I remember in 1989, after having bought my first new car--a Toyota Celica--my husband and I passed a dealership (not sure if it was Lexus or Toyota), but I remember saying, "Oh my gosh..what is THAT??" when looking at the LS400. Sticker was $36,000 fully loaded. I commented on how "crazy" the pricing was, but how stunning the car was. Now a 2019 will set you back almost $80,000 or more loaded. It is still a stunning car. I have graduated from all the Toyota models to a Lexus, albeit a 2008 ES, but hey, ya gotta start somewhere! Love this car company.
My dad was also a Toyota owner we had a 98 limited 4Runner then he wanted something bigger which was the land cruiser then next thing you know he found a Lexus LX450 and settled for that instead and now he ended buying two more Lexus. Once you become a Lexus owner there’s no going back.
I love Lexus. No other car has won my heart over Lexus. I started with a Lexus GS300 Saloon and upgraded after 6 years to an RX 400 4x4 HYBRID. My eyes are set on the new 2016 Lexus RX 450 HYBRID. May be I will win a lottery to buy that. Thanks you Mr. TOYOTA. Your creation is the best.
This is why Lexus IS such a special company a lot of people won't understand how smooth and unbelievably amazing this car is,it has won every single award for comfort and refinement,it's one of the most important cars in history,it may be ugly for some people but the Germans were out of business and this car has changed the perspective of other car makers and done the impossible,well done Lexus u guys killed it back in da days.
Yup, and i find it stupid, to see everyday a first gen LS400 being added in the junkyard websites i look on for parts, its very sad. I own a 1990, really awesome car, better than any vehicle in the universe.
I own a 95’ SC300 with roughly 133k miles, just got some maintenance done on it & it drives like a dream, super smooth and comfortable. Upgraded from a 2012 Scion TC and it has been amazing so far
On the bases of reliability is arguably one of the greatest cars ever built I owned one of this models to this day is amazing to see how well they stand the test of time so well
I second that... Sc300... 4 owners, 250,000+ miles... Miltiple crashes... I spun out on icy highway... Landed in ditch... STILL AMAZING CAR... The windows eventually needed tuning hahaha best and reliable cars on the road... LEXUS
As a teenager very into cars i remember seeing the Lexus at the Detroit auto show was like oh no Toyota making a V8 we are doomed. I was a child of the big 3 but I was no dummy
I wonder what it felt like seeing the LS 400 back in 1988 because in a crowd full of boxy cars that people were so used to it must be amazing to see an aerodynamic passenger vehicle shaped like that and at the time it wasn't even released yet
The Ford Taurus back in 86 was Aerodynamic, Ford started the trend to bring sleek curves back. GM and Chrysler really didn't have anything to compete with it till the 90s
Man I love the LS400 so much, its such a cool and respectful car, time ago I was thinking that my first car should be a used mercedes but now that I have grown up, got a job and Im just a mere months before graduating from school I think I already know what Im getting myself for a ride... have seen many of these 89-95 LSs for sale under the 2 grand tag, might get one and restore it!!
TheEVGAftw I recently upgraded from my fully loaded 93.5 UCF10 LS400 with the air ride suspension and the TRAC System to a '98 UCF20 without the air ride but with TRAC and everything else in addition to the 40 extra HP and Torque and man was it nice! I don't miss the air ride (it's still smooth as silk) but the extra power from the 1st gen's 250hp to 290hp/310tq was a WELCOME upgrade!
+Neg Ative Sick! I would like to see it! my UCF10 doesn't have air ride, and compared to my old sc300 which also has 250hp, the ls400 feels so much stronger pulling, compared to the sc. I love this car.
TheEVGAftw Yeah it just is. Toyota is way conservative on their numbers. My '94 Celica Turbo put down 244tq to the ground stock and Toyota claims 235ish to the crank. So yeah they are def under inflating their numbers for some odd reason
I just bought a 1997 Lexus ls 400 with 59k miles loovveeeeeeee my car, I do have a BMW 535 with 8k miles but wow what a difference Lexus is very smooth and quiet cabin!!
Well this is my collection dream car…reliable, comfortable, and with many accessories that are still in some new cars but also a rly good sound system! Well I rly hope that my dream will come true 😄…anyway have a nice day 🙂✌️
World history would be a lot had 'fate' placed the Japanese on larger land masses such as Russia, China or the USA. With this amount of determination and relentless desire, imagine having a population of 300 millions or billions and the funds to support the world's greatest armies? Lexus was my first luxury car, and it will probably be the only one moving forward. German, British and American cars just aren't what they used to be.
I have to admit, I would never consider buying an 80's 90's or 2000's luxury car, unless it were Lexus. Hell I almost bought a LS400 with 500k on the clock
I like the Lexus when first launched but less attractive now days. I hope Toyota will realize and back to old perfection philosophy to reborn Lexus brand again. I own Mercedes in Japan.
The car buyers market is way different than it was in the 1980s. People only care about how much tech the cars have and how sportiness is in the driving and handling and the intense amount of perfection isn't going to be noticed by many drivers. Also, I don't believe any company is going to take 6 years to put out a new model. Lexus now has a full lineup of vehicles versus just LS and ES (The first ES was 100% a rebadged Camry).
All of this work shows whenever I sit in a Lexus as a driver or passenger. Every Lexus I encountered always had that perfect balance of luxury, dependability, and cost. I have never seen a Lexus that did not meet this standard to driving perfection unless it was completely abused or wrecked. Otherwise this car goes a really long way for owners who care for the car.
As much as I love my '98 GS400, I always thought Lexus designed the wheels on the LS400 and up to the LS430 with the most boring, ugly and uninspired looking crap on an otherwise great car, haha.
The LS should go back to its original roots if it wants to attain the success it initially had from the first generation. Elegant, luxurious, minimalist and a shorter wheel base. It make a good replacement for the outgoing GS.
2:15 Yeah right! Had to be designed in America so American's would like it more huh! Is that why Japan has the same exact car with a Toyota badge slapped on? I'm calling balogna on that!! I think this was more about American's being not very likely to purchase a $40,000 Toyota. It's a simple rebrand for marketing purposes I'd bet on!
Dude. The Toyota Celsior was the cheap version. Didn't have the 1UZ-FE, didn't have the same panels, didn't even come with leather seats. Looked the same, not the same. You'd lose that bet because the Lexus V8 was originally in development for Toyota's first Formula One car for years before Lexus was even a thing. They switched over to the Lexus project to take on European manufacturers on the American market. And they beat them. Wasting my breath. If you think it's a $40,000 Toyota you probably voted for Trump.
I have a 1998 LS400. It really is a fine car. The design is timeless. I think Lexus needs to go back to this same method as they have serious slipped while the Germans, especially Audi in recent years, have made serious gains. The Mercedes S-Class is arguably the best car in the world. What people misunderstand is that Lexus didn't dent Mercedes or BMW. It destroyed Cadillac and Lincoln's consumer market for sedans. Lexus is what Cadillac or Lincoln should have been in the 1990's.
Don't get me wrong. I love the LS. But it was $35k starting when it launched as opposed to $70k for an S-Class. The point I am making is that Lexus was a home run in the American market but it mostly harmed Lincoln and Cadillac more so than BMW and Mercedes which continued to grow at a rapid pace. Remember Mercedes and BMW are the top 2 selling luxury carmakers in the world today.
So they dressed up a Camry, called it a Lexus ES and did not even dare selling it to their own people back in Japan. They just made up this brand to cash in on the US Luxury market.
+Peter Rafeiner True though, they try to tap into the North American luxury market. But early Lexus models in Japan is branded with Toyota badges, like Lexus ES is Toyota Windom, LS is Toyota Celsior while IS is Toyota Altezza. 80-90s Toyota has so many models using the same body platform. Like the Corolla (base model), there's Sprinter (sport model), Sprinter Marino (sport and luxury, soft of.), Levin (2 door sport). So, Lexus in Japan is branded as Toyota but with luxury amenities for the particular platform. Toyota Windom (ES) is the luxury version of Toyota Camry (base model) while Toyota Vista (is a sport model of Camry). Unlike today, due to the Japanese economic bubble in late 80s, they stop making cars with many variations, they just rename it differently without any major differences in looks and type.
+Peter Rafeiner Uh... Yeah. They did just make up a brand to cash in on the Luxury market. Thats what they're in the business for as is with all the auto makers. They didn't spend an ass load of money, time and research just because they wanted to. They did it to make money. Business 101.
***** Yes, and as I pointed out, it sold in Japan as a TOYOTA Celsior. Lexus is a made up Brand to cash in on the high end luxury market in the USA. Neither the Japanese nor the Europeans consider it a 'luxury' brand.
Lesson: The Japanese are no joke. When they put their minds towards a singular goal, they can achieve anything
Except win World War 2
Nigga mad cuz Americans driving Japanese cars lol. they did their goal sinking the Arizona and bombed pearl harbor right? Lol soo funny
Fantastic! I drive a Hyundai. You don't have anything better to do than troll stale comments on RUclips documentaries?
kills the time
Marc Silver Hyundais aren't Japanese
Japanese is known for their craftsmanship throughout history. Gotta admire their hard work.
24 engineering teams, 1400 engineers, 2300 technicians and 220 support workers collaborated to produce the LS400
Elisi Camost 450 pototype
Toyota was obsessed, looks like it paid off... They are the most valuable car maker in the world.
As every other Luxury brand didn't change and they make garbage especially Domestic Luxury; Lincoln, Cadillac, lol. Complete junk..
Even now also ls400 can beat rolls royce
I remember in 1989, after having bought my first new car--a Toyota Celica--my husband and I passed a dealership (not sure if it was Lexus or Toyota), but I remember saying, "Oh my gosh..what is THAT??" when looking at the LS400. Sticker was $36,000 fully loaded. I commented on how "crazy" the pricing was, but how stunning the car was. Now a 2019 will set you back almost $80,000 or more loaded. It is still a stunning car. I have graduated from all the Toyota models to a Lexus, albeit a 2008 ES, but hey, ya gotta start somewhere! Love this car company.
The sticker is 51k brand new and with inflation it’s around $101k so the newer LS500 is actually a little cheaper.
I got my hands on a used 2 owner 1990 Lexus LS400 for only 650 bucks. In original condition.
My dad was also a Toyota owner we had a 98 limited 4Runner then he wanted something bigger which was the land cruiser then next thing you know he found a Lexus LX450 and settled for that instead and now he ended buying two more Lexus. Once you become a Lexus owner there’s no going back.
I love my 1989 LS400 i still have it... lexus for life ....
I love Lexus. No other car has won my heart over Lexus. I started with a Lexus GS300 Saloon and upgraded after 6 years to an RX 400 4x4 HYBRID.
My eyes are set on the new 2016 Lexus RX 450 HYBRID. May be I will win a lottery to buy that. Thanks you Mr. TOYOTA. Your creation is the best.
Did u get the RX?
I've owned BMWs, Benz, and Lexus. The latter is best by far
Don’t forget about Acura and Audi
🇯🇵 ＭＡＤＥ ＩＮ ＪＡＰＡＮ 🇯🇵
Ed Oda what a great sentence.. when see it you wanna be japanese
valak demon lmao I’m Japanese don’t have to try I already am
Most satisfying words when u seek for the quality ❤️
This is why Lexus IS such a special company a lot of people won't understand how smooth and unbelievably amazing this car is,it has won every single award for comfort and refinement,it's one of the most important cars in history,it may be ugly for some people but the Germans were out of business and this car has changed the perspective of other car makers and done the impossible,well done Lexus u guys killed it back in da days.
Yup, and i find it stupid, to see everyday a first gen LS400 being added in the junkyard websites i look on for parts, its very sad.
I own a 1990, really awesome car, better than any vehicle in the universe.
Huh, i don't feel ugly its beautiful in every angle till ls430
I own a 95’ SC300 with roughly 133k miles, just got some maintenance done on it & it drives like a dream, super smooth and comfortable. Upgraded from a 2012 Scion TC and it has been amazing so far
Japanese people takes great pride in their work and its shows in their products.
Most definitely
Well done documentary, thanks for posting. I have a 92 LS400
The LS is more aerodynamic than formula cars, look it up.
Simply awesome. Lexus = Perfection
On the bases of reliability is arguably one of the greatest cars ever built I owned one of this models to this day is amazing to see how well they stand the test of time so well
I second that... Sc300... 4 owners, 250,000+ miles... Miltiple crashes... I spun out on icy highway... Landed in ditch... STILL AMAZING CAR... The windows eventually needed tuning hahaha best and reliable cars on the road... LEXUS
They made my 1990 259k mile Lexus LS400 run for ever.
LEXUS....This car is both refined and has soo much reliability with a long shelf life.
Japan in 1989:
Lexus is being born
China in 1989:
Nothing happened in Tiananmen Square
12 Lincoln and 5 Cadillac executives disliked this video.
What a fabulous car ... better than current cars .. I owned one earlier .. Its a masterpiece
i have a 2016 lexus rc and it's awesome
As a teenager very into cars i remember seeing the Lexus at the Detroit auto show was like oh no Toyota making a V8 we are doomed. I was a child of the big 3 but I was no dummy
Truly the greatest car ever made
I wonder what it felt like seeing the LS 400 back in 1988 because in a crowd full of boxy cars that people were so used to it must be amazing to see an aerodynamic passenger vehicle shaped like that and at the time it wasn't even released yet
The Ford Taurus back in 86 was Aerodynamic, Ford started the trend to bring sleek curves back. GM and Chrysler really didn't have anything to compete with it till the 90s
I love Toyota/Lexus. Thanks for the documentary.
Lexus: Luxury EXport U.S.
It was inspired by the code name they gave to their premium exports to the U.S., the Creseda and Supra.
Man I love the LS400 so much, its such a cool and respectful car, time ago I was thinking that my first car should be a used mercedes but now that I have grown up, got a job and Im just a mere months before graduating from school I think I already know what Im getting myself for a ride... have seen many of these 89-95 LSs for sale under the 2 grand tag, might get one and restore it!!
Still the best car maker.
My LS is godlike. Perfection
+Neg Ative Mine too. 1990 ls400 has more options then some 2015's xD
TheEVGAftw
I recently upgraded from my fully loaded 93.5 UCF10 LS400 with the air ride suspension and the TRAC System to a '98 UCF20 without the air ride but with TRAC and everything else in addition to the 40 extra HP and Torque and man was it nice! I don't miss the air ride (it's still smooth as silk) but the extra power from the 1st gen's 250hp to 290hp/310tq was a WELCOME upgrade!
+Neg Ative
Sick! I would like to see it! my UCF10 doesn't have air ride, and compared to my old sc300 which also has 250hp, the ls400 feels so much stronger pulling, compared to the sc. I love this car.
TheEVGAftw
Yeah it just is. Toyota is way conservative on their numbers. My '94 Celica Turbo put down 244tq to the ground stock and Toyota claims 235ish to the crank. So yeah they are def under inflating their numbers for some odd reason
+Neg Ative prob to keep the insurance cheaper for us
Own a 2022 Lexus GX 'blackline' and saving up for the LC 500! Test drove one and ..sold!!
I’m on my fifth LS400 , currently have 95” and 96”. The only thing I can say is. I SHOULD HAVE KEPT ALL OF THEM!!!!!!!!
Sadly cars aren’t made like this anymore this level of attention to detail is sadly gone :(
Is it because we've become high tech that the engine evolution stopped?
mine is the 1st gen 1989 wow this is my baby... still runs like new
Very cool. how many miles?
56891Miles
+Anthony Init that's it? brand new car.
bought it brand new over 20 + years ago LOL my fathers... now its mine all mine LOL
+Anthony Init very cool. Hope it will be a good companion to you.
I own a 1993 es300 lexus very clean and still ruling the streets. ..
What is the name of the background music ?
Brilliant work by Toyota on this one .
What a spectacular car..!!
I just bought a '96 2nd gen LS400. Original price was $61k... I only had to wait 24 years to get it for $3800 🤣
I got a 2nd gen too from 1995 picked it up 2 weeks ago. I’m 19 and paid $5,300! sticker price was $51k on mine 😂 with Inflation it’s like $100k
Is it easy to maintain?
Finest cars ever I have a 2007 rx
great JAPANESE reliability and luxury cars
Since 20years we drive our Lexus IS 200 without any Problems. Very good sports- and cruising car.
This damn near make me want to go get one
Just bought my first Lexus, an IS200. Already in love with car. Hope it doesnt disappoint
How is it holding up
It won't
This is amazing
Lexus was supposed to be named " Alexis " because of Dynasty. Alexis for Alexis Carrington.
*WRONG.* Thanks for playing...
i remember this guys voice from long ago
Did this come as an intro to the 1990 Lexus LS400 promotional tape?
Lexusは最高のラグジュアリーカーです！
I'm going to purchase a second hand Lexus and know that I'll still be in good hands as someone who purchases a brand new Lexus.
I just bought a 1997 Lexus ls 400 with 59k miles loovveeeeeeee my car, I do have a BMW 535 with 8k miles but wow what a difference Lexus is very smooth and quiet cabin!!
Well this is my collection dream car…reliable, comfortable, and with many accessories that are still in some new cars but also a rly good sound system!
Well I rly hope that my dream will come true 😄…anyway have a nice day 🙂✌️
I wish we got the Japan version of the LS 400 it was the Toyota celsior With more option on it
Holy shit I’m hyped
World history would be a lot had 'fate' placed the Japanese on larger land masses such as Russia, China or the USA. With this amount of determination and relentless desire, imagine having a population of 300 millions or billions and the funds to support the world's greatest armies? Lexus was my first luxury car, and it will probably be the only one moving forward. German, British and American cars just aren't what they used to be.
Perfection Matters
I have to admit, I would never consider buying an 80's 90's or 2000's luxury car, unless it were Lexus. Hell I almost bought a LS400 with 500k on the clock
Beautiful Car that made German Auto manufactures sweat !
Could it be the finest car ever made
Ls 400 is legacy can stand for long long century
Were they talking about Ichiro Suzuki, the baseball player or a different Ichiro Suzuki?
def the baseball player
A different one
all this and left us with a one leg wonder
Вот вы мне скажите. Лимитированоя серия в россии как нозывалась?
Круче вашей рекламы
American Vehicle
Lexus IS better than Porsche it’s just Porsche’s legacy that makes it better
What are they doing..? (2.50 min)
I have a cressida 5mge and a lexus es300 1mz fe and they runs like a horse..!
Where/when did this come from?
89/90
I like the Lexus when first launched but less attractive now days. I hope Toyota will realize and back to old perfection philosophy to reborn Lexus brand again. I own Mercedes in Japan.
The car buyers market is way different than it was in the 1980s. People only care about how much tech the cars have and how sportiness is in the driving and handling and the intense amount of perfection isn't going to be noticed by many drivers. Also, I don't believe any company is going to take 6 years to put out a new model. Lexus now has a full lineup of vehicles versus just LS and ES (The first ES was 100% a rebadged Camry).
@@worldofai-games1036 That's misinformed. Takes 6 years to develop a new Mercedes Benz from initial planning to showroom delivery. Ditto for BMW.
All of this work shows whenever I sit in a Lexus as a driver or passenger. Every Lexus I encountered always had that perfect balance of luxury, dependability, and cost. I have never seen a Lexus that did not meet this standard to driving perfection unless it was completely abused or wrecked. Otherwise this car goes a really long way for owners who care for the car.
As much as I love my '98 GS400, I always thought Lexus designed the wheels on the LS400 and up to the LS430 with the most boring, ugly and uninspired looking crap on an otherwise great car, haha.
+Slovflyer i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc441/Stroock6394/1999%20LS%20HR%20TRAK/IMG_8275.jpg
lol that's why i had to do this
there were 2 wheel designs.
Some people changed 2 cars in these years while this car was being finalized
HONDA MOTOR CO LIMITED IS BEST.
The LS should go back to its original roots if it wants to attain the success it initially had from the first generation. Elegant, luxurious, minimalist and a shorter wheel base. It make a good replacement for the outgoing GS.
Lexus and Volvo are the best luxury carmakers in the world
JAPAN 🇯🇵 MADE
Lexus is most reliable car out there better than BMW & Benz
2:15 Yeah right! Had to be designed in America so American's would like it more huh!
Is that why Japan has the same exact car with a Toyota badge slapped on?
I'm calling balogna on that!!
I think this was more about American's being not very likely to purchase a $40,000 Toyota. It's a simple rebrand for marketing purposes I'd bet on!
Dude. The Toyota Celsior was the cheap version. Didn't have the 1UZ-FE, didn't have the same panels, didn't even come with leather seats. Looked the same, not the same. You'd lose that bet because the Lexus V8 was originally in development for Toyota's first Formula One car for years before Lexus was even a thing. They switched over to the Lexus project to take on European manufacturers on the American market. And they beat them. Wasting my breath. If you think it's a $40,000 Toyota you probably voted for Trump.
I have a 1998 LS400. It really is a fine car. The design is timeless. I think Lexus needs to go back to this same method as they have serious slipped while the Germans, especially Audi in recent years, have made serious gains. The Mercedes S-Class is arguably the best car in the world.
What people misunderstand is that Lexus didn't dent Mercedes or BMW. It destroyed Cadillac and Lincoln's consumer market for sedans. Lexus is what Cadillac or Lincoln should have been in the 1990's.
wave runner Oh, but they did dent the Germans. In fact in 1991 Lexus had already outsold BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the USA.
Don't get me wrong. I love the LS. But it was $35k starting when it launched as opposed to $70k for an S-Class. The point I am making is that Lexus was a home run in the American market but it mostly harmed Lincoln and Cadillac more so than BMW and Mercedes which continued to grow at a rapid pace. Remember Mercedes and BMW are the top 2 selling luxury carmakers in the world today.
So they dressed up a Camry, called it a Lexus ES and did not even dare selling it to their own people back in Japan.
They just made up this brand to cash in on the US Luxury market.
+Peter Rafeiner Mercedes Benz purchased 2 of those LS Lexus cars for a reason. I can imagine a top European brand buying a Camry for research.
Peter Stahl
You buy competitor products ( ANY industry) not just to copy or learn from... but also to check on Patent violations !
+Peter Rafeiner True though, they try to tap into the North American luxury market. But early Lexus models in Japan is branded with Toyota badges, like Lexus ES is Toyota Windom, LS is Toyota Celsior while IS is Toyota Altezza. 80-90s Toyota has so many models using the same body platform. Like the Corolla (base model), there's Sprinter (sport model), Sprinter Marino (sport and luxury, soft of.), Levin (2 door sport). So, Lexus in Japan is branded as Toyota but with luxury amenities for the particular platform. Toyota Windom (ES) is the luxury version of Toyota Camry (base model) while Toyota Vista (is a sport model of Camry). Unlike today, due to the Japanese economic bubble in late 80s, they stop making cars with many variations, they just rename it differently without any major differences in looks and type.
+Peter Rafeiner Uh... Yeah. They did just make up a brand to cash in on the Luxury market. Thats what they're in the business for as is with all the auto makers. They didn't spend an ass load of money, time and research just because they wanted to. They did it to make money. Business 101.
***** Yes, and as I pointed out, it sold in Japan as a TOYOTA Celsior. Lexus is a made up Brand to cash in on the high end luxury market in the USA. Neither the Japanese nor the Europeans consider it a 'luxury' brand.