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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  everything is perfect!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By wildboyzz - June 8 - 10:00 am

  AMAZING, NOTHING WILL EVER BE BETTER, THE MOST AMAZING CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVIN, I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER CAR, BENZ AND BMW ARE OVERRATED, AND DONT COMPARE, CANT EVEN HOLD A CANDLE TO THE LEXUS LS 430

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  Super - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By danpetrescu - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent drive. Very quiet, powerful, luxurious. Ultra luxury packge is great.

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  AS GOOD AS IT GETS - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By d.river - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned both MB E and S class. Lexus is a "no-brainer" choice for equivalent style, safety and performance to the S class with a five digit price advantage. Unequivocally recommend this vehicle

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  LS430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By crmaynorjr - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,powerful,silky smooth on and on.

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  Mine Has Radar Cruise Better Than Great - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MANDALAY - May 28 - 8:23 pm

  I have to admit the dealer lied a lot but the car is super-I paid more than I should but radar cruise control is life saving and I love it-car is the best all around-there is nothing left I couldnt pu t on it-bought the 5 year warranty with tax cost me 79,800 but worth more and runs better than any German car or Jag. It is an amazing vehicle and will keep it a long time so I dont mind the cost-car is great but dealer & sales & managemtnt were not

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  Certified Pre-Owned Purchase - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Certified Pre-Owned - May 21 - 2:46 am

  This car was a great for my luxury driving experience. The ride is so smooth as if I was riding on air. The cost for ownership was far better than other luxury cars. The extending warranty work just wonderfully. I love my certified pre-owned Lexus.

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  Best Luxury Today - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By meekey - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus LS 430 is hands down the greatest luxury sedan of the year. It surpasses BMW and Mercedes by a huge margin. The interior ergonomics are simple to operate and the enigne rides like silk, even though you can never hear the engine or feel its accleration. The Lexus LS 430 is such a great car. If you are looking for quality, style, comfort, and an overall great car, the Lexus LS 430 is the car for you!

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  No Car is Better than this Lexus! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By val stedt - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Radar cruise control is life saving-Navigator user friendly-Air/heat seats-Air ride like no other-Quiet- Individual air cond for every passenger- Keyless entry/starter (no losing keys)- Nothing has been left to wish for-Car drives itself-Endless upgrades that no other luxury carhas today(Ive had Mercedes/BMW/Rolls/INfiniti/Audi)Lexus soars above all of them in interior looks/driving/power/lowest gast mileage Ive ever had on a tank of gas (from San Francisco to Vegas on one tank)That was strange when the car cost more one would think we can afford to pay for the gas-Worth the money-This car is a keeper-Added the 7 yr/100k mile warranty but see I dont need it.

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  Best bargain for luxury driving - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By burkeday - April 20 - 10:00 am

  The LS 430 has so many great "toys", its almost embarrassing! But who cares? I love it and, as a LS400 previous owner, know the redesigned LS430 is as if they read my mind when improvements commenced. No other luxury car drives better and offers more than does this Lexus,period.

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  Drivers Seat is Fabulously Comfortable - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By John - April 16 - 3:36 pm

  I think kwahaus review is way off the mark. If you cant be comfortable in the Lexus 430 drivers seat you wont be comfortable in ANY car seat! The adjustment possibilities are endless. Those seats are absolutely perfect for me and for my passengers.