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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  Wonderful! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By LexusMan@Aol.com - April 17 - 4:10 pm

  I test drove the Infiniti Q45, the Lincoln Towncar, the Toyota Avalon, and the Lexus LS 430. The Avalon was too small, the Towncar handled badly, and the Q45 was nice but I got a better deal on the Lexus Ls430. This car handles very well ( Not as well as the Avalon or Q45.) This car has the smoothiest ride ever and has a wonderful stero syestem.

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  2004 LS430 TEST DRIVE - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By John McLean - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I compared the test drive to the drive in the LS430 2003 model. There is a huge difference. Here are the points:- The 2004 Lexus LS430 is:- 1. Much tighter than the 2003 model. 2. Much better braking - stops faster. 3. Faster 0 to 60 (You can feel it) 4. Does not lean on bends. 5. Quieter - All noises are gone. 6. Feels much more comfortable. 7. Gives me much more confidence. 8. Looks better!! 9. Navigation Better. 10. Interior quality much improved.

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  Great car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By AmyLS430 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my LS430. The only thing I would caution would be buyers about is that the darker colored cars show scratches more than the lighter colored ones. I really baby this car but have noticed a few scratches (and yes Im overly sensitive) on mine (color - Flint Mica).

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  Simply the Best - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexusman - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I have upgraded to the LS430 from a GS300 and wow it was worth it! I feel like Im somebody now :-) Lexus has truly built a quality luxury sedan that is a great value. 10+

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  From Japan to Germany and back again! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By lexdog71 - March 17 - 3:21 am

  I had a 1990 LS 400 back when the car first came out, late 89 to 1992. I dropped it, put sweet fat 5-star chrome rims on it and triple-limo tinted all the windows -- burgundy metallic on burgundy leather. That car was 240hp of undeniable quality and perfection. I got a comment everywhere I went; everyone loved that car. Id take it to Vegas at 130mph like it was nothing! Put 70,000 miles on it in three years and seven years later, I took one in on trade (I was a dealer then) with 280,000 on it -- a black one -- and it started up without a puff and drove like a brand new car!! Ive driven an Audi TT quattro cabriolet, a Mercedes S420, 300 SEL, and BMW 540i -- nothing compares to a Lexus LS!

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  Comfort and Response to Driver - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By lenengrad - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle will do exactly as you wish. The 8 cyl power allows you to pull out, pass, or drive on the interstates with full control. The driver has to be carefull of too much speed without realizing it , especially on interstate highways. A real pleasure place with lots of power.

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  AWESOME ALL LUXRY SEDAN! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By mrh30 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Feel like being pampered? This is your car. It drives beautiflly, silently, and silky. The engine is Lexus smooth- nobody else, not even Mercedes, BMW, Auid, or Infiniti come close! The build quality is perfect! The doors slam with a vault like sound, SOUND SYSTEM! Out of the this world. Spend 1 week in it and youll wonder why you spend an extra 25k for an S500 or 745iL!

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  Lexus LS 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By mike siegel - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever driven.

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  Love My LS430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By JDR122 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  What a treat to drive - Supremely comfortable, absolutely smooth ride, listening to CDs even if I dont particularly want to because of the amazing sound quality. Ended up with the ultra-lux package, and my kids tell everyone at school about all of the cool rear seat features.

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  Dream Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By hjnicholas - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is unbelievable. The ride and luxury is better than BMW and Mercedes. Lexus has only been around since 1989 but has won more awards than its German competition and now I understand why.