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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  It is perfection. An honest review - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By kuantum - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I have always made jokes of Toyota/Lexus because I have owned 7 BMWs from 3 series to 7 series a Lincoln a mercedes and a Ferrari. I always stood true to my BMW 740i & 525 but I just purchased an LS430 Ultra Lux for $60k and its the best ride, feel, comfort, and luxury I have ever had not just in overall value package but truly an impressive vehicle bar none.

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  Great, but still room for improvement - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By nickm52 - December 11 - 3:13 am

  Great car overall. Executive comfort package makes ride enjoyable for all passengers. The car performance-wise is good and It beats out my previously owned benzs and bmws in all of the categories except for handling and exterior design.

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  Driving a perfect "10" everyday - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Champerty - December 4 - 11:33 am

  My 2003 Lexus 430 LS is equipped with the Ultra Luxury package and I bought it new. I cannot imagine a more dependable beautiful lifestyle. Everyday on the road you know that you are always the best ride without pretending. Is there any ride more quiet/ I dont think so. This car is simply the best all around, elegant, classy, smoothest and most reliable vehicle I have ever driven in my life. And that is alot to say since I have owned and /or been the primary driver of over 30 cars purchased without limit. They were all excellent vehicles, but the 03 Lexus 420 LS w/ Ultra Luxury package is like driving in heaven every day.

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  Need more luxury for the price - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By mrs luxury - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I have driven several American made cars and have owned 2 Volvos. However I found my Lexus LS430 to be smooth, roomy and very pricey. Its seems all the great gadgets are optional. Body styling looks too much like the Avalon which is 25-30% cheaper. There should be a video tape in programming the GPS system.

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  03 LS 430 ULTRA LUX - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By RON36330 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  DEALER EXPERIENCE WAS EXCEPTIONAL. GREAT PEOPLE. CAR RECEIVED WITH NO FLAWS OR DEFECTS. NO ADJUSTMENTS REQUIRED. EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE WITH ALL AMENITIES ONE COULD ASK FOR. RIDE IS EXCEPTIONAL, SMOOTH AND QUIET.

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  LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By A Fry - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  The LS 430 is pleasure to drive. I recently completed a 10 hour trip in the LS and I was ready to turn around and make the return trip. I was not tired or uncomfortable at anytime during the trip. The radar cruise control is easy to use takes all of the stress out of the drive. The seating is very comforable and roomy. All of the systems, such as the navigation, satilite radio/audio and the ventilation system are easy to use. The air suspension and braking system is flawless.

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  Perfection - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Happy - October 21 - 3:30 am

  The perfect car. Drives like a dream. No problems with it..

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  Perfection - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Happy - October 21 - 2:56 am

  The perfect car. Drives like a dream. No problems with it..

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  A great car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By ruth mcc - October 5 - 5:33 am

  This car doesnt only run perfect, it seems to glide. this is the 2nd LS430 that i have bought new, the only problem I have found you just cant go back to driving any other car. you are hooked. The gas milage isnt great but 28 mpg on the hiway isnt bad for a car of this size.

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  Incomparable - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By sc - October 4 - 5:50 am

  After having owned BMWs, Mercedes, Infinitis, etc., there is no car that can compare to the comfort and ease of driving this car. I hate driving but I LOVE my Lexus!! The Lexus also has the best navigation system around with its simple, intuitive touch screen system.