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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  Lexus LS430 - Good Car-Bad Tires - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By CBP - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I am leasing this car for my wife who loves it. The car is very luxurious and drives better than a full sized Mercedes. The only problem with the car is the tires. They are completely worn out at 16,000 miles of city driving. We had another Lexus car which had the same problem - premature tire wear.

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  A lot to like - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Bill - December 16 - 7:40 am

  Having owned Mercedes Benz, BMW, Acura, and Cadillac, the Lexus is without a doubt the most smooth riding and quiet vehicle of all. Performance is excellent although handling is not quite on par with BMW. The emphasis is on comfort and luxury with the Lexus and they hit the mark with near perfection. The only gripes have to do with the blue tooth phone which is less user friendly to use than my wifes Acura and with fewer voice commands. The navigation system also prevents making changes or inquiries once underway - their lawyers must have the last word in product design. Overall, Lexus is truly an outstanding vehicle and offers excellent valu as well.

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  Wonderful Car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Mike - November 28 - 11:26 pm

  I have owned most luxury brands, and this is by far the best car I have owned (I got the Modern Luxury package with SmartAccess). I tested the others, but the Lexus was simply in a different league. Ride quality is extraordinary-- both smooth and quiet. The interior is exceptionally well crafted. If you cannot get comfortable in the LS 430s seats, you simply cannot get comfortable in any car. Performance is better than I expected. The LS 430 does not have quite as many technological gadgets as the Acura or Infiniti, but it certainly has enough.

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  Lexus LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Niels Stenhoj - November 26 - 7:26 am

  This is my third Lexus 400/430 and it the best. Lexus has an understanding for what the consumer thinks is luxury. They do not load up the car with fancy technology that you do not need. They focus on making your ride as safe and comfortable as possible.

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  Driving "Heaven" - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By VMacE - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I spend a lot of time on the run and the LS 430 eases the roads wear and tear on my body! This car is like a small piece of "heaven" on the highway.....

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  The best car, at any price. - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By archiefriend - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Thought I was going to buy a low mileage 2003 540i. Pretty to look at, very fast, but surprisingly rough ride, noisy; felt somewhat crude, like a 4 door version of my first car, a 5 spd Mustang GT. Drove the LS430 the next day. Like upgrading to the Ritz Carlton after staying at a rustic ski cabin! So smooth, refined, quiet. Effortless speed, with graceful throttle step-in. Made me feel upper class, like a king. SOLD!

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  Best Luxury Sedan in the world - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexus Fan 84 - November 12 - 10:00 am

  The LS430 is and has been proven t be the best Luxury sedan out on the road. AMCI went through throughal testing and it proved over Benz and BMW and Infiniti and Audi and any other car maker that Lexuss LS430 is the best luxury sedan out there overall!! and I believe this firmly!!!

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  Love for Life - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Philly LS - November 10 - 6:13 am

  I bought this used LS with Navi with 75,000 miles on it a year ago and now I have put 12,000 miles on it with no problems. The Navigation is very good the turning radius unbelievable. Drove from Phila to Raleigh NC with no problems. I will trade this for a newer model in a few years. I love this car over a 1997 740 I had and a 2000 S500.

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  430 near perfection!~!!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By PVCDDS - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This auto is one of the best!! Lexus has done a fantastic job in conyinuing their pursuit of perfection! Having owned and driven this car for 9 months I have a keen idea of just how good this car is. Dont do the BMW or Benz until you have driven this car or you will be sorry

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  LS 430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By jayjman - November 5 - 2:00 am

  excellent car. beautiful.sleek. stylish but too expensive. should be cheaper. at least for $35000