive, the LS 400 kept its 4.0-liter V8 engine, but horsepower output rose from 250 to 260. Standard equipment included dual airbags and 4-wheel anti\lock disc brakes.

1996: Except for one new body color, nothing was new for the Lexus flagship sedan.

1997: Side airbags were installed in front seatbacks of the LS 400 for '97.

1998: LS 400's V8 gets variable valve timing and an additional 30 horspower and pounds-feet of torque. Also, the 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a 5-speed unit and an anti-skid program called Vehicle Stability Control was added.

1999: Lexus added daytime running lights, a wood-and-leather steering wheel and shift ****, and reverse-down outside mirrors to thier flagship sedan for '99. A satellite-based in-car navigation system remained a costly option.

2000: A new Brake Assist feature and rear child-seat anchors highlighted the 2000 changes, prior to redesigning of the Lexus flagship for 2001 (to be called LS 430).

 

That still makes no sense.

 

Here in Japan the LS 1998-2000

Goes from 1998-June 1999

and

July 1999-2000 M/C

and each of the above have the A , B, or C style.

Its a pain getting parts sometimes. Lucky for me I live here so I just show them my car and they figure what fits my car.

 

Here's a list of updates to the third gen. LS400:

http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/ls_98.html


Tex

 

Here is the actual breakdown of generations:

1) 1st gen is 90-94...90-92 is called 10, 93-94 is called 11
2) 2nd gen is 95-2000...95-97 is called 20, 98-00 is called 21
3) 3rd gen is 2001-03, called 30...revised body in 04 called 31(still 3rd gen)

 

So between 1990 thru 2000 which year would you buy?

 

Since they get better every year, I'd have to opt for the 2000. Although the 2001 + is leap years ahead of the 2000 with alot more technology and better performance all around. I've owned all 3 generations and the current gen is definitely the best so far. I'm looking forward to seeing the changes for 2004.

 

The 2006 will be the next biggest change. They are even talking about making a higher line of Lexus like the Century.