Overview & Reviews

Since its inception, the Lexus luxury division has been steadfast and relentless in its pursuit of, well, perfection. A challenging benchmark to be sure, but one the brand has been exceedingly successful at meeting with home run after home run. The original first-generation LS 400 was a smash hit that quickly rose to the head of the luxury sedan class with a large and loyal owner base and a slew of industry awards.

For the mid-'90s second-generation makeover, Lexus was wise enough to leave well enough alone and not fix what wasn't broken. So when a third-generation redesign was slated for 2001, exactly how would Lexus better its top-rated sedan in the premium luxury segment? The answer was to swing for the fences yet again with more of everything: design edginess, interior room and comfort, performance, safety and technology.

The resulting Lexus LS 430 was one of the finest luxury sedans available anywhere. A two-time winner of an Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted award, the LS 430 boasted a top-notch interior, a superb ride, excellent build quality and an impressive array of features. The only thing that gave shoppers pause at the time was the car's price. Loaded with options, this was the first LS-series car to finally reach the price levels of premium European luxury sedans.

With price depreciation having set in, that's less of an issue now. As a previously owned model, the Lexus LS 430 provides the same exceptional luxury sedan experience as it did when it was new. For shoppers in this segment, especially ones wanting a luxury sedan that's a bit more demure than its German rivals, the LS 430 is an excellent choice.

Most Recent Lexus LS 430

The Lexus LS 430 was produced for the 2001-'06 model years. As a redesign of the previous LS 400, it featured a 4.3-liter V8 engine, a freshened aerodynamic shape and a new suspension that offered greater stability and a smoother ride. The new LS 430 also offered a richer, more stylish and roomier interior with advanced safety and luxury features.

The sedan's V8 provided 278 horsepower and 312 pound-feet of torque. Initially, power flowed to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. (In 2004, Lexus upgraded the transmission to a six-speed.) A full complement of airbags came standard, as did antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, the VSC stability control system and tire-pressure monitoring.

Naturally, plenty of luxury features came standard as well, including dual-zone climate control (with air registers that swept back and forth), a 14-way power driver seat with memory positioning, cruise control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, an in-dash CD changer and a power trunk closer. Many used LS 430s will also have the optional upgraded leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, moonroof, voice-activated navigation system and 240-watt Mark Levinson premium audio system.

Additional options included rear-window and rear-door sunshades, parking assist, rear seat heaters and power door closers. The Lexus LS 430 was also available with adaptive cruise control, a smoother-riding air suspension, power-adjustable rear seats and a separate rear air-conditioning system.

The cabin of the Lexus flagship was warm and inviting given its high-quality leather, abundance of rich walnut or maple trim, sharp electroluminescent gauges and wonderfully comfortable seats. It offered plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the large trunk held 20-plus cubic feet of luggage.

Serene in nearly all situations, the Lexus LS 430 excelled in both urban commuting and long-distance road trips. The suspension easily soaked up road irregularities, especially when equipped with the optional air suspension. Although they excelled in nearly all other areas, previous LS models weren't known for inspired driving dynamics -- and though capable in the curves, the LS 430 also did little to engage more passionate drivers. Therefore, if you expect some excitement from your luxury sedan, we think one of its European rivals will suit you better.

In terms of selecting a particular vintage of LS 430, there are only minor changes to be aware of. Nothing really happened until 2004 when the LS received a major midcycle update that consisted of mild exterior revisions, the aforementioned six-speed automatic transmission, adaptive headlights, knee airbags for front occupants and a standard moonroof. New options included the Pre-Collision system, SmartAccess keyless start, a Sport package with 18-inch wheels and an enhanced navigation system with a rear back-up camera, expanded voice recognition functionality and Bluetooth phone capability. The upgraded Mark Levinson stereo, also part of that refresh year, provided optimized sound for different seating positions, and satellite radio was also offered.

User Reviews:

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  Best car for the money - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Mike - March 4 - 1:36 am

  Im in the finance business so I drive a lot. This is my 4th Lexus in 12 years all LSs. I went to test drive the MBZ S-Class, the 750 BMWs and the Infiniti M45 and I still come back for the best ride for the money. Reliability is a major factor in my decision plus Im not a techno guy. Always looking for a solid ride and this car delivers. It helps that it has beautifull spacious cabin. Another 50 to 60hp will help against the Germans. Im in my early forties I do feel the car styling a bit old fashioned. I know that the 2007 model new looks will help attract a younger crowd. Will trade up for new model can wait.

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  no need to ask - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By bill h. - March 1 - 2:20 pm

  Im old enough not to have to put up with the stiff ride of other cars along with the rattles, difficulty of entry, loud road noise & noisy engines that idle rough. LS 430 does none of this.

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  Love the car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By rhpcpa - February 20 - 4:20 am

  Owned my 2005 LS 430 for three months and find myself loving it more everyday. I actually went to the dealership to buy a new GS 300 but I drove the LS 430 and I was so impressed that I purchased it.

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  Jeffs LS 430 comment - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Jeff Nelson - February 11 - 5:33 pm

  The ride is incredibly quiet. It is pure comfort. The design is elegant and the car a pleasure to drive. I believe the car has a very distinctive look and is by far the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  The best LS 430 ever - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By lovetoplaygolf - February 8 - 2:00 am

  By far the best Lexus and car on the market.

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  best sedan around - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By henry unger - February 2 - 2:33 pm

  Everything about this car is superior to outstanding. Ride, sound quality of stereo, ease of handling, superior ride, very quiet. Turn ratio is good, overall look is above average, maintenance is great.

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  Poor experience of 2005 LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Kim - January 9 - 11:30 pm

  The automatic heating system and heated seats take long time to warm up. When the vent is closed, you suffocate. Very rigid suspension, You feel every bump on the road. My Lexus has a mind of its own. It accelerates and brakes with its own mind. Service department said both brake and engine control by a computer. The computer has a mild delay which is normal according to the mechanics.

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  Why buy German! - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Big Mike - January 9 - 11:23 am

  Sedan driver all of my life and this is by far the best I have owned. My Mercedes did not stack up against this vehicle and Cadillac is way behind. Not the fastest vehicle in this class but plenty fast enough to get your pulse going and very easy to modify for speed.

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  Fun Cruiser - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Chris Parker - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I tested the M-B S500 and the BMW 745L, but when I drove the LS430, there was no choice. Ive never driven a car this large that was this much fun. The comfort, safety, luxury tweeks, stereo, and build quality go without saying. If there is a better car-per-dollar on the market I missed it... but I have no regrets.

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  best sedan in the world - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By philetus - December 25 - 2:00 am

  far better auto than the S500 sport