Overview & Reviews

Lexus gives the LS 430 a midcycle freshening for 2004. Along with mild exterior revisions, the LS gets a number of new standard features, including a six-speed automatic transmission (with a manual-shift gate), adaptive headlights that swivel during turning maneuvers, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger and a moonroof. New options include the Pre-Collision system, which uses radar to detect an avoidable collision, and prepares for impact by tightening up the seatbelts, switching to sport mode on air suspension-equipped vehicles and activating maximum braking pressure. Among the other highlights are SmartAccess, which allows the driver to start up the LS without inserting a key; 18-inch wheels as part of the Sport Package; and a rear backup camera, expanded voice recognition functionality and Bluetooth hands-free phone compatibility on vehicles with the navigation system. An upgraded Mark Levinson stereo now offers seating position-optimized sound, and satellite radio is a new dealer-installed option.

• Superb ride quality, impressive array of standard and optional luxury features, top-notch interior materials, Lexus reliability.

• Not as athletic as some competitors, adding options raises the price to un-Lexus-like levels.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 171.00

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  The very good and the not so good - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Jack Johnson - April 1 - 1:06 am

  Let me start off by saying this is a very, very well put together car. Its fast, quiet has great electronics and the build quality is top notch. Very good gas mileage for such a strong V8. No rattles or squeaks. What it is not is exciting to drive. If you like the old American Caddy ride, this it the best ever. If you want to feel the road, have some steering wheel feel and be able to corner, this is not the best choice. If I had a driver, I would love to sit in the back. For those who like driving dynamics, you may prefer the Euro cars.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By rubber - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Smooth ride, quick acceleration, great sound system.

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  Reliable Lux Vehicle - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Toan Tran - March 15 - 1:23 pm

  Bought Vehicle with 84k miles on it. Regular oil change from Lexus, 93 Octane gas when filling up. Car drives very smooth. Vehicle has a lot of power and fuel economy is very good for this big vehicle. The driver seat is very comfy. Problems with the car, the subwoofer is rattling when there is bass, windshield makes high pitch noise above 75mph, my front left door actuator door lock does not lock anymore. I have to lock it manually. Vehicle has the Modern Package.

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  Is it worth the high price? - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By margy - December 18 - 11:30 am

  The car is very comfortable, quiet and safe. It has excellent acceleration and braking. It is very bad in snow. I dont have snow tires, so maybe those would improve driving. The a/c compressor just broke down completely and had to be replaced. It was an expensive repair and I was very surprised and disappointed that this would happen on a Lexus. I dont know if I would buy another Lexus, if it was truly worth the expense.

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  6 months old and we hate it - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By GER12 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car and weve had it for about six months now and have put maybe 5,000 miles on it now, because we both cant drive it for long drives. We get motion sickness in the car for long trips, because the suspension is always rocking and the ride is ultra smooth becase of it but it rocks back and forth while your on the highway over the little ridges between where the highway was poured. Look at the 745i we love ours and the new A 8 looks nice and neighbor seems to like theirs.

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  Did I make the right choice... - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Bignachy - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The ride quality is very good, but not as good as my 1998 Cadillac Concours. The appointments are top notch. I still have not read the entire owners manual, so there is still much to learn about the NAV system. The car is easy to manuver in tight parking spaces. The fit and finish is excellent. The only gripe is the seats are very stiff. I am used to a little more cushioning. I would suggest that Lexus think about who is purchasing the vehicle. Not a kids car. Im 50 years old and need a little more cushioning for my back. Would I purchase another one....not sure.