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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The Best Luxury Sedan PERIOD - 2002 Lexus LS 430
By Dr. Quincy - January 24 - 10:00 amAn outstanding value. Fit and finish are great. The car is so quiet you dont know the motor is on. I got the sport suspension to liven it up a tad. This is the car you need if you want the finest car made. It really is automotive perfection.
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Automotive Excellence - 2004 Lexus LS 430
By Farls - January 21 - 10:00 amThe title says it all. After driving big Buicks for years, 11 years ago I acquired my first Lexus, the GS 300. I thought that was an outstanding car again in 1998 and 2001. Then I drove the 2004 LS 430. What a car!
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LEXUS LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
By Johnny Lexi - January 21 - 10:00 amThe Lexus LS430 is the best vehicle I have ever driven, and I have driven them all!!! From Prancing Horses to the big Z (Zonda). The LS430 is not the fastest or the quickest or the most frugal on gas consumption, but when you analyze all the pros and cons it is the best - without a doubt.
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Why buy any other car? - 2003 Lexus LS 430
By Hat Trick - January 11 - 2:00 amThis is our second LS, and is more powerful, quiet, thrifty, and nimble than the 1995 model.
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An automobile worth considering - 2003 Lexus LS 430
By CA-Allen - January 11 - 2:00 amAfter owning a few of its European competitors, switching to the LS430 is the best choice yet I have made. Excellent reliability, extrememly quiet motor and surpringly good overall fuel economy even with a V8 engine (average 23 mpg). A trouble-free car makes the overall ownership a breeze. Its luxury supportive seating makes everyday long commute rather comfortable.
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Uncomfortable drivers seat. - 2005 Lexus LS 430
By Joel - January 4 - 9:30 pmYou would think that Lexus would have spent more time testing the drivers seat comfort in their "flagship" sedan. I have owned this car for a month and will sell it as soon as possible. It feels like you are sitting in a hole the longer you sit in the drivers seat. In addition the armrest is uncomfortable due to lack of adequate padding and large seam. My other car is a 1999 ES 300. It has the most comfortable seats and driving position of any car I have ever owned. At any rate, my next car will be a Jaguar or Mercedes (with 100K warranty) more exciting design and road feel but less reliability. The trade off will be worth it this time around.
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They are not as good as they say. - 2005 Lexus LS 430
By Michael OBrien - December 23 - 3:13 pmMy LS430 has been plagued with some minor and one major problem. Lexus and the dealership have given up. Is this what I paid $70k for? It is not the reputation I had heard about and influenced me into buying a Lexus. Navigation system very unfriendly and at times useless. I think I will try an XJ8L - at least it looks more stylish.
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All but the selling - 2001 Lexus LS 430
By kennethmdavies - December 23 - 1:20 pmNo problems, comfortable ride, good power.
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Is it worth the high price? - 2004 Lexus LS 430
By margy - December 18 - 11:30 amThe car is very comfortable, quiet and safe. It has excellent acceleration and braking. It is very bad in snow. I dont have snow tires, so maybe those would improve driving. The a/c compressor just broke down completely and had to be replaced. It was an expensive repair and I was very surprised and disappointed that this would happen on a Lexus. I dont know if I would buy another Lexus, if it was truly worth the expense.
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My first lexus - 2005 Lexus LS 430
By wesley callaway - December 16 - 5:46 amI purchased the Lexus Ultra. This model has all the creature comforts available. All the extra gizmos take a engineer to figure out how to operate.
