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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  Fast Cruiser - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Cruiser/Los Angeles - October 30 - 9:26 pm

  Been searching for months for 01, with Navigation in pearl white/white. Best car I have ever owned. Super smooth, VERY comfortable, very quick/fast. Better than listed mpg, gets 30 mpg freeway. Navigation very easy/useful. M.L stereo is incredible. I go for a drive now to relax ! Headlights are great. Trunk is huge. Wife and kids love it. Its a perfect 10 !

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  Smooth - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Tony - October 18 - 3:36 am

  This is the first used Lexus I ever purchased. I have been strictly a Mercedes guy up until now and didnt know quite what to expect. This 2002 LS430 is the most quiet, smooth riding car I have ever been in, far surpassing my many Mercedes and the few Rolls and Bentleys I have been in. It is, without a doubt, the finest car ever made.

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  My third Lexus Sedan - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ann Thaxter - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2002 Lexus. It is dependable, comfortable and I feel as though Im completely in control. It drives and turns and corners beautifully.

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  My Experience with the New LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By RajaReMax - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new Black 2004 LS430 on 10/31/03. For the 1st few mornings after, I must admit to peeking in the garage to see if it was really there. This car is superb in every way. The car has a EuroSport suspension w/18wheels. A rearview camera is an entertaining feature as well as the Navigation & MarkLevinson sound system. A SmartKey enables a keyless system to enter & drive the car. With SmartKey, interior & sideview mirrors light up automatically when you simply walk up to the car. Also a big kick is the headturning factor...With style, luxury, power, quality & plenty of toys, this is understandably the highest rated luxury car.

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  Simply the best - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By ChiefCarmen - September 30 - 10:00 am

  It is the best luxury car I ever drove. They thought of everything when they built this.

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  Handling OK needs slight improvement - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By David Perrault - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Drove car at 120+mph for a time while going through Montana and although it hugged the road in a straight line beautifully the front end seemed to loosen in the corners. Needs to be tightened up a bit to give the driver a better sense of grip to the road.

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  I love it twice... - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By nvbanker - September 23 - 1:40 am

  My second LS 430, this one trumps the 02 I had easily. The seats are much improved, and near perfect now. Handling is better, though not a Bimmer, its good. Dependability is perfect. Love the Bluetooth phone, which works flawlessly with my Treo every time. The A/C is the best Ive ever known, and the cooled seats are welcome in the desert. Cant get more luxury value for the money, IMO.

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  Certified Buyer - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Eric L. - September 21 - 7:03 am

  I bought this car as certified and received an extra 3 years or up to 100k miles on it so that makes me comfortable. I am 64" and weigh 240 lbs and I found this car to be quite comfortable and spacious for my size. The head room is plentiful as well the leg room in the front. I got out of the vehicle and sat in the rear passenger seat directly behind the driver and my legs did not touch the seat. The acceleration for a luxury sedan is great. On the open road I would accelerate to the low three digits and the car kept up with my demands. Also I found the drive to be very smooth, quiet, relaxing, fun and enjoyable.

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  Well well well - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MSH - September 6 - 12:23 am

  I had to make this post because the last review was over two years ago. I burn through cars being a sales rep. I try to purchase them at least 2 years old so that I dont take the depreciation hit so hard. Looking for reliability after two BMWs, I bumped into this car on a MB lot. I felt foolish for not knowing that a car could be that much better. If you are thinking about purchasing this car do it! I am 66" and enjoy getting out of bed in the morning knowing I have a hour of alone time with my 430. Sometimes you become lulled into such a comfortable trance. I have found myself in my driveway on the phone with my laptop out. Never mind the office. Ultra package is great.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By bradmiral - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Over one year and we cant find a single problem with the car. Change oil and rotate tires and thats all. A 600 mile day trip and we are not even tired. Great ride.