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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  WOW! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Peters902 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Having owned 6 Q-45s since 1992, I thought I had the best styled and riding car sold. I was wrong, as my 2003 LS 430, with Euro-tuned suspension, blows it away. This car is simply more luxurous, larger, and. . .WOW! What a car.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JW - July 29 - 6:50 pm

  We bought this LS430 with 6000 miles on it. The car has been flawless ever since. All we have to do is the standard maintenance and that is it. Fuel economy is good for a large car with up to 26 mpg on trips. Ride quality and comfort are excellent for a large sedan. The powertrain is powerful and quiet.

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  Ultra lex. - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ultra Lex. - July 14 - 2:36 pm

  The look, the feel you get when you drive this car. The ultra luxury Lexus has all the gadgets. Heated/cooled seats front and back, massages, reclining back seats. And dont forget the cooler in the back for your drinks. Wow, this is just the beginning.

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  The Best of The Best - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Michael Levy. Author - July 5 - 12:30 pm

  No matter if you are driving to work or driving for pleasure The Lexus LS 430 makes driving a pure delight. Having owned several Rolls Royces, the Lexus serves up better super luxury with excellent performance and a much lower cost . The road holding is superb and acceleration better than many so called sports cars. The price is far lower than Merc or BMW similar models. For luxury, trouble free, joyful motoring the Lexus LS 430 cannot be rivaled.

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  Better than a Rolls absolutel fantastic car go buy - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Andrew Hales - July 5 - 9:16 am

  Fantastic ride, comfort, and economy are amazing. I love this car!! Now had it six months and love it even more, dont look around just get on of these dream machines. Now had over 12 months and WOW I love this car, not an ounce of trouble and a dream ride. My next car will simply be a new Lexus! Or a Tesla if I strike it rich lol. Now Aug 2017 and I still love the car and no issues of any sort.

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  good car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By sidewinder - July 3 - 10:00 am

  the car is everything advertised by lexus. handles beautifully and turning radius is tight. Very easy to handle in traffic oron the highway. not many cars can match thisone

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  What a ride! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Lori L - June 19 - 9:10 pm

  I was almost going to get the new GS but the interior was too small and cramped. And the convertible did not include any new and improved safety features. However, when I got a good price, I said why not? Despite some minor annoyances, this car has superior safety features and a superb ride. I lease 2.

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  basically a good car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By robert queen - June 18 - 1:21 am

  Do not get chrome wheels!!! Peeling after 6 yrs. tires cant stay balanced. Trying to replace wheels is a disaster. Even dealer cant guarantee that new wheels will fit with performance brake calipers. Closest dealer is 60 miles . I carry a tire inflator with me at all times. because of chrome wheels deteriorating can keep tires inflated at proper Lbs Breaks beads. hvae to have them cleaned every 6 months. resetting maintanance schedule is a painHave to crawl under dash. Blow fuses for cigaret lighter recharging Phones etc also trunk release finally had to have my wheels re done. @$260 each

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  Lexus LS 430 ultra - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Tom - June 13 - 7:36 am

  You ride on a magic carpet when driving this car. Luxery and performance envelope you whether driving or riding as a passenger. I love the black cherry color and fabulous sound system.

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  Lexus LS430 - The King Kahuna!!! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By John McLean - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The LS430 2001 model is my third LS Class Lexus. These three models (the first two were LS400s) spanned an ownership period of twelve years. I call them "the Lexus years"!!! Rain, hail, sleet, snow or brilliant sunshine, the big Lexus just keeps going no matter what!!! Once in Boston, buried under six feet of snow and left for three weeks, it started first time when dug out of the snow. Oh yes - if you want that most important motoring asset "peace of mind" the GET IT!!!!!!!