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 Value for Your Dollar - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Steve Stanczak - December 26 - 4:30 am

  Having previously owned a number of high-end Euro sedans, most recently a 2000 BMW 750iL, I was not expecting to be as impressed with the LS as I was, especially with its 0-60 sprint. The standard amenities are more than competitive with the Euros. All available options are on par with the competition. I would ideally like to see a longer wheelbase on this car. While the LS does not provide the driving excitement that makes me create errands just to leave the house, it does provide what I feel is the most polished ride I have experienced. This would be THE car to take on an extended trip. Bottom line, I dont wish I had an S-Class, A8, nor a 7-Series, all of which were test driven.

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  Rush Hour? Who cares! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By KingKelly - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Im sitting in rush hour traffic, but Im enveloped in quiet luxury and beautiful sound supplied by a Mark Levinson sound system. Heated AND cooled seats provide comfort in any weather. Couldnt be happier!

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  Great automobile - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By JKROME - December 21 - 10:40 pm

  This is my 6th LS and each one has been even better than the last. This is a very smooth riding and handling car. Very quiet ride and the service has always been excellent.

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  Be reasonable in expectations - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Eriks - December 17 - 3:00 am

  After following Edmunds reviews I finally decided to purchase the 2002 model with all options included. The car is reasonably well built but has its limits. The engine starting process is rather loud to compare with idle. Steering wheel leather deteriorated quickly. Instead of road noise, the wheels/tires seem to produce constant unpleasant hiss. Two separate thermometers show outside temperature while the driver has no idea what the inside temp levels are. Sound system is good but with very limited adjustment possibilities. Radio often loses station in city driving and this downgrades the overall sound. Change of gears from 2nd to 3rd is late for 1 sec driving normally without kick-down.

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  Cool Car!!!!!!! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Dixie Dude - December 15 - 10:00 am

  If you are truly looking for a vehicle with style and optimized performance look no further!!! This car has everything and more. I had a LS 400 before purchasing this one and thought it could get to much better, man was I wrong. I had this car for a little over a year and still have new car driving fever!!!! Get it and enjoy. I know I have.

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  Perfection Found - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ramster - December 15 - 10:00 am

  You cannot even DREAM a better car than this. For those who are looking for flashy cars to show their friends that they paid a lot for their car, this is not the car for you.

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  great car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By h.meyers - December 9 - 2:00 am

  this car is a driving wonder

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  Best Buy for the Money! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MickeyEngr - December 3 - 2:00 am

  After putting 176K on a 1991 Lexus LS400 that I purchased new, I was ready to move into another new Lexus. The LS430 surpasses everything else I test drove. No regrets! Lexus quality exceeds all other brands at any price.

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  my ls 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By sam strause - December 3 - 2:00 am

  this is my fourth ls in the 400 series each one has been excellent--and each one has been better than the last. this 04ls 430 is the best. i think i wold only replace this one in a few years only with another lexus--prior to buying lexus i drove mercedes--

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  A luxury bargain - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Ian Schmidt - November 2 - 4:20 am

  For those of us who dont define ourselves by the hood ornament on our car, the LS 430 is both a fantastic solidly-built car and a great deal. It drives much smaller than it is, its got great power when you "drop the hammer", the Mark Levinson stereo puts many high-dollar home systems to shame, and its truly comfortable for 5 adults. Plus its got enough trunk room to make you wonder why people buy SUVs, and the gas mileage is better than youd expect for a car of this size.