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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  This is an awesome vehicle - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By J McKay - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Other than the bland exterior design that one would think should only be driven by a long term member of the AARP this car is as close to driving perfection as is out on the roads at this time. It is a pleasure to drive with performance and reliability in abundance. You have to love it!

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  Nav Voice Needs Help. - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Leo LoFrisco - March 17 - 7:13 pm

  My 2006 Lexus LS 430 is my fourth Lexus and tenth Toyota car. I have nothing but praise for the 2006 Lexus with one exception. The voice activation portion of the navigation system is not up to Lexus standards. Most of the commands are not understood which becomes frustrating when you want to enter a command. Some commands are fully understood, but most of the commands Lexus publishes are not understood. It surprises me that Lexus would put a less than perfect product on the market. Other than that, the car is a dream.

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  2005 LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Keith Hartman - February 16 - 7:50 pm

  Wonderful in many ways, not so good in snow country and sometimes scary in the wind & rain. This car that seems so easy to drive does not handle well at the limits of high speed and adverse weather. (My previous car was an Audi A-8; but this car doesnt handle as well as my wifes Surbaru Outback.) Not so important but a niggling problem is the placement of various buttons on the steering wheel that are easily bumped and change the audio system (or turn it on!), set off the voice activation programs, etc. Also, four times I ran the battery down because a door was not completely shut, which I couldnt tell from the interior lights that stay on for a minute or so after the car is shut down.

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  In my opinion - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By wyatt - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Great auto, but without sport mode, rolles on mt. roads. Throttle response not quick enough.

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  relentless pays off - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By erwinrommel - February 5 - 2:00 am

  brilliant execution on luxury genre. almost impossible to fault. As far as I can see it mercedes looks like tyson and lexus is hollyfield. Round by round lexus has begun to wear the feared bully down. Every volley of fire matched by lexus. amazing close quarter combat. Lexus seems unfazed by a series of high tech blows. Lexus seems to absorb evrything techno benz can throw.

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  Saved my life - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Carolyn - February 4 - 7:43 pm

  Over all a good vehicle Saved my life Had an accident and all personnel at scene said I should have been dead. I rolled down a 20 foot embankment and took out 25 feet of concrete fence. I broke a finger nail and have bruises and a deep laceration on my right arm. A large animal ran out in front of me at night on a rural road. Instead of hitting it I swerved.

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  Jack C Richmonds Love of his Lexuss - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Jack C. Richmond - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my 6th LS400 series Lexus. They all perform, ride perfectly.The best cars I have ever owned. How the Company manages to keep improving each years model is amazing. Each auto I have had has been improved with each new model, and when I have been driving them, I cant see how they can make the car any better, but they do!!

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  The Best - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Kathryn Smith - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent in all aspects. Runs well, easy to handle, ride is super, just overall A+.

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  Satisfaction - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Jack Jen - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our third Lexus. I am completely satisfied in every feature of the Lexus LS 430. The styling, quality of workmanship, detail and overall performance is unmatched in any vehicle I have ever driven. The lack of road noise is another great feature. The gas mileage, for such a big vehicle, is outstanding. The great ride is the finest in the industry. We also have a SC 430 which we consider the best in its class. If, and when, we sell the SC 430, we intend to purchase the RX 430 beacuse of our satisfaction with our other models of Lexus. We would NEVER change from our Lexus habit.

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  Phils Lexus - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By pjhoffmann - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Extremely comfortable and user friendly. Controls are logical and easy to use. GPS guidance system is great. Fit and finish are superb.