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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  Tough to buy anything else - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Jeff - December 6 - 8:40 pm

  This is my 2nd LS430. I put almost 90K miles on my first LS and never had one problem. Ride, interior are excellent but what keeps me coming back to this car is the quality and features. Outstanding car

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  LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By PH3226 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I owned the ES300 before purchasing the LS430. I loved my Es so much that I moved up to the 430. It is a wonderful car, lots of leg room, very comfortable and is a joy to own. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one once needed. Ive owned a lot of cars, but the Lexus is certainly the car to own.

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  Best car ive ever had - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Alex N. - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Best car ive had and ive had an Mercedes-Benz E320 and a Bmw 540i but they cany compare to my lexus .

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  Best there is! - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By 01LS430 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Amazing. Currently have almost 130k on car. Owned for 3 years with no issues whatsoever. Great for trips. Get 25-30mpg on hwy. City is 14-18mpg. Wish I could have splurged for the 05-06 with the newer styling. Would def do it all over again.

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  Owner - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By greg farrow - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. I have had Lincolns, Cadilacs, Jags & their is no comparison. All Lexus dealerships I have dealt with for service have been more than excellent.

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  Im in heaven!!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexie - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Having purchased my 04 Lexus just over a week now, I think Ive found the perfect vehicle. The interior noise is very quiet, the motor is so quiet I cant always tell when its running, the speakers are outstanding, and all the bells and whistles are almost all automatic and run on their own (windshild wipers, cruise, Navigation Sys., lights, etc.)

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  sweetness - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By jonny blaze - October 17 - 10:00 am

  when i test drove this machine,it was a drivers and passengers "car of zen." it had top notch luxary and optional featues which included back seat back massage. sitting in the back seat of this machine made me feel like a king and drving it made me feel like the king of the road.

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  Love Life With Her - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Gimpyeti - September 20 - 7:33 pm

  This car is absoluting amazing. Every aspect is flattering in numerous ways. I currently own a Cadillac STS, CTS, and this car. This Lexus owns each in its own manner. The power steering is just soo fun to use along with the V8 engine. On first drive youll be hooked.

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  The best at any Price - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By John - September 8 - 10:40 am

  This amazing automobile is the very finest being produced today hands down and has changed the way all auto companys make there cars. The germans exclude Porsche have much to be concerned about. Reputations fall by the way side, living by there looks and marketing to pull them out of there poor quality will not be enough today. The consumer who can afford a top of the line motor car is rejecting poor build quality for the lexus LS430 the best automobile on the planet as of today there is nothing finer period.

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  Greatest - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Admiral - September 4 - 3:16 am

  After almost three years I have never had a problem. Routine maintenance has been the only requirement.