Wow the first ever recall they gave you a signed letter, went to your home to pick it up and left a courtesy car. Fixed the issue and returned it with a full tank and car wash??? WTF
That type of service feels unheard of today.

My Dad bought a Lexus in the mid 1990s and kept it until he passed away. The service he got from the dealership was unbelievable. He was treated as if he were a rich man. Once he got that car, he swore he would never buy another American brand car. This was quite a change considering he had been a life-long Buick fan.

19:58 In the case of the LS400 it was 110% of the performance and quality of the Mercedes S class for 60% of the price.

Dad had one.
It still survives with no issues

My grandmother’s is still running. It’s an amazing car.

Photos comparing Lexus with Mercedes stunned Germany and the world. Automotive journalists had a field day. Incredible engineering and paradigm shift.

One of the highest quality machines ever  made. Peaked with the LS430 two generations on. Mine has a bajillion miles and still looks and drives like new, every last of its countless electrical doodads and gizmos work flawlessly. Maintenance costs on par with a Corolla.

Show me a German car that can claim the same.

This video ignored the other aspects that was revolutionary with Lexus.  Our family was a Mercedes family.  We also previously owned American cars like Dodge, Oldsmobile, and Ford.  Lexus redefined the sales and service experience.  When you brought your Lexus in for maintenance or service, they would give you a loaner car free of charge with zero fuss.  It shocked my parents.  The Lexus team was so professional and friendly.  It was so different from any other car service.  Meanwhile, I brought in my dad's Mercedes for him when he wanted an oil change and the guy tricked me into a $700 repair (and this was in 1992 money).  In fact, I never liked taking a car to Mercedes who had an entitled view and viewed us like we should want to spend extra for German luxury.  Nowadays a free car loaner seems almost common but it wasn't in 1985.  Lexus made everyone up their game.  Even Mercedes.

Small correction, the engine did not weigh anything close to 4000 pounds. I think you mean the weight of the whole car.

I really appreciate how you always translate the price/cost to today’s dollars.  Inflation is a real thing.

Seems like we are getting closer to the Japanese motorcycle video somehow.

My uncle still has his ‘96 LS400, which he bought in 1997, and it’s a spare, along with his LS430. The LS is the greatest full size luxury sedan to own, and easily the most important car to come out in the 90s. Lexus cars are made to be owned; Mercedes, Audi and BMW cars are designed to be leased and thrown away before the warranty expires.

I'm from Australia, but I wasn't shocked at all when the LS400 was released. Toyotas in the mid 80's had a very high level of quality, with some high points like the '87 Cressida and Supra demonstrating Toyota was a powerhouse company on the way up!

Love the episode. I was hoping in your section about Lexus' advertising blitz that you would bring up the Lexus LS400 ad with the champagne glasses. That ad is the main thing for most of us older folks would remember Lexus' introduction to tthe US.

I felt as if someone (who?) should do a video about Asianometry for being such a good YouTube channel and compare Asianometry to the terrible recommendations that show up in my feed. Seriously this channel is remarkable. Simple edits. Smooth narration.  Actual facts told through a compelling narrative. Nice work.

When I saw the last graph showing 1986-2000 Lexus sales, my jaw dropped. I had no idea how successful they were. This was an absolute thickest steel rebar shoved up Detroit's ass.

This is the Toyota development that other companies should have followed.  Instead of kicking back and milking profits out of what you have, build something better.  Improve the product, and everyone benefits.

Acura came out right when US headlights mandates were relaxed.
What an impression they made.
Just like the Taurus, only luxury and sharp.

There are a few million mile LS400s in the US. It is really a remarkable car.

These Toyota designers living in that Sunny California beach house watching Astronomy YT videos to learn about the chips,
at the same time watching  Terminator the movie and got the idea:
They bought the foundry that has Arnold's melted super alloy body and "THAT" special chip. From that point on, Lexus' foundry has a tiny amount of the original foundry's liquid metal mixed in.
The rest is the (car or chip?) history.