1995 Lexus LS 400 - Long-Term Wrapup

For those burdened by the gray hairs, migraines, and ulcers that seem to accompany success, the Lexus LS 400 may be the best medicine a doctor could recommend. Available in convenient over-the-counter form since introduced at the tail end of 1994 as a '95 model, the second-generation LS 400 surpassed its giant-toppling predecessor by offering improved power, increased luxury, and expanded interior space.

Building on the strong foundation of the original LS 400, Lexus sought to make the new model more of a driver's car without sacrificing the all-important virtue of pure hedonistic luxury. Choosing to retain the same exterior dimensions as the first- generation LS 400, Lexus engineers stretched the wheelbase from 110.8 to 112.2 inches to enhance the driving character and increase rear legroom within that body envelope. While structural integrity and safety features were upgraded for the '95 LS 400, more than 200 pounds were cleverly shed using detailed computer design analysis.

To help calm our perennially deadline-addled nerves, we ordered a posh Moonstone Pearl LS 400 for MT's long-term fleet. With nearly every imaginable item being standard, such as leather, power windows/mirrors/door locks, anti-lock brakes, outside temperature display, keyless remote entry system, and dual-zone automatic climate control, there was little room for options. However, we managed to indulge in the driver's seat memory system ($750), CD changer ($1000), power moonroof ($1000), carpeted floormats ($110), and carpeted trunk mat ($63). Delivery charges ($480) and the options raised our sticker price from the $51,200 base to the $54,603 as-tested tariff.

The subtle engine and chassis improvements for '95 didn't go unnoticed by our survey respondents. A former '91 LS 400 owner wrote, "This Lexus is absolutely the smoothest, most satisfying machine I have ever owned." Underhood lies a revamped version of the four-cam V-8 that Lexus introduced in '89. The aluminum 4.0-liter powerplant was retuned to produce an additional 10 peak horsepower-totaling 260-at a lower rpm through a bump in compression ratio to 10.4:1, revised fuel injection, new airflow meter, and stainless steel semi-dual exhaust manifolds. Torque was increased, climbing from 260 to 270 pound-feet at 4500 revs.

The engine enhancements, combined with a "Slim*Fast" engineering program, moved the LS 400 from a respectable 15.4:1 weight-to-power ratio to a more aggressive 14.0:1, resulting in a precipitous drop in 0-60-mph times from 8.7 to a heady 7.4 seconds. One editor wrote in the logbook, "Why don't you ever see an LS 400 streak through traffic? Owners must prefer to keep the spirited V-8 as their own little secret." With 15.5-second quarter-mile times at 92.6 mph, there can be little excuse for being late to a board meeting.

Equally as important as the engine's raw abilities are its power delivery and idle characteristics, which place the V-8 in very select company. From in- or outside the car, the 4.0-liter engine is barely audible at idle. With any background noise, such as the footfalls of a nearby ant, it's nearly impossible to tell if the engine is running unless you glance at the electroluminescent instrument cluster. Tip into the throttle, and the engine responds instantly, delivering brisk acceleration with a satisfying yet unobtrusive amount of engine noise. During moderate acceleration, the standard electronic four-speed transmission makes nearly undetectable shifts. As one logbook entry attests, "This may be the least obtrusive transmission the world's yet seen."

The LS 400 continues to use a double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bars, fore and aft. The suspension geometry has been tuned to improve handling with the aid of newly designed shock absorbers with internal rebound springs. Reduced body roll and improved driving feel permit a tighter bond between man and machine without sacrificing the trademark Lexus comfort.

Handling tests show a marked improvement in lateral acceleration, from 0.76 g in a '94 model to 0.80 g in the '95. Not as significant is the modest gain through our 600-foot slalom from the '94's 60.6-mph speed to 61.7 mph with our long-term car, as Lexus again eschews ultimate grip for excellent ride and nearly indiscernible tire noise. Practical evidence of the revised suspension, however, was revealed in our owners' survey, as respondents rated handling higher than any other performance category, with not one person finding it below average.

Stopping power is provided by four anti-lock disc brakes, with large 12.4-inch rotors in front and 12.1-inch rotors out back. These beefy vented discs bring the 3650-pound sedan to a halt from 60 mph in a brief 119 feet.

Safety has always been a key focus for Lexus, and this is further evidenced in the LS 400 by dual front airbags, a collapsible steering column, an onboard first-aid kit, and three-point restraints for all five seat positions. For '97, Lexus added standard front side airbags. And just in case, an emergency tool kit with a handy flashlight is mounted in the trunk. From day one, the standard keyless entry system befuddled the staff with intermittent operation until the key fob's battery was replaced.

The commodious 115.9-cubic-foot interior features keen design economy in regard to the instrument pod and surrounding controls. Each button and switch is clearly labeled, precise in its movement, and adequately sized to allow effortless adjustments while driving. Seats swathed in rich leather provide comfortable quarters for five adults, with the front passengers further benefiting from power adjustments, including lumbar and a power tilt/telescope steering column. The optional memory seats permit programming for two drivers, allowing an easy return to the preferred settings, such as when picking up the car from valet service at the country club. One-touch operation of the optional moonroof minimizes the time hands are spent away from the steering wheel.

Lexus' high-capacity automatic climate-control system with separate driver and passenger temperature zones proved its values on numerous long trips through stretches of scorching Arizona, California, and Nevada desert. While we appreciated the standard air-filtration device, however, we preferred to keep the system in "recirculation" mode when navigating through the thick and tangy Los Angeles smog.

Careful attention to sound-deadening materials paid off in a whisper-quiet interior that's a hair under 40 dB at idle and a mere 61 dB at 60 mph, when a hint of wind noise can be detected. This mausoleum-silent space is exploited to maximum benefit with the standard 195-watt stereo, which feeds through seven speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer. The optional in-car CD changer, mounted below the glovebox, provides crisp, concert-hall sound for day-long drives. Nonetheless, much as we appreciated not having to pop the trunk to swap discs, it's a near-impossible stretch for the driver to reach the changer from behind the wheel.

Along with its new-found power, the LS 400's revised engine is more fuel efficient, with an EPA-rated 19/25 city/highway mpg. However, surveyed owners reported an average of 20.3 mpg, and our long-term test car averaged 21.1 mpg. Consuming a steady diet of premium fuel, our luscious LS 400 rang up a hefty $1942.26 gasoline bill by year's end. Numerous multistate journeys were followed by gushing logbook comments about the car's innumerable virtues, and each also included a thankful nod to the 400-plus mile range provided by the 22.5-gallon fuel tank.

Our Lexus only required servicing at the recommended intervals. The initial 1000-mile and subsequent 7500-mile dealer maintenance visits were quick, painless, and complimentary. As the miles quickly accrued on the odometer, we returned to our dealer four more times, racking up $527 in scheduled servicing. As we witnessed during our year-long test, part of Lexus' appeal goes beyond the high-quality product to the actual ownership experience. A woman from Louisiana wrote, "I am treated like royalty at the dealership. I can't think of anything further that could be done to make me feel so special."

Who needs daily affirmations when you can drive an LS 400? After a fast-paced day on the floor at Wall Street, or merely balancing atop the corporate ladder, the peaceful Lexus driving experience lowers a burgeoning executive's blood pressure in time to spend a quiet evening with the family. Thus, the $50,000-plus automotive investment is worthwhile as it pays dividends to the tune of silky power, opulent luxury, and ambassador prestige in a stylish, worry-free package.

MT Thumbs UpCrypt-quiet interiorRolling stress-reduction therapyRefined powertrain

MT Thumbs DownBeing called "sir" or "ma'am"Muted driving feelBlends into traffic

Based on "Kelley Blue Book" wholesale price, excluding insurance, tax, title, and registration.