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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  2005 LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Keith Hartman - February 16 - 7:50 pm

  Wonderful in many ways, not so good in snow country and sometimes scary in the wind & rain. This car that seems so easy to drive does not handle well at the limits of high speed and adverse weather. (My previous car was an Audi A-8; but this car doesnt handle as well as my wifes Surbaru Outback.) Not so important but a niggling problem is the placement of various buttons on the steering wheel that are easily bumped and change the audio system (or turn it on!), set off the voice activation programs, etc. Also, four times I ran the battery down because a door was not completely shut, which I couldnt tell from the interior lights that stay on for a minute or so after the car is shut down.

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  In my opinion - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By wyatt - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Great auto, but without sport mode, rolles on mt. roads. Throttle response not quick enough.

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  Saved my life - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Carolyn - February 4 - 7:43 pm

  Over all a good vehicle Saved my life Had an accident and all personnel at scene said I should have been dead. I rolled down a 20 foot embankment and took out 25 feet of concrete fence. I broke a finger nail and have bruises and a deep laceration on my right arm. A large animal ran out in front of me at night on a rural road. Instead of hitting it I swerved.

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  Did I make the right choice... - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Bignachy - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The ride quality is very good, but not as good as my 1998 Cadillac Concours. The appointments are top notch. I still have not read the entire owners manual, so there is still much to learn about the NAV system. The car is easy to manuver in tight parking spaces. The fit and finish is excellent. The only gripe is the seats are very stiff. I am used to a little more cushioning. I would suggest that Lexus think about who is purchasing the vehicle. Not a kids car. Im 50 years old and need a little more cushioning for my back. Would I purchase another one....not sure.

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  My favorite car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Lee - January 19 - 7:26 am

  Its like driving your living room. Nothing could be more comfortable to drive. Lexus has thought of everything and then some. The electronics are amazing. I was not overly impressed with the Mark Levinson radio which is an expensive item and must come with the Navigation. The service and delivery does live up to the Lexus reputation.

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  An Old School Favorite - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By greetrob - December 19 - 5:00 pm

  So far everything works except for the expected voice activation portion of the navigation system. I purchased this car because I wanted to spend very little time dealing with repairs and fixes. I’m expecting that nothing will require fixing and the only reason I will find myself at the dealership is to change the oil. This is a rear wheel drive car, so I hope it does well in the snow.

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  LS430 - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By DoubleT - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The LS430 has the best electronic wonder I have ever had. The voice activated, touch screen GPS is wonderful and the Mark Levinson stereo amazing. The car, however, is truely boring to drive and cannot corner worth a darn.

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  MY LEXMOBILE - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By FOURSTRIPES - July 29 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR OVERALL, FUN TO DRIVE , LOVE THE TOUCH SCREEN NAV, LEVINSON STEREO BETTER THAN IN MY HOUSE. WHEN EXITING CAR ALL DOORS LOCK EXCEPT DRIVERS, CAN BE ANNOYING, ALSO WINDOWS TOUGH TO GET USED TO ONE TOUCH UP OR DOWN IS OK GETTING WINDOW TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE IS THE TRICK, OVERALL A NICE CAR,

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  Money Pit although very comfy - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By tj49er - July 17 - 12:59 pm

  I have owned this car brand new for almost 7 years. In the beginning I was flabbergasted at the wonderful level of support and service. I trusted the reviews of reliability and long lasting promises of this car, as it was our retirement car and more money than we have EVER spent for a vehicle. We have done every service recommended and not let anyone but the dealer touch the car. It was treated impeccably. It would take several pages to tell you what has gone wrong with this car! Things like shocks/struts leaking, AC compressor, seat belts, battery, interior malfunctions, trunk button/shock lifts, brakes, tire indicators malfunction, auto door closer, ETC! Lexus says, too bad, no warr

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  Comfortable around town cruiser - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By V - June 3 - 7:16 pm

  I bought the LS430 for family and guests to have something to drive around town in comfortably and safely. If you want a real comfortable and sports sedan buy the Audi S8!