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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  Lexus at its best!! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By jakemt - September 22 - 9:26 pm

  I recently purchased this car used. Out of all the series of the LS, this is probably the best. Also, if buying used, make sure the previous owner(s) maintained it properly as this will have a huge bearing on the current condition of the car. I had a 2000 LS400 that was poorly maintained previously and the transmission started slipping on me. I also test drove a used LS460 but did not feel as comfortable as the 430. It felt too stiff for my taste as I live in pot- holed NYC. Surprisingly, Im getting almost 20 mpg in city driving. So far, great car!

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  ls 430 value - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By art - September 21 - 4:00 am

  Has navigation system, great features, sturdy and reliable. Many compliments on appearance of car and features

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  Quality, Luxury & Service - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Zoom - September 18 - 7:50 pm

  After years of trying other luxury cars, I am back to the Lexus. The service cant be matched. The quality is top notch. The car screams with luxury and comfort. I highly recommend this car.

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  Great car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By roger - September 11 - 10:10 pm

  What a great car. you only hear good things about this car but once you drive it, or in my case buy it you cant stop raving about how well built it really is.

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  If u just care about Reliability - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By bush1965 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  this car beats Mercedes and BMW by far when it comes to reliability...it goes for ever if u deal it good ..I know a guy who has a 1991 LS400...he had 1,000,000 kms on it!!!!...and it is still working fine...however, I have to say that BMW is more fun to drive and Mercedes is still more integrated...but all in all...it is a 9/10 car...

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  Great Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Joe3 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car ever. I love the navigation system. This tortally beats my preivous infinite q45. This is very reliable and luxurious. If you are looking you a really nice luxury car get the ls430.

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  great car - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Scott in CA - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car -- a little stodgy but perfectly built and equipped. The GPS is 1000% better than the Mercedes or the BMW.

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  No longer a German Afficianado - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Kenlc48 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  After many years of stating I would NEVER own a Japanese luxury car, I was compelled to eat my own words. I have had numerous German vehicles and thought that handling, fit, finish, performance and attention to detail was soley the realm of the German manufacturer. After being shoddily handled by a MB dealer when attempting to trade in a SC500, I drove to the Lexus dealer and found to my great surprise that I had missed the finest luxury vehicle available in the United States in the under $75k range.

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  This car is a dream to drive! - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By The Big Dog - August 24 - 5:50 am

  I have had many cars in my life and this car is one of the best cars I have ever owned. It is very comparable, but drives like the BMW 745. I raced one of the BMW 745s the other day and we never left each other. So for those out there who think Lexus is only an old persons car, you are mistaken. I am 32 years old and have four other cars including the BMW M6. And the Lexus is still one of my favorite cars to drive!

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  confort and reliability - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Diaz - August 15 - 2:00 am

  the paint job is poor