Wow the first ever recall they gave you a signed letter, went to your home to pick it up and left a courtesy car. Fixed the issue and returned it with a full tank and car wash??? WTF That type of service feels unheard of today.
My Dad bought a Lexus in the mid 1990s and kept it until he passed away. The service he got from the dealership was unbelievable. He was treated as if he were a rich man. Once he got that car, he swore he would never buy another American brand car. This was quite a change considering he had been a life-long Buick fan.
My dad always drove secondhand American luxury (91 Lincoln Town car) and secondhand American trucks (88 GMC Suburban 2500) until his dad passed away, after which he finally bought new...and when the time came, he bought a 2002 Toyota Tacoma pickup, and a 2002 Lexus ES300. When he and my mom got divorced, she took the truck, and has owned nothing but Tacomas ever since (she is on her 3rd, a 2018 model) and absolutely swears by them. To their credit, Toyota always treated her quite well at the dealership, until the truck was no longer under warranty, at which point I caught them trying to sell her brake pads she didn't need (they claimed she was down to 3mm, she declined, then brought it to me to change the brakes before a long trip about six months later, only for me to tell her she didn't need brakes, as she was still at 7mm, meaning she had to have at least had 9mm left when they told her she had 3mm. The pads are 12mm when new). My dad, on the other hand, drove the ES300 until he died in 2018. It was the epitome of reliability, and I still own it to this day. It's now got 200k miles, and I know that if I didn't prefer motorcycles and stick shift vehicles, it would have continued to do so well into the future. Currently, I'm planning to bring it baci to showroom condition in his memory. Rest in peace, dad. Miss you.
@jayyydizzzle Really early, maybe. They offered a stick shift until 93. You could get a v6 camry in a manual trans in 2002, but only in Australia or New Zealand.
@@cen7urythat brought back memories for me. My grandma drove a ‘77 yellow Monte Carlo with a white leather like top. After she passed my father had it restored, but ended up selling it.
This video ignored the other aspects that was revolutionary with Lexus. Our family was a Mercedes family. We also previously owned American cars like Dodge, Oldsmobile, and Ford. Lexus redefined the sales and service experience. When you brought your Lexus in for maintenance or service, they would give you a loaner car free of charge with zero fuss. It shocked my parents. The Lexus team was so professional and friendly. It was so different from any other car service. Meanwhile, I brought in my dad's Mercedes for him when he wanted an oil change and the guy tricked me into a $700 repair (and this was in 1992 money). In fact, I never liked taking a car to Mercedes who had an entitled view and viewed us like we should want to spend extra for German luxury. Nowadays a free car loaner seems almost common but it wasn't in 1985. Lexus made everyone up their game. Even Mercedes.
It’s getting less common today. Most "average" car brands charge you $30-50 per day for a loan car. Unless your car is in for warranty repairs ( where in some situations, ) the dealer can charge the cost of a loan car for a customer back to the manufacturer.
I indirectly work for Merc Germany today, believe me, you would NOT want to get close to them, for them their customers are worth as much as their employees: absolutely nothing. Their IT infrastructure is a complete mess that's decades out of date, only seeking the cheapest possible solutions no mater the repercussions (new models can't be sold for days if not weeks after release because they still don't even have a procedure for new models years after the introduction of their "new" systems), sellers don't get paid their share on the sale for months if not over a year because they don't care if the system for that is broken, and now they are completely getting rid of their own retail. It's an absolute mess driving at full speed against a wall.
You didn’t mention one thing, the real winner of the Lexus was the Camry. It became a Lexus lite and destroyed the US and world car market. There was a huge difference between pre and post Lexus Camrys. Just massive.
I'm convinced that Toyota make their cars ugly and boring on purpose so their Lexus cars seemed like a big upgrade. The LS250 is just a dressed up Camry.
This is what I was always told, that a Lexus and Camry are built on the same bones and the Lexus just has much higher quality fit and finish. My 2008 ES 350 inherited from my grandparents (no way I could afford a new Lexus today) has 120k miles on it and never had a breakdown or major problem. When I take it in for inspections the mechanics are typically impressed with how good of shape its in, ignoring all the little gravel dents and dings over the years. Only had to change the tires once in its lifetime, I think around 90-100k miles, well beyond what they were warrantied for. Compare that to my cheap as fuck Hyundai Sonata (2011, from what I understand they have gotten much better at making better quality cars since then, along with Kia) that has less than 50k miles on it, I've had to have the alternator, it has had multiple recalls, it's extremely easy to steal, is loud and gets the same MPG as my 3.5L 6Cyl Lexus does despite having a much more efficient 4Cyl, and the tires were dry-rotted by 40k miles. Tires were half the price as the Lexus' and they lasted half as long. Who would have guessed, heh. It's had a few other issues I don't even remember. Just overall has turned me away from cheap cars and SK brands; at this point I am a die hard Toyota fan.
@@DaveP-uv1ml Well it's good for Toyota's profit margins to have Lexus. I see your point, since Toyota and Lexus both share engines and platforms, they need to strip the Toyotas of things like sound deadening, in order to justify the Lexus's large price difference!
It's different if you're buying it new or used. A new Camry was like a Lexus Lite, but a used Camry was a Lexus that needed a new tailpipe. Didn't the Lexus have a bunch of stainless steel on it that held up dramatically better in non-desert climates?
The sad part is in scamerica they had Lexus but in Japan all Lexus models were just random Toyota models..........case and point the Toyota crown has always destroyed the Lexus 400+ but it never came to scamerica. The Lexus IS is just a Toyota Altezza. It's hilarious to me be citizens in scamerica thought it was something glorious and exclusive.........nope just a bunch of body kits or rebadged Toyotas that had been in Japan for years. But if you want to pay 10k, 15k over Japanese MSRP for that we'll take your money.
Automotive journalists in the West were also highly biased in favor of European cars and often mocked the Japanese makes and models by nitpicking something to exclude them from being as valuable or because of lower prices thus raising the status of BMW and Mercedes Benz and Porsche or Ferrari. I recall reading some mocking remarks aimed at Toyota before the LS 400 and Lexus names were there and the same thing happened when it was becoming clear that Honda had manufactured the NSX to the point that I found some European magazines featuring the "Honda NSX" back when it was already decided to rename the car to the "Acura NSX" all because someone invented a FEAR that Americans would never buy an expensive Toyota or Honda aka basically backing the belief that it was impossible for those car companies to make vehicles on equal quality to high end vehicles because both made affordable cars... meanwhile in Germany whenever films or news reports came out from that country you could see Taxi drivers driving Mercedes Benz and BMWs.
Correct, it was clearly a better vehicle than the W126 Benz, for like half the price. It shocked Mercedes to the bone. The same is true of Ferrari and the Acura NSX. Ferrari recognized Honda had totally outclassed their vehicle. The NSX drove better and had perfect reliability.
@@wallacegrommet9343 The S class that existed when the original LS 400 was released objectively had worse handling than the LS 400. It took Mercedes the better part of a decade to regain the quality and performance lead. The modern S class isn't relevant to the conversation
One of the highest quality machines ever made. Peaked with the LS430 two generations on. Mine has a bajillion miles and still looks and drives like new, every last of its countless electrical doodads and gizmos work flawlessly. Maintenance costs on par with a Corolla. Show me a German car that can claim the same.
If the LS430 got slightly better mileage, I would probably call it the perfect car. The ride is the smoothest of any vehicle I've driven, it's whisper quiet in the cabin, and they'll last forever with approachable maintenance unlike similar or newer German contemporaries.
@Franzkoviakalak6981 The Corolla has four cylinders, The LS400 has Cylinders. That means it has double the spark plugs , ignition leads/ coil packs, injectors and takes more oil , of course. LS400/430 engines have the starter motor in the valley of the Vee, whereas the Corolla has it attached outside the engine block. Think of the Labour costs alone on simply removing the starter, before you actually attempt to repair or replace it!
@@paulsz6194 yes, thank you for pointing out the obvious mister pedant. In general GENERAL, it has maintenance costs on par with a contemporary Corolla.
@@franzkoviakalak6981 well, what obvious to some, isn’t obvious to everybody, especially when it comes to the starter motor location and the effort involved to remove it… Have a good day 👍🏼
@@halfsourlizard9319 for example, often times people remark on how in the 1960s housing was $30k or so, and compare it favorably to today’s prices. Inflation is very often not taken into account or misunderstood in its magnitude. This is not obvious to a substantial population. Anyway, very unhelpful comment on your part. Best to think for a bit before posting next time.
My uncle still has his ‘96 LS400, which he bought in 1997, and it’s a spare, along with his LS430. The LS is the greatest full size luxury sedan to own, and easily the most important car to come out in the 90s. Lexus cars are made to be owned; Mercedes, Audi and BMW cars are designed to be leased and thrown away before the warranty expires.
👍🏽👍🏽 And - BMWs went from 'hewn from stone' to 'made from polystyrene'. They (the Germans especially) also realised that all that mattered was the fit & finish of the cabin - & folk assume that the rest of the car will be quality. Cue - plastic parts everywhere - even in the engine.
@@5roundsrapid263I think it’s more so that parts are made so expensive so as to create another revenue stream of the car manufacturers . Most parts manufacturers will have agreements with the car makers that they won’t sell their own branded car parts ( such as radiators, water pumps, oil filters, etc) onto the market until at least until the warranty period ends on a new model if not 1-2 years after it ends.
Do you check the transmission fluid every now and then? These cars are really well built but they aren't invincible. Transmission fluid should be changed every ~30,000 miles.
@@CockatooDude I don't know. It went to a family friend. However, my 355,000 mi Corolla gets a trans drain/fill every 4th oil change. Original auto trans/water pump/cv/ac pump/wheel bearings etc
Lol - I just took it! I'm from the UK & don't understand pounds anyway. It always felt so meaningless to weigh such large things with units small enough to weigh small animals by.
I'm from Australia, but I wasn't shocked at all when the LS400 was released. Toyotas in the mid 80's had a very high level of quality, with some high points like the '87 Cressida and Supra demonstrating Toyota was a powerhouse company on the way up!
I think at one time they had a saying in Australia, If you want to drive into the outback take Landrover. If you want to drive back out, take a Toyota.
Love the episode. I was hoping in your section about Lexus' advertising blitz that you would bring up the Lexus LS400 ad with the champagne glasses. That ad is the main thing for most of us older folks would remember Lexus' introduction to tthe US.
I sold a new 2002 Mercedes E Class within the first year and swapped it for a new Lexus LS400. The ride was smoother and quieter. The navigation included a color touch screen vs Mercedes monochromatic dial only for entering an address. What a pain. Loved that car.
@@RyanCribari Getting better. Look i'll be the first to admit then "it takes one to know one", if you catch my drift... I own a SC300 missile (~500hp) and "stock" SC400 (
This is the Toyota development that other companies should have followed. Instead of kicking back and milking profits out of what you have, build something better. Improve the product, and everyone benefits.
Why in earth would you do that when the customer is dumb enough to still buy the products from a company that tells it „you are holding it wrong” (and the examples could go on forever)? Even Lexus toned down the engineering excellence with the newer models when they understood that it doesn't convert into profit.
I drive a 1986 toyota Cressida, and its surprising how big the strides they made with the LS400 were, to the point that they killed the cressida after 1992 due to the LS400's success. Im not as big of a fan of the LS400 styling, but it would've been jaw dropping when it came out. Especially with Toyota's reliability.
We had a pre-Lexus Toyota Cressida and we loved it. It was just so high tech. things like the automatic seatbelts were amazing. The stereo was incredible.
Toyota had a headstart making this as they had already been making luxury domestic cars for decades, most notably the Century, in any event I would love to hear Sandy Monroes recollection of how Detroit reacted to the LS 400, and particularly how much of this from his perspective was 'I told you so' in regards to Aluminium heads and so on.
Thanks - great story. Bought one 11 years old, years ago - still the best car I've driven for the money. Second place, a Miata convertible w a stick. The paint, interior, fit and finish, ride, reliability, reasonable maintenance costs, ride noise, and even the radio/sound, ..all excellent.
My Dad had a 1997 Toyota Avalon, which was basically a front wheel drive version of the Lexus LS400 without the wood trim. He must have held onto that car for a decade, and rightfully so because it was practically indestructible.
I’m here for my 1990 Lexus ls400 still running since on the road. I was brought from old person is pass away and his car still running. His son sell to me. I drive my car since 4 years to now. His owner is 30 years. I owner that car since 4 years. It is so low maintenance level like Corolla. Look awesome but only weaker is starter motor give you an issue in every 10 years and power steering fluid leak too. I have 1985 Toyota pickup 22R is crazy reliable same level like LS400 do.
Asianometry, i love your videos... can you make videos about the history behind the giant corps of Japan and South Korea? Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Mitsui, Samsung..... its hard to find videos about them and i would like to learn about them from you. greetings
My mother got one of the very first LS 400 cars in the USA. I was a teenager. I was totally impressed by the quality, fit, and finish. Granted, the ride was a little too spongy for me, but it was spongy and tight. The power was amazing. Interestingly, I found the large amount of wheel well noise out of place with the rest of the car.
These Toyota designers living in that Sunny California beach house watching Astronomy YT videos to learn about the chips, at the same time watching Terminator the movie and got the idea: They bought the foundry that has Arnold's melted super alloy body and "THAT" special chip. From that point on, Lexus' foundry has a tiny amount of the original foundry's liquid metal mixed in. The rest is the (car or chip?) history.
In 1990 I worked at a Toyota dealer in the UK. At that time, the Lexus was a Toyota car, or at least it was sold from Toyota dealers. I was an apprentice mechanic. I remember a real mechanic taking me out in an LS 400. I could not believe the performance with almost no sound. Now, some years later, I live not too far from Toyota city, and not too far from Tahara. I could have sworn the LS400 was based on the Celsior body. No mention of that here, though. Great video, thanks.
@staninjqpan07 That’s because it was . The Lexus brand did not exist within Japan until 2005, the LS400 was the Celsius, the ES300 was the Toyota Windom, The GS300 was the Aristo, The Altezza was the IS200/300 and the RX300 was the Harrier.
@@paulsz6194 Good on you for letting me know. That's why they all looked so familiar, By the way, it is Celsior and not Celsius, but that's no big deal. Thanks.
@@longiusaescius2537 No. I am actually 007, but it's very secret, so don't mention it on the Internet, whatever you do. MI6 might come knocking. Japan is the code word a secret country near Korea.
Mine has 170k miles and counting 🥂 Needed to rebuild the suspension, but it still drives better than a lot of modern cars. And the quality and durability of especially the plastic and leather interiors is something I've truly yet to experience in another modern car. Even expensive German stuff doesn't come close. I can't believe how good it's held up for 30 years.
I continue to be amazed by the amount of research you put into these videos - thank you for all your hard work, and your ability to make it accessible to people like me!
I purchased my first Lexus LS, an LS400 in December of 1990, a 91 model. It was the very revised model that remain pretty much unchanged until the LS430 appeared. I purchased the LS430 in 2003 and the LS460 in 2012. I have loved each of these, and still own the 460. I moved on to a Tesla Model S (2022) and love it, but sort of wish it had a slightly softer ride like the Lexii. In all of the years with my Lexii i had only one repair (the A/C dryer broke and sent little silicate balls in to the system) and performed only the basic maintenance. I know the people who inherited both of my hand me downs and they are still driving their cars with nothing bad happening except the some of loudspeakers needing to replaced/repaired due to the rubber surrounds failing due to age.
The big difference with the earlier Lexus was there focus on precision engineering which meant they were more reliable & rarely needed repairs. It’s not just an emotional factor as for the wealthy the more reliable the vechile the more time saved a bit like flying though reliability may be more important in this case
My man, you make some of the most well researched videos on here, and you produce them at a steady pace, I'm well impressed! Thank you so much i learn something here every time!
I just had a random thought: a student gets assigned a research project. Said student requests Asianometry to do a video on the subject. Student get an A+. 🤔🤓💯
My company in Torrance Ca. worked with George P Johnson. They still do auto show displays. I was task to make a "seat buck" from a prototype 95' Lexus 400. It was to be cut up and installed at a 45 deg angle in a case just showing the interior, the door sill the highest point of the car. A bezel hide the rest of the car which was cut off at the engine fire wall and trunk line. I was told it was most important to have the dash display and center console light up. They had been the first to have the speedo and tach needle made from a neon tube and want to show them off. The display with the rest of the Lexus set made the rounds of the US Auto shows. I went to the LA Auto show and saw it after they finished the set. It was a great display and I wanted that engine but everything had to be given back to Toyota and crushed.
Looking at the LS 400 its hard to describe what a game changer that car was. I was just a teenager when that car came out and I still remember how much people started to talk about Lexus. At the time It was best described as the Caddy that wouldn't break down. While most luxury American car buyers above 50 seemed to pay it no mind, most teens couldn't wait for their parents to buy one and they couldn't wait for them to start hitting the used car market with their new drivers licenses. The LS was a huge hit and redefined luxury for the younger crowd. No longer did they want American luxury, a huge boat with plush seats or a very expensive European car that was expensive to work on . The younger people looked at the LS 400 as youthful with its style and looks and as the more affordable car to own and keep running.
"Why wouldn't I buy something that is equally good for a low price?" It sounds obvious but this just doesn't happen in the EU/Japan where heritage is more important than the thing in itself. I think this is the true strength of the US vis a vis EU, Japan. This willingness to try something that's not known, but you feel it is better. Innovation is not only about people making new stuff, consumers have to be willing to try new things too. And in the US, people are more willing than people in other countries. that is why they are winning in the tech industry where the first mover advantage combined with the network effect is making them invincible.
The biggest reason tech the US is doing well is: the VC funding system/ecosystem in the US. Which at the moment seems to be having a harder than before. The AI bubble needs lot of money and it's trendy and thus VC is flowing that way... we'll see how many make it. Seems like they will hit trough of disillusionment soon enough, then we'll see what really works in practice. Not just a took for juniors to use without actually learning how it works.
The europeans are constantly chasing "bang for the buck". That's litterally why we started the European Union, so we could get cheaper and better products. We are not slaves of brands or of so called "heritage". We just buy whatever fits our use case. Litterally nothing of what you've said is remotely true.
Yeah this is the story that the US likes to tell themselves but the reality is different. American cars still subsist from government subsidies and protectionism. I'm from Europe, and I visited Japan last summer. No American cars in Japan, but many BMW, Mercedes and even high end Renault (not a single Audi in sight though wonder why). And in European countries like Spain or France a similar story happens: most non European brands are Japanese and Korean. The only American company with a substantial presence was Ford but it seems to be dwindling a lot in recent years. You can't explain that with just nationalism. People in Europe and Japan are ok buying foreign brands but not American brands because most of them they don't know how to adapt. The only one who seemed it could make a change was Tesla but I don't think they fare well in the following 10 years which will be the crucial ones for the EV industry. Despite having the massive perk of infinite money from American tech venture capital they're unable to have efficient production lines and haven't released new viable models in years (let's better not talk about the Cybertruck). The Chinese are already surpassing them in sales, and companies like Volkswagen will probably ramp up production soon. Also, Americans are nationalistic towards their cars. I still remember the film Gran Torino where Clint Eastwood admonishes his son telling him to buy an American car. It's a decent film but also an American car advertisement
@jmiquelmb The American brands have been in decline here in the states for decades. While there are those who refuse to buy anything but American, the vast majority of us gave up on them. They have had a collapse in market share since their peak. Toyota is the best selling brand now. I always thought Europeans were significantly more nationalistic with their car brands. French buy French, Germans buy German, Italians are moving away from some Italians brands but still prefer them. Japanese prefer Japanese brands. But Americans? Other than a few American models I would say we prefer anything not American. Our automakers have gone bankrupt, they have been in decline, they are leaving markets all over the globe and leaving segments. The Chyrsler brands aren't even American anymore. I'm waiting for GM or Ford to go bankrupt. Tesla is a current golden child. They are doing better than any other in terms of future prospects. At least atm. Their cars were number one sellers last year in various European countries. However I wouldn't be surprised if they lose their momentum. They are far too reliant on just two models.
10:20, Moved to California, ate at expensive restaurants, and watched Asianometry videos...and I was like "Wait the minute, let's listen to that again!"
They were serious about building a luxury car and they indeed delivered it. Ironically, the recall was an accidental opportunity to introduce the Lexus services to the owners!
In parallel with the 1980s Japanese advance into the US luxury car market was the 1990s advance into the sporty car dominance. The 1990s is seen as peak Japanese performance cars and still coveted today by gear heads around the world. Models such as the RX7, Supra, NSX & GTR. These JDM models all exhibited technical brilliance which German brands struggled to emulate at any price point.
I’ve owned 4 Lexus ls400s. They’re simply the best vehicles ever made. The engine is so smooth, even with a misfire. Everything still works after 400k miles and countless hours on the road.
I really love your channel. Everything about it is just right to me. If you deem a topic interesting enough to make a video I’m 100% sure it’s worth a watch and I didn’t get disappointed thus far. Keep up the great work. Many honest thanks and greetings from Germany
One of things I loved about my Lexus was that all options were included. Mercedes had pages of options which delayed delivery and massively increased the price.
It’s not about showing off. It’s about enjoying a fine automobile. Most people treat their cars like crap and don’t enjoy them. Car guys love the LS400 because it’s a simple and beautiful car built extremely well. It has integrity. Itd got nothing to do with showing off. It’s about enjoying the drive. Enjoying the journey.
Just a few days ago I was thinking of the rise and history of Lexus and Acura. In 1986 when Acura debuted locally my brother, uncle and BIL each bought an Integra from the dealer. Needless to say it made the dealer really happy
Lexus changed the game. When the LS hit the streets, the Germans and Americans were quaking in their boots. I’m a Benz driver. And own 2 of them now. So I’m not a Lexus or Toyota fan boy. But the LS 400 was and still is an amazing vehicle. It made the Germans wake up and take stock. The Americans never woke up. They just started building SUV’s. Sadly, the German build quality took a big hit further down the road to remain competitive. And they’re still not as good as some of the 80’s and early 90’s models were. But I think they’ve made strides. But they’ll never be the amazing over engineered tanks they used to be. And now a flagship Lexus will set you back over 100 grand. And although they are still fantastic cars, I’d rather buy an AMG Benz for that money. Great video 👍🏻
the acura integra in 1986 at 4:17 was $10.5k base price in but 3 years earlier in 83, the Toyota camry at 7:17 was 13.5k? that's a very surprising fact that a luxury car was cheaper than a best selling sedan or else some of the numbers are getting mixed up between adjusted and standard. more explicitness with prices on screen would be helpful for viewers like me pls
Lexus would give binoculars to anyone who qualified for the LS, so my dad and I test-drove the car, and we were blown away. I had been riding in a Mercedes 500 Sel and the other Merc that was super popular then, and when I got in the Lexus, I knew it was over for other car makers at nine years old. I am now a lexus/ Toyota fanboy owner.
The Chinese companies need to concentrate on getting their basic quality right first. Despite all the hype, the cars we've received in the UK under the acquired MG brand have been mediocre at best in terms of build and reliability - and in Europe there are massive backlogs of unsold cars in docks as a result. They seem desperate to fly before they can crawl, never mind walk. Although it should be noted that the Chinese-built Teslas are far better than the US-made ones!
Remember in ‘Street Fighter II’ when they smashed a LS 400? In retrospect, after GM went bankrupt, that attitude was spot on. America needs a domestically owned car manufacturing industry, even if it’s not the best car on the market.
Nice video. I'm curious though why you would show some cars and ads from the second gen claiming it was the original? Originally Lexus chose to focus on their engineering accomplishments with the car. I was blown away by it back in 1989. Although I found the original a bit slow and soft to complete with the Germans. The 1993 mid-cycle freshening tightened up the suspension a bit but I always wished it got the shorter final drive of the SC400. It was quicker to 60 by 1.5 seconds or so but sacrificed top end if I recall correctly.
I was working out of high school as A car vallet So I got to drive all of the new BMWs & Mercedes. When one of these came on the lot for the first time it was like a revelation to me and my friend. It was just markedly so much better in almost every way.
I inherited a 2015 ES300 hybrid from my dad. I didn’t keep it long. I was involved in an accident that was a direct result of Covid. Yay 2020. That car was smooth, quiet, and got 35 mpg or better all the time. I took it to the dealer multiple times for routine maintenance. The service was second to none. Lexus, their vehicles and employees are a class act. The mouse infotainment system sucks hard though. The infotainment systems in my 2017 previously owned Tacoma and my current 2020 tundra are much easier to use.
Friend mother had one. I remember it having an amazing interior, stereo, and acceleration that was awesome for th time. All that and a car phone. It had it all.
I bought a 1987 Acura Integra & it included a service manual so you can maintain the car if you want. There was fairly large aftermarket parts for as it borrowed many parts from existing Honda’s. The only thing that set the 1st generation Integra was the torsion bar front suspension which set it apart from other Honda models.
Ever wondered why you have seen a Lexus 400 stretch-limo? That's because it wasn't possible to slice one down the middle then add a foot or more of length. It's structure had been optimized, such that the structure didn't retain adequate strength when the body was cut to enable inserting an extension.
By the time the LS400 was unveiled, Toyota was using their experience building the Crown and Century luxury models for the Japanese market and applying it to the LS400.
I know there's already a fair amount of coverage on the early rise of japanese motorcycles in the united states, but I would love to see your analysis of the revolutionary technologies and computational tools involved in the development of those motorcycles
When I saw the last graph showing 1986-2000 Lexus sales, my jaw dropped. I had no idea how successful they were. This was an absolute thickest steel rebar shoved up Detroit's ass.
And around the same time, Honda released the NSX, which shattered “the emperors clothes of exotic cars” , ie reluctantly held belief that declared they were ‘allowed’ to be unreliable, sell cars with prototype-level build quality, and be awkward to drive and operate. Ferrari and Lamborghini had to completely up their game from there, in order to justify what they were charging over and above what an NSX cost .
I had a 1983 Cadillac DeVille as a first car. It was a terrible car, but it was beyond comfortable. 130HP out of a 4.1 liter v8 in an over 2 ton car was absolutely laughable. It was a relic of old American luxury car tastes when it was new. Big, floaty, cushy, slow. (Kind of miss that car)
Wow the first ever recall they gave you a signed letter, went to your home to pick it up and left a courtesy car. Fixed the issue and returned it with a full tank and car wash??? WTF
That type of service feels unheard of today.
Ok
Depends on what you drive. A honda fit with the famous exploding airbag? Not a chance.
Loss leader. Pretty usual business strategy, they were trying to build the brand.
A friend had an interior part come loose on a 6 year old out of warranty Lexus. Was replaced for free, as "it's a Lexus, that should not happen".
NIO
My Dad bought a Lexus in the mid 1990s and kept it until he passed away. The service he got from the dealership was unbelievable. He was treated as if he were a rich man. Once he got that car, he swore he would never buy another American brand car. This was quite a change considering he had been a life-long Buick fan.
My dad always drove secondhand American luxury (91 Lincoln Town car) and secondhand American trucks (88 GMC Suburban 2500) until his dad passed away, after which he finally bought new...and when the time came, he bought a 2002 Toyota Tacoma pickup, and a 2002 Lexus ES300. When he and my mom got divorced, she took the truck, and has owned nothing but Tacomas ever since (she is on her 3rd, a 2018 model) and absolutely swears by them. To their credit, Toyota always treated her quite well at the dealership, until the truck was no longer under warranty, at which point I caught them trying to sell her brake pads she didn't need (they claimed she was down to 3mm, she declined, then brought it to me to change the brakes before a long trip about six months later, only for me to tell her she didn't need brakes, as she was still at 7mm, meaning she had to have at least had 9mm left when they told her she had 3mm. The pads are 12mm when new).
My dad, on the other hand, drove the ES300 until he died in 2018. It was the epitome of reliability, and I still own it to this day. It's now got 200k miles, and I know that if I didn't prefer motorcycles and stick shift vehicles, it would have continued to do so well into the future. Currently, I'm planning to bring it baci to showroom condition in his memory. Rest in peace, dad. Miss you.
Seems like some of the early es300s could be found with a manual, pretty rare though
@jayyydizzzle Really early, maybe. They offered a stick shift until 93. You could get a v6 camry in a manual trans in 2002, but only in Australia or New Zealand.
Omg - thanks
@@cen7urythat brought back memories for me. My grandma drove a ‘77 yellow Monte Carlo with a white leather like top. After she passed my father had it restored, but ended up selling it.
This video ignored the other aspects that was revolutionary with Lexus. Our family was a Mercedes family. We also previously owned American cars like Dodge, Oldsmobile, and Ford. Lexus redefined the sales and service experience. When you brought your Lexus in for maintenance or service, they would give you a loaner car free of charge with zero fuss. It shocked my parents. The Lexus team was so professional and friendly. It was so different from any other car service. Meanwhile, I brought in my dad's Mercedes for him when he wanted an oil change and the guy tricked me into a $700 repair (and this was in 1992 money). In fact, I never liked taking a car to Mercedes who had an entitled view and viewed us like we should want to spend extra for German luxury. Nowadays a free car loaner seems almost common but it wasn't in 1985. Lexus made everyone up their game. Even Mercedes.
It’s getting less common today. Most "average" car brands charge you $30-50 per day for a loan car. Unless your car is in for warranty repairs ( where in some situations, ) the dealer can charge the cost of a loan car for a customer back to the manufacturer.
I indirectly work for Merc Germany today, believe me, you would NOT want to get close to them, for them their customers are worth as much as their employees: absolutely nothing. Their IT infrastructure is a complete mess that's decades out of date, only seeking the cheapest possible solutions no mater the repercussions (new models can't be sold for days if not weeks after release because they still don't even have a procedure for new models years after the introduction of their "new" systems), sellers don't get paid their share on the sale for months if not over a year because they don't care if the system for that is broken, and now they are completely getting rid of their own retail. It's an absolute mess driving at full speed against a wall.
From personal experience you’re not getting a free loaner from Chevy or Honda these days.
You didn’t mention one thing, the real winner of the Lexus was the Camry. It became a Lexus lite and destroyed the US and world car market. There was a huge difference between pre and post Lexus Camrys. Just massive.
I'm convinced that Toyota make their cars ugly and boring on purpose so their Lexus cars seemed like a big upgrade. The LS250 is just a dressed up Camry.
This is what I was always told, that a Lexus and Camry are built on the same bones and the Lexus just has much higher quality fit and finish. My 2008 ES 350 inherited from my grandparents (no way I could afford a new Lexus today) has 120k miles on it and never had a breakdown or major problem. When I take it in for inspections the mechanics are typically impressed with how good of shape its in, ignoring all the little gravel dents and dings over the years. Only had to change the tires once in its lifetime, I think around 90-100k miles, well beyond what they were warrantied for.
Compare that to my cheap as fuck Hyundai Sonata (2011, from what I understand they have gotten much better at making better quality cars since then, along with Kia) that has less than 50k miles on it, I've had to have the alternator, it has had multiple recalls, it's extremely easy to steal, is loud and gets the same MPG as my 3.5L 6Cyl Lexus does despite having a much more efficient 4Cyl, and the tires were dry-rotted by 40k miles. Tires were half the price as the Lexus' and they lasted half as long. Who would have guessed, heh. It's had a few other issues I don't even remember. Just overall has turned me away from cheap cars and SK brands; at this point I am a die hard Toyota fan.
@@DaveP-uv1ml Well it's good for Toyota's profit margins to have Lexus. I see your point, since Toyota and Lexus both share engines and platforms, they need to strip the Toyotas of things like sound deadening, in order to justify the Lexus's large price difference!
It's different if you're buying it new or used. A new Camry was like a Lexus Lite, but a used Camry was a Lexus that needed a new tailpipe. Didn't the Lexus have a bunch of stainless steel on it that held up dramatically better in non-desert climates?
The sad part is in scamerica they had Lexus but in Japan all Lexus models were just random Toyota models..........case and point the Toyota crown has always destroyed the Lexus 400+ but it never came to scamerica.
The Lexus IS is just a Toyota Altezza.
It's hilarious to me be citizens in scamerica thought it was something glorious and exclusive.........nope just a bunch of body kits or rebadged Toyotas that had been in Japan for years. But if you want to pay 10k, 15k over Japanese MSRP for that we'll take your money.
Photos comparing Lexus with Mercedes stunned Germany and the world. Automotive journalists had a field day. Incredible engineering and paradigm shift.
The W126, the current S-Class at the time was an amazing car, but was literally designed and release in the 70s.
@@Mastermind12358really? 😮
@@Mastermind12358 that a badass car.
@@honor9lite1337 Yeap, came out in 1979. Its successor, the W140 came out two or three years after the LS400.
Automotive journalists in the West were also highly biased in favor of European cars and often mocked the Japanese makes and models by nitpicking something to exclude them from being as valuable or because of lower prices thus raising the status of BMW and Mercedes Benz and Porsche or Ferrari.
I recall reading some mocking remarks aimed at Toyota before the LS 400 and Lexus names were there and the same thing happened when it was becoming clear that Honda had manufactured the NSX to the point that I found some European magazines featuring the "Honda NSX" back when it was already decided to rename the car to the "Acura NSX" all because someone invented a FEAR that Americans would never buy an expensive Toyota or Honda aka basically backing the belief that it was impossible for those car companies to make vehicles on equal quality to high end vehicles because both made affordable cars... meanwhile in Germany whenever films or news reports came out from that country you could see Taxi drivers driving Mercedes Benz and BMWs.
19:58 In the case of the LS400 it was 110% of the performance and quality of the Mercedes S class for 60% of the price.
Correct, it was clearly a better vehicle than the W126 Benz, for like half the price. It shocked Mercedes to the bone. The same is true of Ferrari and the Acura NSX. Ferrari recognized Honda had totally outclassed their vehicle. The NSX drove better and had perfect reliability.
I strongly prefer the S class. Better handling, and the German approach to cabin design is my thing
@@wallacegrommet9343 The S class that existed when the original LS 400 was released objectively had worse handling than the LS 400. It took Mercedes the better part of a decade to regain the quality and performance lead. The modern S class isn't relevant to the conversation
@@grempal even back then, the W126 was a very fine German car. It wasn’t as soft as the LS400. I, too, prefer the S class. But Lexus upset the game.
My W140 still makes them look like well, Toyotas.
One of the highest quality machines ever made. Peaked with the LS430 two generations on. Mine has a bajillion miles and still looks and drives like new, every last of its countless electrical doodads and gizmos work flawlessly. Maintenance costs on par with a Corolla.
Show me a German car that can claim the same.
If the LS430 got slightly better mileage, I would probably call it the perfect car. The ride is the smoothest of any vehicle I've driven, it's whisper quiet in the cabin, and they'll last forever with approachable maintenance unlike similar or newer German contemporaries.
@@Uberrandom it’s a privilege worth 17 mpg on premium.
@Franzkoviakalak6981 The Corolla has four cylinders, The LS400 has Cylinders. That means it has double the spark plugs , ignition leads/ coil packs, injectors and takes more oil , of course. LS400/430 engines have the starter motor in the valley of the Vee, whereas the Corolla has it attached outside the engine block. Think of the Labour costs alone on simply removing the starter, before you actually attempt to repair or replace it!
@@paulsz6194 yes, thank you for pointing out the obvious mister pedant. In general GENERAL, it has maintenance costs on par with a contemporary Corolla.
@@franzkoviakalak6981 well, what obvious to some, isn’t obvious to everybody, especially when it comes to the starter motor location and the effort involved to remove it… Have a good day 👍🏼
I really appreciate how you always translate the price/cost to today’s dollars. Inflation is a real thing.
Thanks, Capt Obvious.
@@halfsourlizard9319 for example, often times people remark on how in the 1960s housing was $30k or so, and compare it favorably to today’s prices. Inflation is very often not taken into account or misunderstood in its magnitude. This is not obvious to a substantial population. Anyway, very unhelpful comment on your part. Best to think for a bit before posting next time.
My uncle still has his ‘96 LS400, which he bought in 1997, and it’s a spare, along with his LS430. The LS is the greatest full size luxury sedan to own, and easily the most important car to come out in the 90s. Lexus cars are made to be owned; Mercedes, Audi and BMW cars are designed to be leased and thrown away before the warranty expires.
Well put.
Leasing is what turned German cars into junk. The carmakers realized most customers were just trading them in anyway, so they didn’t have to last.
👍🏽👍🏽
And - BMWs went from 'hewn from stone' to 'made from polystyrene'.
They (the Germans especially) also realised that all that mattered was the fit & finish of the cabin - & folk assume that the rest of the car will be quality.
Cue - plastic parts everywhere - even in the engine.
@@5roundsrapid263I think it’s more so that parts are made so expensive so as to create another revenue stream of the car manufacturers . Most parts manufacturers will have agreements with the car makers that they won’t sell their own branded car parts ( such as radiators, water pumps, oil filters, etc) onto the market until at least until the warranty period ends on a new model if not 1-2 years after it ends.
@@5roundsrapid263 interesting observation...the social pressure to be stylin with the latest model doesn't help much either
My grandmother’s is still running. It’s an amazing car.
LS430 here, if I find a ls400 with lower miles, I will be scooping it up
I am afraid it will outrun your grandma then.
What year
I read that your grandma is still running 🙄🤭 Ouch 😅
@@001sander2 they bought it the year it came out. My grandfather never bought American again after that.
Dad had one.
It still survives with no issues
Do you check the transmission fluid every now and then? These cars are really well built but they aren't invincible. Transmission fluid should be changed every ~30,000 miles.
@@CockatooDude I don't know. It went to a family friend. However, my 355,000 mi Corolla gets a trans drain/fill every 4th oil change. Original auto trans/water pump/cv/ac pump/wheel bearings etc
@@hangdog7094 Very nice! That is a commendable service practice.
Small correction, the engine did not weigh anything close to 4000 pounds. I think you mean the weight of the whole car.
Yeah my all iron 5.9 cummins diesel is like 1k lbs
Lol - I just took it!
I'm from the UK & don't understand pounds anyway. It always felt so meaningless to weigh such large things with units small enough to weigh small animals by.
I find it easier to think of pounds in terms of bananas. 1 pound is equal to a small bunch of bananas. Simple really.
@@ArifGhostwriter 1lb = 2.2 kilos.
@@BramBiesiekierski
How many bananas are in "a small bunch of bananas" ? (I know you can say it's 1 pound's worth.) Not so simple really.
I'm from Australia, but I wasn't shocked at all when the LS400 was released. Toyotas in the mid 80's had a very high level of quality, with some high points like the '87 Cressida and Supra demonstrating Toyota was a powerhouse company on the way up!
I think at one time they had a saying in Australia, If you want to drive into the outback take Landrover. If you want to drive back out, take a Toyota.
@@filanfyretracker Yes! Pretty true too, but the Landrover would probably use half the fuel and be easy to fix! 😅
@@Andronicus2007 Maybe an original one, or sure about the reliability of a Discovery2 or Discovery 3..
@@paulsz6194 Defender all the way!
Love the episode. I was hoping in your section about Lexus' advertising blitz that you would bring up the Lexus LS400 ad with the champagne glasses. That ad is the main thing for most of us older folks would remember Lexus' introduction to tthe US.
I sold a new 2002 Mercedes E Class within the first year and swapped it for a new Lexus LS400. The ride was smoother and quieter. The navigation included a color touch screen vs Mercedes monochromatic dial only for entering an address. What a pain. Loved that car.
Not the LS swap I usually think of!
@@valrabellkeys9867yummy
@@valrabellkeys9867I'm gay today daddy
You mean an LS430. The 4.0 was punched out in 2001 to 4.3 liters when the third gen arrived. Best LS in my opinion.
Yeah I think he might be talking about an entire different Beast @@RomanJockMCO
"Moved to California, ate at expensive restaurants and watched Asianometry videos"
I see what you did there. Well played (and great video!)
The 1UZ-FE is awesome. I'm still driving my 92 SC 400. It drives like the day it was made.
Don't lie, Sir. It's broken down more times than you can count and been a financial ruiner of your wallet.
@@batman9592 That would be my 94 SC 400 that I stuck a rear-mounted turbo on and 5 speed manual swap.
@@RyanCribari Getting better. Look i'll be the first to admit then "it takes one to know one", if you catch my drift...
I own a SC300 missile (~500hp) and "stock" SC400 (
1st gen SC's are one of my favourite cars. Couldn't find one here though, settled with a manual IS300 which I love
Seems like we are getting closer to the Japanese motorcycle video somehow.
That would be a great idea would watch that
This is the Toyota development that other companies should have followed. Instead of kicking back and milking profits out of what you have, build something better. Improve the product, and everyone benefits.
Why in earth would you do that when the customer is dumb enough to still buy the products from a company that tells it „you are holding it wrong” (and the examples could go on forever)? Even Lexus toned down the engineering excellence with the newer models when they understood that it doesn't convert into profit.
I drive a 1986 toyota Cressida, and its surprising how big the strides they made with the LS400 were, to the point that they killed the cressida after 1992 due to the LS400's success. Im not as big of a fan of the LS400 styling, but it would've been jaw dropping when it came out. Especially with Toyota's reliability.
We had a pre-Lexus Toyota Cressida and we loved it. It was just so high tech. things like the automatic seatbelts were amazing. The stereo was incredible.
Toyota had a headstart making this as they had already been making luxury domestic cars for decades, most notably the Century, in any event I would love to hear Sandy Monroes recollection of how Detroit reacted to the LS 400, and particularly how much of this from his perspective was 'I told you so' in regards to Aluminium heads and so on.
was the Northstar engine a response to the UZs Toyota were fielding?
Thanks - great story.
Bought one 11 years old, years ago - still the best car I've driven for the money.
Second place, a Miata convertible w a stick.
The paint, interior, fit and finish, ride, reliability, reasonable maintenance costs, ride noise, and even the radio/sound,
..all excellent.
My Dad had a 1997 Toyota Avalon, which was basically a front wheel drive version of the Lexus LS400 without the wood trim. He must have held onto that car for a decade, and rightfully so because it was practically indestructible.
Same sort of car as the es300 or camry
I’m here for my 1990 Lexus ls400 still running since on the road. I was brought from old person is pass away and his car still running. His son sell to me. I drive my car since 4 years to now. His owner is 30 years. I owner that car since 4 years. It is so low maintenance level like Corolla. Look awesome but only weaker is starter motor give you an issue in every 10 years and power steering fluid leak too. I have 1985 Toyota pickup 22R is crazy reliable same level like LS400 do.
Asianometry, i love your videos...
can you make videos about the history behind the giant corps of Japan and South Korea?
Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Mitsui, Samsung..... its hard to find videos about them and i would like to learn about them from you.
greetings
Taiwan luxgen etc, Singapore companies, also hong kong humanoid company too.
@@Ronald-nu9ud yeah, I agree with you, there is so much to learn and to be honest i am tired of RUclips obsession with american corporations
Kawasaki heavy industries and Yamaha
Korean ones are called chaebols, but I think I've heard the term used for Japanese conglomerates as well.
One on temasek holdings would be great
My mother got one of the very first LS 400 cars in the USA. I was a teenager. I was totally impressed by the quality, fit, and finish. Granted, the ride was a little too spongy for me, but it was spongy and tight. The power was amazing. Interestingly, I found the large amount of wheel well noise out of place with the rest of the car.
lol "would you like to know more". I love that reference.
My parents owned a 1990 LS400. I still remember how soft and buttery those leather seats were.
These Toyota designers living in that Sunny California beach house watching Astronomy YT videos to learn about the chips,
at the same time watching Terminator the movie and got the idea:
They bought the foundry that has Arnold's melted super alloy body and "THAT" special chip. From that point on, Lexus' foundry has a tiny amount of the original foundry's liquid metal mixed in.
The rest is the (car or chip?) history.
In 1990 I worked at a Toyota dealer in the UK.
At that time, the Lexus was a Toyota car, or at least it was sold from Toyota dealers.
I was an apprentice mechanic.
I remember a real mechanic taking me out in an LS 400.
I could not believe the performance with almost no sound.
Now, some years later, I live not too far from Toyota city, and not too far from Tahara.
I could have sworn the LS400 was based on the Celsior body.
No mention of that here, though.
Great video, thanks.
@staninjqpan07 That’s because it was . The Lexus brand did not exist within Japan until 2005, the LS400 was the Celsius, the ES300 was the Toyota Windom, The GS300 was the Aristo, The Altezza was the IS200/300 and the RX300 was the Harrier.
@@paulsz6194 Good on you for letting me know. That's why they all looked so familiar, By the way, it is Celsior and not Celsius, but that's no big deal. Thanks.
@@staninjapan07 you go to Japan in 2007?
@@longiusaescius2537 No. I am actually 007, but it's very secret, so don't mention it on the Internet, whatever you do. MI6 might come knocking. Japan is the code word a secret country near Korea.
@@staninjapan07 hopefully the us wont wreck it like we have Korea
Mine has 170k miles and counting 🥂
Needed to rebuild the suspension, but it still drives better than a lot of modern cars. And the quality and durability of especially the plastic and leather interiors is something I've truly yet to experience in another modern car. Even expensive German stuff doesn't come close. I can't believe how good it's held up for 30 years.
There are a few million mile LS400s in the US. It is really a remarkable car.
I continue to be amazed by the amount of research you put into these videos - thank you for all your hard work, and your ability to make it accessible to people like me!
My friend's dad got the first one I ever saw. I remember thinking it was sooo nice when I felt the interior.
12:59 “ichiro flipped his bat” good quick joke.
I purchased my first Lexus LS, an LS400 in December of 1990, a 91 model. It was the very revised model that remain pretty much unchanged until the LS430 appeared. I purchased the LS430 in 2003 and the LS460 in 2012. I have loved each of these, and still own the 460. I moved on to a Tesla Model S (2022) and love it, but sort of wish it had a slightly softer ride like the Lexii. In all of the years with my Lexii i had only one repair (the A/C dryer broke and sent little silicate balls in to the system) and performed only the basic maintenance. I know the people who inherited both of my hand me downs and they are still driving their cars with nothing bad happening except the some of loudspeakers needing to replaced/repaired due to the rubber surrounds failing due to age.
10:22 watched Asianometry videos 😂😂 always loved that tinge of humour you inject
Fascinating video!
Please do a video on Infinity and Acura as well!
The big difference with the earlier Lexus was there focus on precision engineering which meant they were more reliable & rarely needed repairs.
It’s not just an emotional factor as for the wealthy the more reliable the vechile the more time saved a bit like flying though reliability may be more important in this case
When you're making 6+ figures, time matters.
I was very young when this car came out but I remember thinking it was beautiful. Itwas THE car to have for Asian parents in my area.
11:02 I LOVE the 944
My man, you make some of the most well researched videos on here, and you produce them at a steady pace, I'm well impressed!
Thank you so much i learn something here every time!
I just had a random thought: a student gets assigned a research project. Said student requests Asianometry to do a video on the subject. Student get an A+. 🤔🤓💯
My company in Torrance Ca. worked with George P Johnson. They still do auto show displays. I was task to make a "seat buck" from a prototype 95' Lexus 400. It was to be cut up and installed at a 45 deg angle in a case just showing the interior, the door sill the highest point of the car. A bezel hide the rest of the car which was cut off at the engine fire wall and trunk line. I was told it was most important to have the dash display and center console light up. They had been the first to have the speedo and tach needle made from a neon tube and want to show them off. The display with the rest of the Lexus set made the rounds of the US Auto shows. I went to the LA Auto show and saw it after they finished the set. It was a great display and I wanted that engine but everything had to be given back to Toyota and crushed.
Looking at the LS 400 its hard to describe what a game changer that car was. I was just a teenager when that car came out and I still remember how much people started to talk about Lexus.
At the time It was best described as the Caddy that wouldn't break down. While most luxury American car buyers above 50 seemed to pay it no mind, most teens couldn't wait for their parents to buy one and they couldn't wait for them to start hitting the used car market with their new drivers licenses.
The LS was a huge hit and redefined luxury for the younger crowd. No longer did they want American luxury, a huge boat with plush seats or a very expensive European car that was expensive to work on . The younger people looked at the LS 400 as youthful with its style and looks and as the more affordable car to own and keep running.
I always loved the LS400.
"Why wouldn't I buy something that is equally good for a low price?" It sounds obvious but this just doesn't happen in the EU/Japan where heritage is more important than the thing in itself. I think this is the true strength of the US vis a vis EU, Japan. This willingness to try something that's not known, but you feel it is better. Innovation is not only about people making new stuff, consumers have to be willing to try new things too. And in the US, people are more willing than people in other countries. that is why they are winning in the tech industry where the first mover advantage combined with the network effect is making them invincible.
The biggest reason tech the US is doing well is: the VC funding system/ecosystem in the US.
Which at the moment seems to be having a harder than before. The AI bubble needs lot of money and it's trendy and thus VC is flowing that way... we'll see how many make it.
Seems like they will hit trough of disillusionment soon enough, then we'll see what really works in practice. Not just a took for juniors to use without actually learning how it works.
The europeans are constantly chasing "bang for the buck".
That's litterally why we started the European Union, so we could get cheaper and better products.
We are not slaves of brands or of so called "heritage".
We just buy whatever fits our use case.
Litterally nothing of what you've said is remotely true.
Yeah this is the story that the US likes to tell themselves but the reality is different. American cars still subsist from government subsidies and protectionism. I'm from Europe, and I visited Japan last summer. No American cars in Japan, but many BMW, Mercedes and even high end Renault (not a single Audi in sight though wonder why). And in European countries like Spain or France a similar story happens: most non European brands are Japanese and Korean. The only American company with a substantial presence was Ford but it seems to be dwindling a lot in recent years. You can't explain that with just nationalism. People in Europe and Japan are ok buying foreign brands but not American brands because most of them they don't know how to adapt. The only one who seemed it could make a change was Tesla but I don't think they fare well in the following 10 years which will be the crucial ones for the EV industry. Despite having the massive perk of infinite money from American tech venture capital they're unable to have efficient production lines and haven't released new viable models in years (let's better not talk about the Cybertruck). The Chinese are already surpassing them in sales, and companies like Volkswagen will probably ramp up production soon. Also, Americans are nationalistic towards their cars. I still remember the film Gran Torino where Clint Eastwood admonishes his son telling him to buy an American car. It's a decent film but also an American car advertisement
@@jmiquelmb American Corporate Culture is extremely arrogant for years
@jmiquelmb The American brands have been in decline here in the states for decades. While there are those who refuse to buy anything but American, the vast majority of us gave up on them. They have had a collapse in market share since their peak. Toyota is the best selling brand now. I always thought Europeans were significantly more nationalistic with their car brands. French buy French, Germans buy German, Italians are moving away from some Italians brands but still prefer them.
Japanese prefer Japanese brands.
But Americans? Other than a few American models I would say we prefer anything not American.
Our automakers have gone bankrupt, they have been in decline, they are leaving markets all over the globe and leaving segments. The Chyrsler brands aren't even American anymore. I'm waiting for GM or Ford to go bankrupt.
Tesla is a current golden child. They are doing better than any other in terms of future prospects. At least atm. Their cars were number one sellers last year in various European countries. However I wouldn't be surprised if they lose their momentum. They are far too reliant on just two models.
The LS 400 is still in my top 5 best cars to own. The period Mercedes compact luxuries were also fine cars.
Loved my 1990 Legend. Would still drive one today.
As Steve Jobs said, the japaneese focus relentlessly on quality; American companies tend to prioritize marketing. Great video!
Cadillac Management: Toyota built this car, in a cave, with a box of scraps!!! 😡
Cadillac engineers: We are not Toyota. 🤷
This is called projection. It's where the worst insult you can think of is accusing somebody of being like yourself.
10:36 Wow, that looks like the Chrysler Concorde which came much later. They really did grasp the American taste.
10:20, Moved to California, ate at expensive restaurants, and watched Asianometry videos...and I was like "Wait the minute, let's listen to that again!"
They were serious about building a luxury car and they indeed delivered it. Ironically, the recall was an accidental opportunity to introduce the Lexus services to the owners!
Had one of these. A 1991 or 92 I think. Absolutely incredible machine.
"...and watch Asianometry videos." Brilliant! I love the understated humor in this channel.
In parallel with the 1980s Japanese advance into the US luxury car market was the 1990s advance into the sporty car dominance. The 1990s is seen as peak Japanese performance cars and still coveted today by gear heads around the world. Models such as the RX7, Supra, NSX & GTR. These JDM models all exhibited technical brilliance which German brands struggled to emulate at any price point.
I’ve owned 4 Lexus ls400s. They’re simply the best vehicles ever made. The engine is so smooth, even with a misfire. Everything still works after 400k miles and countless hours on the road.
I really love your channel. Everything about it is just right to me. If you deem a topic interesting enough to make a video I’m 100% sure it’s worth a watch and I didn’t get disappointed thus far.
Keep up the great work. Many honest thanks and greetings from Germany
The car is pretty famous in India as well, even though, one such 1991 LS 400 was ever imported into India.
One of things I loved about my Lexus was that all options were included. Mercedes had pages of options which delayed delivery and massively increased the price.
There’s one where I live that’s been lowered and fitted with larger tires that I’ve seen hitting a lovely drift and sounding amazing.
It’s not about showing off. It’s about enjoying a fine automobile. Most people treat their cars like crap and don’t enjoy them. Car guys love the LS400 because it’s a simple and beautiful car built extremely well. It has integrity. Itd got nothing to do with showing off. It’s about enjoying the drive. Enjoying the journey.
good research + good decisions + good leadership = good product, can it be that simple?
0:53 man so many good cars there that have crumbled to rust
Just a few days ago I was thinking of the rise and history of Lexus and Acura. In 1986 when Acura debuted locally my brother, uncle and BIL each bought an Integra from the dealer. Needless to say it made the dealer really happy
Acura came out right when US headlights mandates were relaxed.
What an impression they made.
Just like the Taurus, only luxury and sharp.
Lexus changed the game. When the LS hit the streets, the Germans and Americans were quaking in their boots. I’m a Benz driver. And own 2 of them now. So I’m not a Lexus or Toyota fan boy. But the LS 400 was and still is an amazing vehicle. It made the Germans wake up and take stock. The Americans never woke up. They just started building SUV’s. Sadly, the German build quality took a big hit further down the road to remain competitive. And they’re still not as good as some of the 80’s and early 90’s models were. But I think they’ve made strides. But they’ll never be the amazing over engineered tanks they used to be. And now a flagship Lexus will set you back over 100 grand. And although they are still fantastic cars, I’d rather buy an AMG Benz for that money. Great video 👍🏻
The Chinese are doing this aswell, Chery with OMODA, GWM With the TANK
the acura integra in 1986 at 4:17 was $10.5k base price in but 3 years earlier in 83, the Toyota camry at 7:17 was 13.5k? that's a very surprising fact that a luxury car was cheaper than a best selling sedan or else some of the numbers are getting mixed up between adjusted and standard. more explicitness with prices on screen would be helpful for viewers like me pls
the integra was smaller
Loved that video that was a bit more lighthearted than usual while still staying serious!
Lexus would give binoculars to anyone who qualified for the LS, so my dad and I test-drove the car, and we were blown away. I had been riding in a Mercedes 500 Sel and the other Merc that was super popular then, and when I got in the Lexus, I knew it was over for other car makers at nine years old. I am now a lexus/ Toyota fanboy owner.
Asianometry I love your videos. Thank you for making my break times at work amazing.
It was game over when that came out.
The Chinese companies need to concentrate on getting their basic quality right first. Despite all the hype, the cars we've received in the UK under the acquired MG brand have been mediocre at best in terms of build and reliability - and in Europe there are massive backlogs of unsold cars in docks as a result. They seem desperate to fly before they can crawl, never mind walk.
Although it should be noted that the Chinese-built Teslas are far better than the US-made ones!
Remember in ‘Street Fighter II’ when they smashed a LS 400? In retrospect, after GM went bankrupt, that attitude was spot on. America needs a domestically owned car manufacturing industry, even if it’s not the best car on the market.
Lexus is more American than GM at this point
Part 2 would be welcome, this bid was awesome.
Well said, nice video about why Tesla / Lexus are so reliable, well made, popular and why they sell well worldwide :)
more automotive history would be great
Nice video. I'm curious though why you would show some cars and ads from the second gen claiming it was the original? Originally Lexus chose to focus on their engineering accomplishments with the car. I was blown away by it back in 1989. Although I found the original a bit slow and soft to complete with the Germans. The 1993 mid-cycle freshening tightened up the suspension a bit but I always wished it got the shorter final drive of the SC400. It was quicker to 60 by 1.5 seconds or so but sacrificed top end if I recall correctly.
your car and early PC videos are so good I can't miss any
I wonder how this guy does such a in-depth research and present it unreasonable well!!
Probably could you please share some tips?
Get a time machine then buy a lot magazines.
I still have my 92 LS 400. Great car.
I was working out of high school as A car vallet So I got to drive all of the new BMWs & Mercedes. When one of these came on the lot for the first time it was like a revelation to me and my friend. It was just markedly so much better in almost every way.
13:38 Isn’t that is the weight of the entire car, not the engine weight?
Always so informative and entertaining. Thank you ...again!
I inherited a 2015 ES300 hybrid from my dad. I didn’t keep it long. I was involved in an accident that was a direct result of Covid. Yay 2020. That car was smooth, quiet, and got 35 mpg or better all the time. I took it to the dealer multiple times for routine maintenance. The service was second to none. Lexus, their vehicles and employees are a class act. The mouse infotainment system sucks hard though. The infotainment systems in my 2017 previously owned Tacoma and my current 2020 tundra are much easier to use.
Friend mother had one. I remember it having an amazing interior, stereo, and acceleration that was awesome for th time. All that and a car phone. It had it all.
Toyota stunned American mechanics with the impossible-to-access Lexus starter in the lifter valley.
And it worked they kept their hands off the cars haha
Lexus LS 400 was a revelation when it came out. So were the early 1990's ES300 and Toyota Camry V6.
I bought a 1987 Acura Integra & it included a service manual so you can maintain the car if you want. There was fairly large aftermarket parts for as it borrowed many parts from existing Honda’s. The only thing that set the 1st generation Integra was the torsion bar front suspension which set it apart from other Honda models.
Honda Civic CRX had torsion I believe
@@therealjayseh I stand corrected. They shared the front suspension
Great story, greatly presented! Thx!
Ever wondered why you have seen a Lexus 400 stretch-limo? That's because it wasn't possible to slice one down the middle then add a foot or more of length. It's structure had been optimized, such that the structure didn't retain adequate strength when the body was cut to enable inserting an extension.
I remember playing Street Fighter at the arcade in the early 90's and the was an LS400 in the game (in the background or something).
By the time the LS400 was unveiled, Toyota was using their experience building the Crown and Century luxury models for the Japanese market and applying it to the LS400.
I know there's already a fair amount of coverage on the early rise of japanese motorcycles in the united states, but I would love to see your analysis of the revolutionary technologies and computational tools involved in the development of those motorcycles
When I saw the last graph showing 1986-2000 Lexus sales, my jaw dropped. I had no idea how successful they were. This was an absolute thickest steel rebar shoved up Detroit's ass.
And around the same time, Honda released the NSX, which shattered “the emperors clothes of exotic cars” , ie reluctantly held belief that declared they were ‘allowed’ to be unreliable, sell cars with prototype-level build quality, and be awkward to drive and operate.
Ferrari and Lamborghini had to completely up their game from there, in order to justify what they were charging over and above what an NSX cost .
Well said
You put a lot of Car RUclipsrs to shame! This is an excellent video.
I had a 1983 Cadillac DeVille as a first car.
It was a terrible car, but it was beyond comfortable. 130HP out of a 4.1 liter v8 in an over 2 ton car was absolutely laughable.
It was a relic of old American luxury car tastes when it was new. Big, floaty, cushy, slow.
(Kind of miss that car)