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Summary
What price near-perfection? There are two considerations. The first is money: 53 grand for starters, plus options. That may or may not be a concern to potential customers in this price class, and is offset to considerable degree by the jewel-like finish, sumptuous interior, long list of standard features, and the general air of solidity the LS exudes. It's a class automobile, beyond any doubt, and beyond any consideration of cost. But the LS 400 doesn't quite qualify as a driver's car in the Jaguar/BMW sense. Even the less expensive Seville STS feels more in tune with the road, more capable of being worked hard, and more fun in the process. It's all a matter of expectations and experience. As a step up from a Japanese near-luxury sedan, the LS 400 is probably the best choice available. Ditto for a move from middle-class American sedans. But the buyer who steps out of a car bred on the wide-open autobahns and twisty mountain roads of Europe will want to take a long run in the big Lexus before making the final decision. Then again, for a long run on this country's relatively low-speed freeway system--say New York to San Francisco--it's hard to think of any car better suited to the task. At any price.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Engines:
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4.0-liter dohc 32v V8 |
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Transmissions:
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4-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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Dual airbags |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Basic Warranty:
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4 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Japan |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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LS 400 |
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Standard Equipment:
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Air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, leather seats, power front seat adjustments, 7-speaker AM/FM/stereo cassette, auto-dim rearview mirror, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, auto headlamp control. |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Nakamichi audio system w/ 6-disc CD changer, power moonroof, traction control system, chrome wheels. |
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Destination Charge:
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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58270 |
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Layout:
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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260 @ 5300 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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270 @ 4500 |
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Transmission:
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4-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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19/26 |
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Wheelbase:
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112.2 |
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Length/width/height:
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196.7/72.0/55.9 |
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Track, f/r:
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62.0/62.0 |
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Turning circle:
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34.8 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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38.9/57.1/43.7 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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36.9/57.1/36.9 |
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Cargo volume:
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13.9 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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Suspension, f:
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Independent |
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Suspension, r:
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Independent |
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Ground clearance:
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Curb weight:
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3649 |
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Tires:
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225/60VR-16 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc |
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Fuel capacity:
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22.5 |
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