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When Toyota set out to create the Lexus brand in the late 1980s, the goal was clear: to create a luxury car that could compete with the best in the world. The result was the Lexus LS400, a car that would redefine the luxury market and establish Lexus as a top-tier brand. Thirty years later, the Lexus LS400 is still one of the best-used luxury cars on the market. Here are three reasons why:

Toyota developed the Lexus LS400 to debut the new luxury brand

1990 Lexus LS 400 white
1990 Lexus LS 400 | James Keyser via Getty Images

Toyota has a reputation for building reliable, affordable cars, but they needed to gain experience in the luxury market. So to establish itself as a serious contender, Toyota created a car competing with Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The result was the Lexus LS400, a car designed from the ground up to be a luxury car.

Toyota spared no expense when it came to designing the LS400. They brought in the best engineers, designers, and artisans to create a car that would rival the best in the world. From the materials in the interior to the precision of the engineering, the LS400 philosophy is to be a car that would impress even the most discerning luxury car buyer.

The Lexus LS400 was built with a blank check

1990 Lexus LS 400 Black Sectioned
1990 Lexus LS 400 Sectioned | SSPL via Getty Images

Toyota was determined to make the LS400 the best luxury car on the market, and they were willing to spend whatever it took to make that happen. So they gave the engineers and designers a blank check and told them to spare no expense.

The result is a car that was built to a level of quality that was unprecedented at the time. From the paint on the exterior to the stitching on the leather seats, every aspect of the LS400 is perfect. The LS400 was also one of the first cars to feature a fully computerized engine management system, allowing greater precision and efficiency.

Prototype cars were driven all around the world, and over 1,000,000 miles

Before the Lexus LS was released to the public, Toyota tested the prototype cars extensively. The vehicles were driven worldwide, including through Australia’s deserts, Canada’s snow-covered roads, and Japan’s winding mountain roads. In addition, the prototype cars were driven over 1,000,000 miles to ensure they were reliable and of the highest quality.

This dedication to quality paid off, as the Lexus LS400 quickly became a favorite among luxury car enthusiasts. Especially Matt Farah, who drove one example across the million mile mark. The car’s reputation for reliability and quality promptly spread. In addition, it helped establish Lexus as a brand that could compete with the best in the world.

Is the LS400 still the best-used luxury car?

In conclusion, the Lexus LS400 is still one of the best-used luxury cars on the market 30 years after its debut. Toyota’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship and their willingness to spare no expense created a car that has stood the test of time. The LS400 remains a symbol of the dedication and attention to detail that went into creating the Lexus brand. As a result, the car continues to be a favorite among luxury fans today.

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5 Reasons the Lexus LS Is One of the Best Used Luxury Cars