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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  Outstanding car! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By annu621 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Whats to say? Outstanding ride, performance, build quality, stereo system is amazing, Nav is useful, pindrop silent even when flying down the freeway at 100mph, the list goes on and on and on...

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  Inadequate low beams - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By lawman430 - May 7 - 2:32 pm

  The first time I drove my 2006 LS 430 at night, I thought I did not have my headlights properly turned on. I could not see well enough to drive over 30 mph. When I called the dealer the technition mentioned that I was the third person that week to make the same complaint so I left it for diagnosis. Result- "no problem, "everything checked out to specs." When I pushed the saftey issue, I basically got a shrug and was told that the headlight system takes a while to get used to. I got caught in a rainstorm on the interstate last night and had to slow down to 35 mph. I could not see anything but other cars were passing by with no problem. Anyone else?

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  The best of the best! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Margi King - May 5 - 2:53 am

  This is absolutely the ultimate in driving! I have driven all types of luxury, large sedans and this car so far outclasses any Ive ever had. Lexus has made it impossible to drive any other car without feeling a "step- down". its a feeling of having finally "arrived."

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  True Luxury, Great Road Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By WilliamR - April 15 - 3:23 pm

  Everything one would expect from Lexus: the cabin is quiet and surrounds one in understated by unmistakable luxury. Very quick at all speeds and excellent braking. Cornering is OK, but this is not a "drivers" car. It is, however, outstanding on the freeway and on long trips and comfortable and capable if not exciting around town. GREAT highway passing ability. My actual highway mileage is 25+ mpg -- and I dont drive 55. In town, expect 15-17 depending on mix and how heavy ones foot is. The Mark Levinson sound system is magnificent. Back seat comfort is arguably better than the front seat. The shifter is extremely nice and can enhance driving experience and reduce brake wear.

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  Just get that car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Aram - April 13 - 6:36 pm

  The Best car for Summer time, dont drive it in winter, I mean you can but on the snow I wouldnt recommend.

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  Less $ Doesnt Mean Less By Any Means - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Howie the Realtor - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car compared to the other TOP of the line vehicles from other manufacturers has more to offer for your money. In comparison to the performance and features that are available at the highest option level of this car, other manufacturers charge a lot more for their comparable cars. Ease of use is and comfort throughout make this my obvious choice and should be the choice of any educated person who is looking for exceptional performance, reliability, and value. The status symbol that this car represents is the intelligent buyer with strong values, goals, and good money sense.

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  Dealer wont take insurance for 10k mice! - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By V12COUPE - April 2 - 5:10 pm

  The car is pretty, quick, very flashy with the 18" chrome alloys and gold paint, mileage in city for me 11-12 mpg. Mice got into the interior ate the leather! $10,000 to replace! dealer said they wont deal with insurance companies! what? $64k on a top line car and this? they should have said that on purchase day and I never would have purchased it! I have a 91 bmw 850 cherry so this cars power and stability to me isnt great!

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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-----except for..... - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By carbuff - March 22 - 10:50 pm

  I have owned every luxury car known to man. This is the best. This is the second LS that I have owned. It is dealer certified with 28,000 miles and was almost $20,000 less than a brand new one. You cant go wrong buying a certified car. I dont think that there is a better car made at any price -- including the Mercedes S model. You might find more features -- but not a better car.

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  If a dream, I dont want to wake up! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By RedHead - March 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my second LS sedan, having leased one in 1999. After checking the market closely, the LS430 is tops in most all areas. MBs new E500 is close second, but for open interstate roads and in town routine driving, this is really a dream.