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:

• 

  A Smooth, Exciting Advanced Automobile - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By By George - September 5 - 10:00 am

  After owning two luxury automobiles, a Mercedes and a Jaguar, it was difficult for me to believe that I could ever own anything as exceptional. However, based on my research, the reviews and testimony of friends and collegues; I decided, for my next purchase, to consider the Lexus LS 430. This car has exceeded my expectations in its performance and handling and smoothness, and the technology is absolutely amazing. It is unbelievable and in a class by it self. If there is anything more outstanding than the Lexus LS 430, I would not even want to know because I am sure I could not afford it.

• 

  great car, needs a facelift - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By bbenner - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the car, but its not as good looking as i would like. Better ride that the S-Class.

• 

  Pound per pound the Best car ever built - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By mob4life - August 23 - 10:33 pm

  After thoroughly evaluating and test driving the BMW 745, the S500 and the LS 430, the Lexus LS is pound per pound the best car ever built. The interior of this vehicle is 2nd to none. There is no other car manufacturer that can beat Lexus in this category. The exterior is beautiful as well. Many people want to claim that the exterior is subdued, but I disagree. I get plenty of compliments when I drive the Lex. And third, and most importantly, is the reliability. Lexus sets the standard in this category.

• 

  Great Car, But Can I Have My Caddie Back - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By JRB - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is amazing. Ive got 2000 miles on it now and there have been NO issues; perfect in every way. If you like gadgets and electonics, this is the car for you. And even better, everything works as it should. And did I say quiet? Oh, and perhaps I forgot to mention that the ride is like skating on smooth ice, yet sporty enough to get off the dime quickly and take a tight turn on command? Styling is nice, but not distinctive. My 94 Fleetwood had a distinctive style that stands out in the crowd. The Lexus looks like any other import. The LS430 is an outstanding car. But will my next car be a Lexus? The jury is still out...I still think about my Caddie.

• 

  Lexus Persuit of Perfection. - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Les Beggs - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 3 years and have about 54,000 miles on it. One thing that continues to impress me is the integrity of this car. It is as solid and quiet as the day I first got it. I have not had one service issue in three years, (Lexus did ask me to bring it in so they could re-program the navigation system and upgrade it to their existing service level, they gave me a full tank of gas and sent me a check for $50.00 for my trouble). The fit & finish are the best I have ever seen. The ergomomics are outstanding, every control & feature make sense and is easy to use. This might not be a perfect car but it is the closest thing I have run across.

• 

  What a Car!!! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By RMIKE - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Great fun. Cant believe the cars gadgets and wonderful ride.

• 

  My New LS430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Jim - July 25 - 11:53 pm

  Problems: 1) drivers seat not comfortable - feels like you sit in a hole and perforated seats dont permit you to move easily. 2) No good way to run XM antenna in the trunk. 3) Hard to see orange letters on display (too small). 4) Ride too hard with low profile tires.

• 

  Comfort, Class, Quality & Service - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Robin3615 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have the premium luxury equipment package. The service is excellent. The ride is second to none. The quality is superior. I had an ES300 years ago and traded it at 100K miles. Since then, I drove a 2000 Volvo and 2003 Jag S type 4.2 . I still have the volvo which my younger brother drives. I put more miles on the X type loaner cars than on the Jag I owned. More than a dozen repairs in 2 years. Service is getting more like Ford. I traded it in 20K before the warranty expired.

• 

  love it - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By pplott - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I will never drive anything else!

• 

  honest opinion - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By R. Joe - July 19 - 10:00 am

  alot of car,great pick up,great suspension, best ride I every had. interior amendities and comfort.