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 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By JaRuG - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned and the first foriegn built. Ive had no mechanical or service issues of any kind. Inexpensive service for a luxury vehicle.

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  lexus - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By sherri - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Lexus provides the best SERVICE.

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  My four Lexus...Im a believer! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Craig Clough - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have three Lexus...I did have four. They are exceptional cars. You cant go wrong with a Lexus!

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  lexus is the best - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By marquezshaka - January 13 - 10:00 am

  once youve driven a lexus, youll never want a different car again and youl always compare the others to your wonderful lexus!

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  Best Car I Ever owned, - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Big-O - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Great Car, extremly reliable,Have owned other but......surprised when I got 28mpg on highway & get 21-23 in city. Super soft & quiet ride. Cant say enough good things about it. "Its just a Car" ...But what a car. More Power than my old Muscle cars of the 70s. Ive "drug" a couple of 5.0 mustangs to name a few...hee hee.

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  A Great Driver - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By H. Neiderhoffer - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd LS Lexus...and the best. It is a great road car, quiet with excellent comfort, quick, with a great GPS that is user friendly...our other car is a MB CLK430 Cabrio that has had continuous mostly minor problems..but lacks the build quality of the Lexus.

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  Th Best Car Ive Ever Purchased! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Robert J. Landi - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Lexus LS 400 in 1991 and it lasted over 180,000 miles with no major, or minor problems. I purchased the LS 430 when it came out and it is better than the LS 400. The ride is worth every penny and I know this car will go 250,000 miles easiely if I dont "tire" of the design. For my money, I wont buy any other car but Lexus!

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  HIM - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By herb MEYERS - January 13 - 10:00 am

  better than my mercedes

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  Poor brake design - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Bud Hudson - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint abaout this car is the very poor brake design of the front brakes. The pads needed to be replaced and the disc turned, the dealer informed me that this will need to be done again after each 20K. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR THIS CAR.

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  Never satisfied - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By never happy - January 8 - 12:20 am

  Bought well maintained LS430 with 66,000 miles 9/2009. Smooth, powerful responsive engine and transmission with good control via transmission alternative choices. Nice style, good mileage for size and power. Nice suspension, glad I did not choose harder Euro suspension. Steering too light, too much power assist for my taste.Excellent climate control ( no NAV) layout and function. Standard sound OK but nothing great. Seats look nice but lack lateral and thigh support. Passenger seat too short. NO SECONDARY SUN VISOR? Are you kidding Lexus? Gas pedal and brake too far to left, getting foot in middle of brake takes odd motion. Nice car but wish I had looked more at MB and DTS.