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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  This guy wont buy anymore euro trash - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By zdude - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive orned BMWs and Mercedes and now that Lexus has a luxury vehicle that has a sports suspension, the day when I would buy a European car is over. I was so tired of visiting the service department with my last BMW (25 times in as many months) and the crappy service I also get at my local Mercedes dealer, it was time to try out a Lexus. I am glad I did! Imagine - Nav, Bluetooth, stereo and other electronics actually working! AWesome interior and fit and finish. I actually look forward to driving again. This is a great car, period.

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  The best Lexus yet - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Bertrand - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the smoothest, quietest and most enjoyable car I have ever driven. The quality shines through everywhere and the Lexus engineers thought of everything. The only change I would make is to increase engine power a little above 4000 rpm. A 400 hp LS500 would be a nice option!

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  The Best Lux Car over $50,000 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By eaglesteve43 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful ride, fast comfortable and terribly reliable. Nothing ever goes wrong with it. More comforable ride and seating than the S500 and with the Ultra Lux pack it has more toys that a person could ask for. More than the S600 and a fraction of the cost.

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  Lexus LS430 2001 - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By MStan - December 15 - 1:43 am

  This is one of the best cars ever made. The fit is perfect, reliability is 100%, and for a big car, is fun to drive. You would do fine to buy this car, new or used.

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  Dream car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Satisfied - December 8 - 9:06 pm

  This car is the best vehicle I have ever experienced. Other than standard maintenance, I have had NOTHING go wrong. Service trips have been an ease with no appts, etc. This car beats my Mercedes on all factors - power, style, comfort, efficiency, SERVICE, fun!!

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  Should be better - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Nathan Tharrington - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2nd Lexus with high expectations, but Lexus is headed in the wrong direction. My LS430 has been in the shop for a variety of reasons (power windows, door locks, engine problems). The ride has been softened to the point that it is virtually Buick- like ... wallowing over bumps. Fuel economy of 16 mpg is absurd. Minor details of poor build quality abound. The engine should propel this vehicle with alacrity, but does not. I fear for my wife and I at times on busy highways. For an expediture of this magnitude, one should receive the highest reliability, and a sublime driving experience. We shall be looking for a replacement.

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  Love My Lexus - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By mollie - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Lexus vehicle. The LS430 is so elegant, reliable, comfortable, quiet, and smooth riding. I really love my car.

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  Love my Lexus - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By R Victor Wood - October 24 - 12:16 pm

  This is one of the top luxury cars in the world. I am elated! Before this I owned Mercedes automobiles. The Lexus is easily 15% better than the comparable Mercedes in comfort, quietness and reliability. Victor Wood

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  Total Comfort - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Tom - October 9 - 1:50 pm

  Bought used with 18,000 miles, now have 77,000. Have replaced brake pads, air mass flow meter (because I broke it cleaning it), trunk struts, battery, tires and have serviced according to the owners manual. No major mechanical problems. Its like driving around in your living room. Silky smooth. No squeaks, rattles or wind noise. This is an extremely well built and designed car.

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  MY LEXUS - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JOANNE - September 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY 5 LEXUS. NO BETTER CAR ON THE ROAD. I HAVE DRIVEN A MERCEDES AND IT DOESNT COMPARE TO MY LEXUS.