1997 Lexus LS 400: trims, real prices & how to pick yours

3 builds left the factory as a 1997 LS 400, each a different combination of engine, transmission and body identified by the first eight characters of its VIN.

  • 1 main configurations
  • 693 vehicles built
  • 6 for sale right now

Which LS 400 is yours?

Enter a VIN — the 17 characters on the windshield or the title — and we’ll match it to its exact factory configuration, typical price and equipment.

Works with any VIN — a different year or model takes you straight to its own page.

Pick your LS 400

Cost to run

17/23 mpg city/highway. Roughly $2,450/yr on fuel at 15,000 miles.

EPA estimate for the 1997 LS 400

Safety, in plain English

What JT8BH28F-V means

JT8 BH28F · V
JT8
the World Manufacturer Identifier Lexus registered — assembled in Japan
BH28F
together encode the LS line — Sedan, 4L 8cyl — as Lexus filed it, these five characters are read as one block, not letter by letter
V
in position 10 — model year 1997
9, 11–17
differ on every car: check digit, plant code and the serial number
2 rare configurations — mostly fleet, export or irregular VIN patterns. Fewer than 20 known vehicles each.

Already looking at a specific LS 400?

Paste its VIN — we’ll open that exact car’s page: its configuration, market position and every listing we’ve tracked.