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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  nick review - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By nick1010 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever had. it has everything from smart key to heated and cooled seats in the front and back!If you are thinking of buying one and you live in minnesota go see Erik at maplewood lexus.

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  my lexus - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Michelle Marie Sims - June 2 - 2:00 am

  It was fun driving in the rain on a nice night out on the town.

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  lexus, the best! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By david h. sager - May 30 - 10:43 am

  This is the first non-American car I have personally owned. It is flawless in every respect. I have the touring suspension and it is great for super handling and just a ball to drive. The steering response, the engine performance, and the elegant design of the interior is unbelievable. This car leads, does not follow.

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  An Almost Perfect Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By topken - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything I was looking for. Sure, the design from the outside is undistuguished, but heck, when youre driving it you dont see the outside. The Smart Access (like MNs "Keyless Go") is wonderful. I had the XM radio added and when heard through the Mark Levinson sound system- -WOW. Bluetooth compatibility means I dont pay ANYTHING to hook my mobile phone to the car. Like the Smart Access, when youre in the car your phone works through the radio. Hundreds of little well-thought out features, like that extra wipe you get 10 seconds after youve used the windshield washer to get that last drip.

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  KEH review of 2002 Lexus LS430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Janice R. Heugel - April 30 - 3:50 pm

  The best car we have owned. Fully adjustable to make passengers comfortrable. Only minor problems readily and easily corrected by regular maintenance and dealer service. Highly recommend.

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  Whodve thunk it ! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By stureis - April 28 - 2:00 am

  In all my years of driving (Im a senior citizen) I NEVER thought that I would find a car that would make me happier than my BMWs-----I was wrong. I traded in my 98 740IL for my new Lexus with trepidation. I loved my old BMW---but, finding the new I-drives less than user friendly, I drove the new Lexus LS430 sedan. One look/drive and I was SOLD. My one and ONLY complaint was that I had to wait almost 4 months for delivery---My fault for getting the car of my dreams exactly how I wanted it! Great dealership too!

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  A wonderful ride...for a lot less - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By evac93rd - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This sedan has a butter smooth ride with suprising agility. My family want to ride in the back as they love the legroom, adjustable seats and the built- in rear seat vibrators. The sound system, climate controls and GPS Nav system all work to perfection. The ventilated seats are a dream. The adjustable seats feel as if you are sitting in a comfortable recliner. the "Smart Key" access works well. The moving headlamps are a real help NOT just a gimmick. I could go on and on but Ill Stop here. If you can afford it...buy it.

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  ALL THE LUXURY ONE COULD DESIRE - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By ALLSAND - April 14 - 2:00 am

  A beautifully engineered and designed vehicle. Incredibly quiet.The laser cruise control makes Interstate driving a pleasure. Cornering lights, when the turn signals are used would be a helpful option, My only real criticism is that the Navigation system CD is more than a year out of date on the exit numbers for our Interstate (I75)

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  Lexus 2003 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Bfcranke - March 12 - 10:06 pm

  This vehicle is outstanding; it drives like a dream. I previously owned a 2000 ES 300, its performance and style were excellent and top notch; but the LS 430 is even more comfortable and luxurious.

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  An improvement over the 2004 model - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By tricky73 - March 6 - 8:00 pm

  This is my second LS430; the first was a 2004 model. I tried the ES 330 instead but missed the amenities of the LS and went back. The most striking difference relates to the improved documentation that comes with the 06. The 04 and 05 ES seems primitive by comparison. One can now actually find information and the description of how to do things now seems to be quite accurate. My only complaint is the reluctance to integrate a satellite radio completely. Leaving the placement to the judgement of the dealer does a disservice to the appearance of the vehicle if not done properly.