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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LS430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
By michel - January 29 - 10:06 amMy lexus ls430 is an o.k. car. The engine is under powered. It is very quiet and the ride is nice though I just dont like the car at all. It was a horrible buy. The dealers at the dealership treated me like I was buying a geo metro. I shouldve bought the new Q45. The sound system in the lexus is horrible! It is very tinny and doesnt sound very good at all.
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ALL S-CLASS BUYERS, LOOK AT THE LS430!!! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
By Evian NOMAD - January 21 - 10:00 amOh my god this car is the best i have ever driven and owned. I am so glad that i traded in my 2001 S500 for an Ulta-Luxury LS430 in Black Onyx with Black leather. Very luxurious and extremely good value
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PERFECTION!!!!! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
By A340-600 - January 21 - 10:00 amThe best car Lexus ever made. I have owned over 7 LS400s, since they first came out in 1989, and have been drivin them since. I have a beautiful Milleniunm Silver on black with Ultra- Lux. You get power rear seats with massage, power sunshades, best GPS, Mark Levinson sound (the best ever!), parktronic and distronic (really cool), beautiful wood trim, really soft leather, rear climate and audio controls, for just $64,000! BRAND NEW! YOU GET MORE THAN A S600 OR 760lI FOR LESS!!!
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The Legendary Lexus LS4300 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
By John McLean - January 21 - 5:13 amThis car is a legend in its own time!! Soon to be replaced by mightier machines, but the LS 400 and LS 430 are symbols that will live forever. The last "corp" of LS 430s are to be endowed with BOSE suspension systems, making them more awesome than ever. What really amazed me about Lexus/Toyota is they believed they could do it, and they did!!! No whines about budget or working more than 40 hours a week - they worked and worked until they hit their target, then started on L-Finesse, a whole different ball game. But the LS 400 and LS 430 will live forever - they established the brand name and they put the "LEX" in Lexus. The greatest cars ever!!!!!
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Love Our Lexus - 2004 Lexus LS 430
By jeka - January 17 - 10:00 amThis is one car that we have bought that we love everything about. We will keep this car forever. The ride is great and it is fun to drive (but you have to watch your speed!) It is the most comfortable ride and is great on long trips. Lexus has out done themselves on this one. They wont get this car back on a trade...there is no where to go!
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Unreal Automobile - 2001 Lexus LS 430
By LS Ultra Lux - January 11 - 8:23 amThis is by far the most exceptional car on the road. We have The Ultra Lux, blk/blk, with stock chrome 17" wheels and bordeaux wood trim. Every option possible except the phone. Bought the car with 58k miles and now have 78k. Unreal experience. I have never been into cars, but this has changed me for sure. My dad was a Benz guy and I would never buy one after having the total Lexus experience. We have put 20k miles on it and it is solid as rock and the fit and finish is as good as new. My wife drives it and loves her 60 mile daily commute in Atlanta traffic. We get comments/looks all the time. Very sharp car.
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A joy to drive - 2005 Lexus LS 430
By faultless - January 6 - 3:53 amMy 4th lexus and the best one yet. Wherever I am going I am never in a hurry to get there, enjoy the ride, the music especially and the quietness of the car. Only problem I have is with the Nav system. Its just a bit complicated. I am looking forward to seeing the new 2007 although I am not sure what they can improve. Maybe style if anything and hopefully the nav system will be a little easier to figure
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LEXUS 2004 LS430 RATING - 2004 Lexus LS 430
By jvmclean - December 17 - 2:00 amThe Lexus LS430 2004 model is the best vehicle on the planet - without a shadow of a doubt!!! I have driven all the "wanna bees" and I confirm this from experience. Fast, smooth, reliable and extremely durable it leaves the competition gasping for "air". It is also the most quiet car in the world, inside and out. Say no more! The real difference between the LS430 and the competition is in one word:- ENGINEERING If you go no to include price, then it is a "slam dunk" for the LS430.
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GREAT CAR - 2005 Lexus LS 430
By DEXMON - December 14 - 4:40 pmThis is the best car I have ever owned. I bought it on 1/31/05 and have already driven more than 25000 miles and have no problems with this car. The ride is so smooth you feel like you are riding in the clouds. I love the navigation controls and the touch screen. I will buy another car except the ls.
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Silky - 2003 Lexus LS 430
By loved - November 27 - 2:00 amThis car is amazing since the first time i sat in the driver seat i have been in love wit hit. Driving is so nice but the rear seat luxury group is tempting me to sit in the rear more than i already do.
