Lexus LS 430 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.81/5 Average
536 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 441 through 450 of 536.00
  • My 2006 Lexus LS430 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    Wonderful! Power when I need it. Very comfortable. Only wish 3 things; one, that the compass were visible on the rear view mirror and second, that the screen on the dash could be more protected from the sunlight and third, that it could use regular gas. Hoping the 2007 has this.

  • I GIVE IT A #9 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    FOR THE MOST PART, GREAT CAR! FOR OVER $70000 FOR THE ULTRA PACKAGE I FEEL LEXUS COULD SPEND A LITTLE MORE TIME AND MONEY ON THE BODY LINES OF THE CAR...COMPERABLE CARS FOR THAT MONEY SHOW MUCH BETTER.. PREFORMANCE AND HANDLING IS WONDERFUL, AND CONFORT IS SECOND TO NONE!

  • The BEST ! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    I love the looks of the new E 500 Mercedes but after test driving both cars buying the LS 430 was a no brainer. It rivals the S430 for about $20,000 less! I believe it is the best luxury car value on the road today.

  • Great, but a few flaws - 2005 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    Overall, I am very happy with the car. It performs well, rides very well, and is a real joy to drive. Though I paid dearly for not buying OEM-specified tires, I have dealt with a few defects (AC vent sweep, passenger mirror failure, headlamp gasket replacement, and a manufacture- defected windshield). Also, (as a safety issue) I have a problem with the mirrors rotating in before exiting the vehicle, especially when parking on the street. Even with these drawbacks, I would definitely recommend this vehicle.

  • Loving It! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    I am a repeat Lexus owner. I loved my 1997 LS 400 and now the improvement of perfection is shown in my new LS 430. I intend to enjoy it for at least the next 7 plus years. Driving the car is a joy, its ease of handling and speed is incredible. Its almost as if the moment I think about it - Im doing it. There is no hesitation in its performance and it LOOKS good too. Thanks Lexus.

  • A regal ride - 2001 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    Quality, quiet and comfort ooze from every pore of the LS 430. Lots of room, easy to maneuver, plenty of power in a luxury setting. My "best ever" vehicle.

  • The Ultra Luxury Edition Nightmare - 2005 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    I love the car. The interior design seems to be flawless. The smoothness, the quiet ride and comfort are all excellent. A minor problem is I keep hitting the audio button when I am on the touch screen for navigation. I have been to the dealership for a suspension problem four times and so far I have had no luck of getting the problem resolved. The car is sitting higher on one side. The air suspension is a very complicated system since it is controlled by the computer. The Service Manager told me that it is normal to have a variation of up to one inch. The height of the car on one side is much apparently higher. I measured it close to 3/4 of an inch. Consider this comment before buying one.

  • lexus 430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    Car is excellent..perhaps the best in the world

  • Never a problem - 2003 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    This my fourth Lexus of this series. The first was a 1992 model. I have never had a reason, other than normal maintenance such as oil change, to have any of them put into a repair shop. Lexus continues to make improvements each year. My 2003 is the best yet.

  • LS 430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
    By -

    Have had top of line lexus since 1990. Can not believe the change, over time, in this model. The 1990 was great, the 1997 better than great, the 2000, better than that one, but the 2003 takes the cake. I wonder how this automobile can get any better.

Lexus LS 430 Reviews By Year:
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