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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  OWNER REVIEW - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By ALLAN - November 10 - 3:50 am

  very comfortable user friendly handling good interior noise level very good

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Garry Willis - November 4 - 8:33 am

  Trouble free, low maintenance, smooth, efficient, powerful and a huge trunk over 20 cubic ft. Just change the fluids and youre good. Classic good looks and good re sale value.

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  Headon crash - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Charles H. Hasper - October 20 - 11:16 am

  11/29/04 we were struck headon by an intixicated driver followed with a rear crah by a truck that was unable to stop. Thanks to 4 airbags that deployed and fastened seatr belts my wife and I only sustained minor injuries. Im convinced that the car saved our lives. The 04 was "totaled" and we just took delivery of an identical 05 relacement. Out 7th LS since 1990. Nothing compares to an LS regardless of price and now of safety also.

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  My third LS-430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Paul Battenberg - October 18 - 11:40 am

  My only complaint is that they changed the glove compartment from two doors to one, and things fall off the shelf inside now. Go back to two doors. Everything else rates a "10"

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  World Quality - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By fvdeane - October 18 - 2:00 am

  From the first day this car has been like no other Ive ever driven. Smooth, quiet, powerful, rides like a dream. The Mark Levinson sound system is fantastic. You can hear every instrument like it was in the car with you. The fit and finish are superb. I have the black/black, and the richness of the look is fantastic. I got my $57,600 worth, believe me!

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  An awesome car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Second LS - October 3 - 5:16 pm

  I have had a 96 LS, 2000 RX, and a 2003 GS. This is by far my favorite Lexus. I am 62 and about 300 lbs and this car has an abundant amt of room. Navigation is awesome. My son wont stop playing with it! My only issue is paint chips on the front. This is a great car!

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  Definition of Luxury Sedan - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By brtmd - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for a luxury vehicle for family of 4 and did not want another SUV. Shopped vs. S-class and 7 series. Its all about priorities and the LS430 met mine best: Quality/Reliability, Luxury, Performance, Styling--in that order. The fact that it was $15k to $20k less than the others was an added bonus. I look forward to driving it every day.

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  Excelent! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Lex man - September 21 - 8:50 am

  That michel is crazy! I purchased a 2001 LS430, ultra-luxury package, fully loaded. The ride is great, and the Mark Levinson sound system is so great! Its the best i have ever hear! Bose and Nakamitchi are no way as good. GPS is great. Love the rear command center for massagers, climate, etc. Fantanstic!

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  Excellence & Suggestions - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexus LS 430 - September 20 - 9:26 pm

  The 2006 Lexus LS 430 has absolutely superb performance in a wide variety of driving situations. Recently, we drove to the top of Mt. Washington, NH. Going up the performance was excellent and even better coming down with the manual gear changes to meet the percent down-grade. Our trip of 2,400 miles averaged 28.2 MPG which is better than the manufacturer lists. This included the mountain driving in New England. Handling and sharp curves were sure and comfortable even in this non-sport’s car. The automatic climate control required only occasional single degree temperature adjustments from 80 degrees to 39 degrees at the top of Mt. Washington.

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  Best of all the Rest - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By val - September 15 - 12:53 am

  Ive not been a Lexus buyer in the past but when I gave up all the rest including the Mercedes I owned that challenges Lexus but doesnt perform as well no matter they hype, I found this to be my perfect car. Im hoping it doesnt last too long and hold my interest too long where I wont buy another new car for enjoying this one too much. And, the pre collision radar system is worth every dollar for safety making this Lexus the best of all.