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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  A look at the Lexus 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Quirky - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Other than the low mileage even though I am a regular complainer, I was not able to find any bad to say about the Lexus 430 or Meade Lexus my dealer where I always find a cheerful, respectful, and knowledgeable person to deal with.

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  LS 430 after one month - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Raymond Kearns - June 5 - 4:43 pm

  Seats are incredibly comfortable. Acceleration very good. Gas mileage around 20mpg. Extremely quiet. Ventilated seats overrated. Some features a bit complex. Best car Ive ever driven. Test drove the MB500S and like the Lexus and its features/engineering/price much better.

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  As Perfect As It Gets. - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Leawoodesq - May 25 - 4:46 pm

  Bought an LS 430 after seven years of Mercedes-Benz. Knew to expect silent operation, but was still surprised by the power and quiet. Its like being pushed by a huge electric motor. No vibration, very little sound from the engine, and tons of torque. The LS 430 is also surprisingly agile and, like other great luxury sedans, it seems to get smaller and lighter as the speed increases. I took an interstate cloverleaf at 60 mph with no tire squeal and complete control. Everything about this car is supremely well-engineered and manufactured. One nice feature is the auto-level on the xenon headlights so that they never blind oncoming drivers. Very thoughtful. Really love this car.

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  My fifth Lexus, fourth LS - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By pjbigley - May 14 - 9:00 pm

  This is my fifth Lexus. Have had a 2 1991 LSs, a 1998 LS, 2004 GS430 (mistake), and my present 2005 LS 430. The GS was too small for me (should have learned on the first 3 LSs, and I am soooo happy to be back in the seat of an LS. All it took was to sit in the drivers seat, have the seats wrap around you, the dash light up, and all of the phenomenal features at your fingertips. From the radar cruise, to the LED appointments everywhere at night, to the folding mirrors, and to have a backup camera in a sedan is a dream. I have not driven any other since 1996, and never will. As long as I can afford it, it will always be a Lexus LS.

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  Exceptional - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Abba180 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my already perfect Lexus LS400. The car drive is the same legendary lexus drive. With the added air suspension, you can change the car to a more sporty BMW feel with the flick of a button.

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  A Totally Wonderful Driving Experience - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By alan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the most enjoyable car to drive I have ever experienced. Quiet beyond description and effortless to drive.

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  A Totally Wonderful Driving Experience - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Alan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the most enjoyable car to drive I have ever experienced. Quiet beyond description and effortless to drive.

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  Best car - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Henry Walsh - April 26 - 10:23 pm

  The LS was simply amazing and the best car I have ever owned in my life. It gave me 0 problems over 4 years.

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  luxury tank - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By TJ Sexton - March 5 - 4:55 am

  Built like a tank to last holds all the amenities of a true luxury sedan. Had this since day 1 brand new purchased from dealer for $65k, still running like a champ to this day. Hands down best luxury and reliability for ever penny I ever spent.

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  Fact not Fiction - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Mister C - March 2 - 3:46 pm

  After 9mos. of ownership, Im still amazed how a 2004 can still outrank & perform 2009 Mercedes, Audi, BMW, & Infiniti. The LS430 is the car to own (Period). Good on gas, handles swell for a big car, instant acceleration when the light turns green, great on braking, awesome reliability like no other; even though in Chicago winter snow tires could help... although u may do fine without. This car is very quiet, comfortable, quality is a 10-of-10. Mark Levinson sound system-"The Best", Navigation is easy to work with. Privacy rear shade, heated-and cooled seats (front and rear). Dual Climate Control, nearly 300hp, HID lights, LED rear lights. Very low wind noise at 70mph. Also holds its value.