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:

• 

  Best Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By T.Brammer - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a 2000 E450 & 2003 E320. Did not like first, though I would like second. Had lots of mechanical (electrical) problem. Wife has a LS430 and we both loved it. I traded 2003 E320 for another LS 430. Now we both have one and both of us love them. No problems at all. It makes you look for a reason to go somewhere.

• 

  2003 Lexus 430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Gene Renzaglia - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive, with both power and comfort. Handles very well in all situations and has the power to move you out when need be. Excellent sound system...upgraded. Quiet ride... Disappointed that the 300 and 430 look alike on the exterior. Would have liked to seen a difference.

• 

  In a Class and World of Its Own - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By doctorwww - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned/leased 16 Lexus vehicles in the past 11 years and I KNOW there is no better make of automobile - anywhere! Get one (any model) and you will NEVER regret it.

• 

  #1 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By johne37179 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  With Lexus you get more than a car, you get a dealer network that puts all others to shame. You also get a support network and company that is first class. I have owned/leased four Lexus. I have also owned and/or leased Mercedes S class and an Infinity Q45. All of these are fine automobiles, but not in the Lexus class. Lexus has raised the bar in customer service and vehicle quality.

• 

  Best Luxury Car Available - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Mike Price - January 25 - 3:23 am

  Having owned BMWs and Jaguars, my LS430 is a welcome relief from frequent unscheduled visits to the service department. The LS430 might not have the style of a Jag or the sharp handling of a BMW, but is a great compromise of those features with confidence-inspiring reliability. Lexus has included as standard equipment, many details not found in other luxury cars. At a starting price of around $55,000, it is the best bargain on the market.

• 

  The Perfect Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Allen04 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  When you first get in the LS, you experience a wonderfully plush interior with less of a technical assault than the BMW 745i. The technology is easy to use, and its got to be the most comfortable car in the world. With ample power, the car accelerates 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, which is fast enough for just about anyone. You could be going 100 mph and not even know it. This cabin is incredibly quiet, and the bumps are non-existent. The rear back-up camera is a very useful gizmo. Overall this car is wonderful, and if its anything like its Lexus predecessors it will hold up to its value. And at thousands less than its competitors, this is one great buy.

• 

  A Superb Vehicle - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By mel - January 19 - 2:36 am

  First class dealership selling a first class car. The ride and comfort are incomparable; all the bells and whistles that anyone could want. The only negative would be that it is not supposed to do well in snow- so, have another vehicle ready for thoise infrequent days!

• 

  MY NEW CAR - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By NYKNITS - January 15 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR WITH ALL THE TOYS TOO

• 

  Nicely done - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By TJ - January 3 - 7:26 pm

  Great cruising machine, excellent power, no noise, great seats. It separates you from the road, a plus to some but not all. An overall excellent, reliable piece of work. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

• 

  One flaw ruins the whole car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By kwahaus - December 29 - 7:56 am

  Bought this used last year after a ton of looking. Found what I wanted and was happy with the deal. I would rate the car a 9 or better if it werent for one issue. The drivers seat is one the most uncomfortable I have ever had. Certainly not at all what one would expect. Dealer says nothing is wrong and is unwilling to consider a replacement seat even though it is still under warranty. Others who have driven the car, say the same thing. Unfortunately, this one issue will force me to sell the car. Looks like my 3rd Lexus may be my last.