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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  I sweat the details - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By danstock - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1994 LS400 bought new. I tested everything before selecting the new LS430. I bought it with every option including PCS. I suggest you shop nationally because I was able to save 11.25% off list but it required a flight to Salt Lake City. Its not the options that are impressive but the way the all work together presenting the total driving experience.

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  Finally! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JDK - July 15 - 5:03 pm

  Ive wanted one of these since 1990 and finally was able to purchase one. Its everything and more than I had hoped for and I found out rather quickly that Ill never be able to settle for a lesser car! Seeing sneak pictures of the 2007 LS460 simply proves that the flagship will only get better with each model year!

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  I purchased a lemon - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Jack F. - July 12 - 5:33 pm

  This is my 3rd new Lexus and the only one that I have had trouble with. My side view mirrors needed to be replaced, the struts holding the trunk lid up were also replaced, 3 parts to my steering column were replaced, my drivers seat needed 2 parts to repair the movement, to wit, front to back etc. It got stuck and would not stop. Last but not least, one of my wheels developed a large crack above the lugs which caused my service manager to call to inform me that it was to dangerous to drive the car the way it was and the cost of a new wheel was $ 550. Thats the bad news. The good news is, all the above was repaired under warrantee, including the wheel. Get the extended warrantee, I did.

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  the best - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Carmen - July 2 - 6:46 am

  Simply put, this is the best car i have ever owned or driven in. I have had it for a year and never had a problem. The ride is so smooth that it still feels like the car is not turned on. There is not another car on the rode that offers the smoothness and comfort along with enough power to handle my needs. I wouldnt change a thing in this car for right now.

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  Still one of the worlds best cars. - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By excelsior1 - June 25 - 6:10 pm

  When the LS first appeared on the scene, it was so good that it scared Mercedes into over designing their cars resulting in reliability issues and the loss of the stately image that was their hallmark. Now the Lexus LS has become the standard bearer for those who want a solid, stately, reliable luxury car. The LS 430 executes this mission flawlessly, It rides beautifully, refreshing the driver with every trip. It handles any road surface well. The build quality and reliability are world class. Controls are simple and driver friendly. The Mercedes W126(1979-1991) had many similar traits for its time. I still own a Mercedes 1986 420 SEL and the Lexus LS 430 is its natural successor.

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  Should have bought a Lexus earlier!!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By J.W. - June 22 - 10:00 am

  After driving the 2004 LS430, I couldnt believe that I actually drove a Mercedes S-class for 5 years without thinking about a Lexus. This Lexus is sooooo quiet!!! Everything inside this car feels so refined and comfortable. The ventilated front seat is really a treat on an(unusually hot) October afternoon. The Mark Levinson system is much better than the Bose system on the Mercedes. The navigation system seemed hard to use at first, but once mastered, it is rather intuitive. The keyless entry feature is really cool, too. This is the best car I have owned so far in my 27 years on earth!!!

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  Gravite back to a Lexus - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By bmwkrzy - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I have looked at the 2003 BMW 745i, Mercedes Benz S Class, and ended up with a great Lexus LS 430. I-Drive on the 745i was a downer for the BMW, Mercedes S Class was too expensive for a lesser car. The 2004 Lexus LS 430 was rated first place is a comparison test in which BMW 735i ranked 3rd and Mercedes S Class ranked last at 6th place. The 2004 Lexus LS 430 is exactly what Car & Driver described it.

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  Bullet Proof - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Henry - June 13 - 10:42 pm

  This is the best car ever. Nothing to repair and it was 11 years old when I bought it. Timing belt, a couple of sets of tires, oil change, cabin filters and windsheild wippers and thats it. My goal is to put another 80000 miles on it.

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  Wonderful car to drive!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By bdesigner - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Lexus, and the LS430 just cant be beat. Its not only comfortable but all the features have improved. We love our navigation and use it often on trips. I would highly recommend to anyone that drives a luxury car.

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  MY SIX LEXUSES - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By charles hasper - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 6th 400 series Lexus. Each time I get ready for a new car I try all the supposedly comparable models and then know none of them could satisfy me except a Lexus.Since 1990 in the previous 5 cars I have NEVER had anything go wrong----and wherever Ive traveled the local Lexus dealer treats me as if I were a local.