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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  LS 430 SUPERB!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By BLGLAW - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE NOW OWNED THIS BEAUTY FOR ONE MONTH AND HAVE TO STRUGGLE WITH MY WIFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WE BOTH LOVE IT! MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS INDUSTRY-WIDE RELATED, AND THAT IS THE FLIMSINESS OF THE MATERIALS USED TO BUILD THE CAR. IF ONE PAYS $50,000 + FOR AN AUTO, IT SHOULD NOT BE MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. BUT, UNTIL THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY CEASES THE DICTATES TO THE AUTO INDUSTRY, WELL ALL HAVE TO SETTLE FOR LESS. THE LS 430 IS THE BEST CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED OVER 48 YEARS OF DRIVING, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE YEARS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THIS MARVEL. CONSUMER REPORTS RATED THIS CAR AS THE # ONE LUXURY SEDAN, AND THEY WERE SO RIGHT!!

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  Wow!!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Happy C - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I have been a loyal BMW customer for 15 years. I never thought I would own a different car. But we decided to check out the lexus because of all the problems with the 7 series. Once we test drove the LS 430 we were sold. We purchased the Ultra Luxury edition and it is chopped full of amenities. We Love it. The ride is luxurious and very quiet. Hats off to Lexus on this one. It does not have the handling of a BMW, but, I havent missed anything. I highly recommend this car to anyone who desires a smooth, richly appointed luxury automobile it is worth it. Look out Germany Lexus is pushing the envelope!!

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  Excellent car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Jeff - March 24 - 2:50 pm

  This is my second LS 430 and this car is a dream to drive. Quiet, reliable and good gas mileage. I looked at several other cars because I thought I might want something different. Nothing compared when all things were considered. Absolutely fantastic car!

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  Nothings perfect but this comes close - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By edavidm - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned many vehicles including MB, Cadillac and Toyota, but this is the ultimate vehicle in all respects. The quality of workmanship, attention to detail, comfort, luxuriousness is unparalelled.

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  Great car, minor gripes - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By nick42 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is a great car. Quality, comfort, features, etc. are right on, for much less money than a comparable BMW/Merc. A few (significant) flaws exist, however; hopfully Lexus will get the message and address these through their dealership support network (many could be easily fixed).

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  Its perfect, what did you think..... - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By MikeC - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it 18 months & I feel like I still have a new car that i just love.. Only car I have ever had I felt that way about after that length of time... Expensive but worth EVERY penny... I always said when Lexus made a car this big I would give it a try. Can not even imagine driving anything else.....

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  Driveable Livingroom - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By D Norman - February 28 - 1:30 am

  This is my second LS series. This is by far the most comfortable automobile I have ever driven and I have driven hundreds. I purchased the Ultra Luxury Package this time and the amenities and ride are absolutely unsurpassed. My wife and I drove to Florida last summer, 2700 miles in all and the level of comfort could not have been better. There are copiers, i.e. the 07 Big Mercedes and BMWs,but they dont quite compare the the ride, reliability and comfort of the LS 430 Ultra. Superb motorcar.

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  Absolute Perfection - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By buckeye30 - February 19 - 6:38 pm

  After I paid of the student loans, I wanted to treat myself with something very special. Though some people called me an old man for choosing LS-430, I didnt care, and WOW. I am mean WOW. This car exceeds all my high engineering expectations, and redefines the definitions of luxury, reliability, fit & finish, and high quality. I dont even know where to start from, but all I can say I am very lucky to be owner of such a magnificent car. It is truly an engineering masterpiece. It takes awhile to understand what a special car it is, and after driving it for some time, you forget how special it is until you drive other cars, or people compliment you.

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  Our Third - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Pat Mooney - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Lexus we have purchased and could not be more pleased with the car. IT IS THE BEST YET! When we were looking for a new car back in the 90s I asked the manager of our parking fields, some cars valet parked, what car he would buy after having experience with every car on the market for 40 years he told me LEXUS. We took his advice and have never,never regreted it. Thanks LEXUS

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  02 Lexus LS430 Ultra - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By jeffdinohio - February 2 - 12:42 am

  Recently purchased a 02 Lexus LS430 with the Ultra package. This vehicle replaced a LS400 with well over 250,000 miles. You cannot compare the bullet-proof reliability of Lexus vs. the other so-called luxury brands. This particular Lexus is giving me 25+ mpg on the highway along with the best ride imaginable. No squeaks, no rattles, nothing out of a vehicle that is over 12 years old! Doesnt use a drop of oil and when you do change the oil it looks like it is still brand new. The Ultra package gives extra refinement especially to the rear seat passengers. The reclining, massaging seats are extraordinary for a journey of over a few hours. Definitely a 5 star vehicle and one I recommend.