5 Best Years For The Lexus LS
You can't go wrong with any model year Lexus LS when it comes to that unbeatable combination of power, luxury, and reliability, but these are the best of the best.
1. 1995-1997 LS 400
While there's certainly nothing wrong with the first generation LS 400 sedans, most enthusiasts prefer the second gen models for a variety of reasons. In 1995 the sedan got a number of improvements over the original LS, including better sound insulation, an upgraded 4.0 liter V8, stiffer body structure, updated suspension, more interior space, and better brakes. They're also lighter than the first generation cars, thanks to a more economical use of steel, and get better gas mileage. Throw in niceties like dual zone climate control and a number of modern safety enhancements, and you've got a solid buy, if you can find a clean one without tons of miles on the clock.
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2. 1998-2000 LS 400
The LS 400 received a refresh in 1998 that brought another round of improvements. Power jumped from 260 to 290 hp thanks to the introduction of variable valve timing, and a new five speed automatic transmission debuted. Fuel economy improved again as well, and minor tweaks to the steering and suspension improved handling. A few exterior updates give the car a more modern look, and a host of technological upgrades were introduced - including laser adaptive cruise control. The only real downside to the 1998-2000 LS sedan is that all the technology makes them a bit less reliable, and it can be expensive to fix some of the electronic features if they do go bad.
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3. 2004-2006 LS 430
The LS was all new for 2001, and the new LS 430 received additional updates for 2004 that included some styling changes and several other improvements. Most folks prefer the 2004-06 styling to the earlier 2001-03 models, but the improvements were more than skin deep. 2004 saw the debut of Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Lexus Pre-Collision System, a six speed automatic transmission, HID headlights, and LED taillights.
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4. 2007-2008 LS 460
When the all-new LS 460 dropped in 2007, it was a real game changer. The 4th generation LS luxury sedan introduced a larger 4.6 liter V8 producing 380 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque along with the first production eight speed automatic transmission. Acceleration was brisk, with 0-60 taking only 5.7 seconds. Luxury options expanded greatly on the new LS, including such advanced niceties as climate control with infrared body temperature sensors.
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5. 2010-2012 LS 460
The 2010 model year brought a number of revisions for the LS 460, including restyled front and rear fascias and new wheels, and as with every LS refresh, Lexus also added in a number of cutting edge technology features. Automatic high beams debuted in 2010, along with self repairing clear coat exterior paint. You could even opt for a digital instrument cluster with night vision in some markets. Model year 2010 was also the first for the LS Sport sedan, which added nice performance upgrades like Brembo brakes and a sport tuned air suspension.
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