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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  Love that car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By jay - April 5 - 2:50 pm

  Love driving it, love the way it handles and the way it rides. The only two bad things about it is that the gas mileage is about 16 mpg all over and the voice recognition system does not work that well.

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  2005 Lexus LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Kathy Conrad - March 31 - 12:10 pm

  This is my 4th Lexus LS since 1992. I have owned 2 LS 400s and this is my 2nd LS 430. I was talked into purchasing a Mercedes-Benz E-500 last June. I just sold the car yesterday after purchasing my new LS 430 several weeks ago. I will never make that mistake again. I am a Lexus lover through and through!! This car is unbelievable. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, wonderful craftmanship, and such a pleasure to drive.

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  Not Quite So Nice - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Not Quite So Nice - March 29 - 4:43 am

  This was to be my retirement car, you know, keep forever. Got the Ultra. Bad choice. Took delivery out of front alignment. Turns out I discovered air suspension was causing a strong lean (2" shorter on right"). Didnt notice until sitting on a perfectly flat surface. Should have gotten the standard suspension. Took dealer three times to get right, had to make call to Japan.

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  LS 430 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Jeff Centers - March 27 - 4:43 am

  I just traded an S55 AMG in for this Lexus. There are many pros and cons to this car but it could definitely use more horsepower, more high speed capabilities, and features geared to the driver and front passenger rather than just to the rear passengers. Really how many of us have a chauffeur. I do enjoy driving the car but admit I was a bit spoiled by my German auto performance and its being geared to make driving fun for the driver.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By William Tell - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Japanese, German and American cars over my 50+ years and have never owned a better car. The new 2004 replaced (traded in) my 2001 LS430. The braking on the LS is phenomenal. The 04 has improved pads and rotors. The six speed transmission gives the car a 0 - 60 of 5.9 seconds and I swear it is actually faster than that. The keyless entry is wonderful as well. It is very, very convenient to keep the fob in your pocket when you open doors and start the car without having to fumble for a key. The adaptive Front Lighting System (headlights aim where you are going) is great. This is an incredible DriverÂ’s Automobile.

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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By palmjumper - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned including Cadillacs, Lincolns and even a Rolls Royce. It is fun to drive and the engineering is impressive. There is power when you need it and even massaging back seats. The radar assisted cruise control takes the drugery out of long trips. It automatically slows you down or speeds you up depending on traffic. You can almost "set it and forget it."

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  Very nice car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Pedro - February 21 - 11:23 pm

  Vehicle was a mfg buyback w/15K miles, ultra luxury package, supposedly had no start issues but under warranty. Paid 31K & just extended my warranty thru 8/75K so Im covered for awhile. Absolutely love this car, best I can figure previous owner didnt drive it much & left the Smart key either in or near the car and the batteries would die. Havent had any issues in my first year except had the front windshield R&Rd due to noise at 80mph against a headwind. Will be replacing original tires soon w/odometer at just over 25K. Just a beautiful ride, happy with everything except driver seat bottom comfort - its just not very comfortable on a long drive, needs more cushion and support.

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  One Great Lexus LS430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Dr. Mark - February 13 - 10:00 am

  From the very first test drive, I could not believe the high level of comfort, ease, and overall smoothness involved. What a comfortable traveling vehicle, and yet agile and nimble enough for emergencies. Great looking, especially the utterly tasteful interior.

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  the best dam sedan - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By chicko - January 29 - 2:00 am

  dont buy a benz or a bmw

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  WORTH EVERY DOLLAR - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By GARY - January 27 - 6:10 am

  If you can afford it, buy it! This is the finest auto I have ever owned, and as long as I can buy one I will always purchase a Lexus. I have had 12 back operations and I need to have a very smooth riding car, this was by far the best of all, and I tried the entire top of the line. It is one of the things I look forward to every day, getting up in the morning and driving my Lexus. I told my wife not to be upset, but I was in love with another... my new 430. Enjoy, Gary.