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 LS 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Attorney - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car overall

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  Lexus LS430 - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexus Driver - August 25 - 5:13 pm

  Third Lexus, 2nd LS430, LS400 parents still driving. Regretted trading in 1st LS430. Have owned 3 Benz, 2 BMW, 1 BMW M Package, 300ZX, RX-7, Porsche 356C, Triumph etc. Current LS430 Ultra Luxury, Acceleration, handling, Wife likes it!, Unbelievable luxury, cooled seats, rear reclining/vibrator seats, rear cooler, radar dynamic cruise collision detection. Can raise height of car to avoid front bumper scrapes. Rides like silent luxurious limousine, then switch to sport mode adaptive air suspension, power mode and takes off, accelerates and corners like a much smaller sports car, grips better than expected, very difficult to reach limit when dynamic stability control engages. 27 MPG HWY.

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  Used to drive a Mercedes & a Lincoln - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By 2020 studios - August 21 - 10:00 am

  THERE IS NOTHING MORE TO SAY THAN INSIDE THIS MAGNIFICNET CAR IS EVERYTHING WHERE I BOUGHT THE RADAR CRUISE CONTROL & NAVIGATOR ETC. THE PERFORMANCE MAKES MERCEDES LESS IMPRESSIVE & THE INTERIOR IS BUILT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BE SPOILED. THIS IS MY FIRST LEXUS.. NEVER GOING BACK TO OTHER LUXURY CARS FROM HERE. STATE OF THE ART AND PLUS PERFORMANCE ALL AROUND

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  Could not ask for a better car!!! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By mtayvins - August 6 - 8:55 am

  Purchased this car used in 2014. Only had one prior owner who leased then purchased from 2005 to 2014. Traded up from an 2001 LS300 to this 2005 LS430. Loved the Lexus brand, just wanted a bigger car that was a little more luxury than the LS300 (which was more equivalent to a BMW 3-Series). This car is amazing to drive. My wife loves the luxury inside, the shear lack of road noise, and just how comfortable the entire experience is. Have driven it nearly 10,000 miles in just 6-months, including two extended road trips from Seattle to Wyoming....the car did amazing on the open road. Even though the car is nearly 10-years old, you would never know it. Smooth and quiet every mile.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By david - July 31 - 9:03 pm

  This car makes the long drive home fun and you cant wait for a long trip. Seats are terrific with excellent double lumbar support. Mark Levinson sound system is better than the one I have in my home. Brakes are wonderful and the 290 HP engine gets you where you want quickly and effortlessly. If you want a trouble free luxury sedan, there is only one car to have and the 430 is it.

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  Wow - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Greg Hoyle - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 LS430, and just love the new version. Lots of nice touched, great ride and I love the Smart Key!

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  W O W !! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Maurice Mitchell - July 21 - 2:00 am

  When entering the freeway, you see an adequate space and you just jump into it, period. When you are in cruise control, you automatically link to the car ahead in your lane and the system keeps your safe assured distance automatically, and warns you when you need to take over. When you are parking, it tells you when you are getting to close. The lights do not get into the eyes of oncoming traffic. It seems to read your mind and then does it. Most fantastic car I have ever seen.

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  I love my car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Harvey Peters - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the road handling of my car. I am amazed by its small turning radius and how easy it is to steer. It is layed out well, is very comfortable and has great features to make it home away from home.

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  A Great Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By RonPar - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Performance, reliability, comfort, ease of entry (front and rear), and economy for a large car meets or beats cars in the $85000 plus bracket. The service is top notch.

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  no need to buy the warranty - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By eazege - July 7 - 3:10 am

  My son was born and after much research i bought my wife an 03 LS430 with 90k.Purchased a two year warranty from the dealership which i never used.I have had the car for 3yrs now..not even a mere check engine light.This is the best luxury car for the money period.We love it and compared to benz or a bmw(which i still own )he makes them look like Divas that are all bark no bite.