I'm guessing there's already a thread in regards to this - and I just can't find it. Could you point me in the right direction? If there's not a discussion already in place, what's better about the newest version of LS? What improved? How MUCH did it improve? If I were going to buy an LS tomorrow - would it REALLY be worth the extra money for a newer model? Or is the previous model so damn close......?

 

The styling is somewhat different. The front grill was slightly modified as were the tail lights. The dual exhausts are visible through the bumper. This makes it look more sporty. I know the Nav system is an upgraded version and has Bluetooth capability. I hooked up a Bluetooth capable phone to the car and it is pretty cool. I'm not certain, but I think that the Smart Key is a 2004 option. The front headlights are adaptive and turn when the vehicle turns to help road illumination. I believe that the Euro Tuned Suspension now comes with 18" wheels when in the past it came with 17's. The wheels are also different. The standard wheel is a six spoke and the sport wheel is a 5 spoke. The '04 has a 6 speed transmission and was re-tourqued to give quicker acceleration. I believe that the 0-60 time is 5.9 seconds vs. something in the 6's for previous models. I can tell you that I had an Audi A6 4.2 before my LS and this is much quicker.

There may be other differences but these are some of them.

 

With the 2000 model being the previous generation - and the 2001 being current - was there much difference in road-noise, wind-noise and softness in ride? These things impress me most about the LS because it seems other car companies try hard to duplicate this - but fail...

 

Again, the most notable difference would be styling. The 2001 made a huge leap in styling. As most LS owners know, Lexus's(Lexi?) are great at not looking old, mainly because the styling didn't change drastically from 1990-2000. But unlike most cars which would make the new cars seem outdated, the original LS design was such a classic look that it always looks good. Everyone seems to think my 1990(15 years old) is a 96 or newer. In terms of mechanical differences, the 1UZ-FE motor was bored and stroked(I think) to go from 4.0 liters to 4.3, but Lexus never claimed an increase in power, although most magazines and drivers believe output HAS increased. The wheelbase(I think) changed slightly, either smaller or larger I don't remember, to improve its ride. The wheels themselves came in larger sizes, offering 18" wheels for the first time. The intelligent suspension was also upgraded, with the option included, would decrease lower the car by 2" at 60mph. Not stated, but generally expected, items such as roll bars and the like probably increased in diameter giving better stability. Adaptive cruise control(copied from MB) was also introduced to automatically decrease speed in case the car came too close to another vehicle ahead. I'm not sure, but I believe park assist sensors were also introduced at this time. The interior also grew larger, but not by much, giving more rear legroom. Rear seat occupants were also given a remote climate control and stereo controls. A rear power window shade was introduced, along with reclining rear seats, and heated and cooled seats for all occupants(option).
All in all the car itself did not change much, it just became a little bit more refined, quiter, softer, and faster. Most of the upgrades were in the options department and came about to kepp up to date with the competition. Lexus didn't even really need to redesign the car, as the 2000 was absolutely perfect. But 10 years of a similar design is not acceptable to the industry, especially with MB introducing the resigned S class, BMW with the new 7, and Infiniti with the new Q. Although the upgrades are small, they are significant. The differences are really quite small, and a matter of opinion in their significance. I would much rather own a 2000 LS and save the money than the 2001. However the newest LS430 was redesigned yet again and is a completely different matter. If you are going to buy a 2001, save the extra money and get a 2004. So to answer your question, the differences are minimal. But one man's step is another's leap. If you are in the position to buy either of these cars, go and test drive them both and decide for yourself. If you are asking opinions, buy the new LS430. The trasmission and styling upgrades are absolutely worth the money.

 

I owned a 1990 LS400 and currently own a 2001 LS430. The biggest difference is the much roomier interior of the 430. The added front seat headroom is a big plus. Also, the trunk of the 430 is larger. Otherwise, the LS400 is a great car!

 

the LS's interior grew considerably from 1990. My father own's a 99(same as 2000), and it's much bigger, despite looking similar. I made a post in a different forum about that, so just do a search on it to read up. 2000 vs 2001, there isn't a whole lot of room added, but there is a noticeable increase.

 

Thank you for the replies.. The biggest difference in interior size would probably be from the 90-94 and then the 95.. 1995 got more leg-room in the back..

Otherwise - it sounds as if the driver's experience in a 2000 would be very similar to that of a 2001.. Only very minor differences...

 

Like I've said before, your really gotta give it a test drive. . . most of the differences are going to be subjective.

 

I had palanned on a certified 2001/2 but found the selection limited and not that much less than a 2004. I went from a 1998 to a 2004 and felt it was 2 generations removed. Nav infinitely beter, rear view camera and suscreen , sonar parking , bluetooth phone significantly improved from 2003 and useful to me..

 

In additon to the mild restyling, the 04 has added some additional features, which actually make the car less expensive than an 03 with the same equipment. Items like power sun shades etc are not included with the base car, at the same cost. In addition the shocks and the suspension were upgraded and recalibrated to make the ride event smoother.
If you are buying from a private party, the cost of an 01-02-03 might sway you, however for a certified pre owned, the costs savings are not enough to offset the increase in quality and features.
If you can shave $3-4000 off the list price of a new 04, that would make the brand new purchase a no brainer. (Nothing quite like a brand new Lexus.)