I was wondering the other day when did the LS line(model and year) go tier 1 or was it always a tier 1 car from the start? Its clear that it is now in that category and not only in it but sometimes lead the segment. Was the original LS400 on tier 1 status when it debuted or did it just push the envelope as a tier 2 car? As i noticed, not all large luxury cars are considerd on this level. Take the Deville and Towncar for instance. These large,very plush, and somewhat powerful sedans are/were competitve on the luxury scene in most peoples opinions but were not "Tier 1" class cars. Then i ask what make a car tier 1 anyway? For me i say the LS400 in its last series(98-00) pushed the car to tier 1 stauts. What do you guys think?

 

Back in 1990, the LS400 was a brand new car from a brad new company, and it redefined luxury and added reliabilty. It was also affordable, costing $20,000 less than BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes.

It was not considered top teir in 1990 by "the establishment" .... ONLY because it lacked name brand recognition and years of history.

20 year later, the LS is top teir, only a fool would say it isn't.