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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  The perfect Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Vladi - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Everything was well thought out when the Lexus Enginers thought about redisigning the old LS400. Everything from the huge gas tank, to the huge trunk, cabin. Great gas milliage and accelration that still is on par with the Infinitis 340hp. So i always think my car has 340hp and not 290 because I get the same acceleration as it does, even better i think, also the fuel millage is great. The interior is awesome. A pure lux sedan, and nothing better on the market.

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  Lexus continues greatness - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By gtaber - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Truly the finest car on the raod today for under $100000

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  Driving Excellence - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MichaelCap - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle absolutely outpreforms my last S Class Mercedes. Unbelievable, Simply a superior class car. Way above and hands down the LS 430 is a flat superior automobile to the Mercedes S500

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By gatto01 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The car drives like no other Ive owned. Very smooth & exceptionly quiet.MPG isnt bad, considering the 4.3 liter engine. The pick up is fine, the turning radius for a car this size is exceptional.Overall this car has to be rated one of the top cars in its catagory. The Lexus service is also a big plus.

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  Fantastic car! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By BeemerBill13 - August 29 - 12:13 pm

  I bought a 2002 LS430 with 78,000 miles on it in Feb. 2008. I sold my 1997 LS400 for this and what a difference! You wouldnt know this car from new, no dings, dents, or scratches! The previous owner serviced it with regularity. The car has the Ultra Luxury package so it has every option offered. I drive mostly highway miles and am impressed with getting 25+ (up to 27.5 already) driving it! A good solid ride. I am very pleased with it after 8 months of ownership and 9,000 miles.

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  For the long ride - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By roger lance - August 24 - 10:50 pm

  Good road car, not so much around town given low gas mpg. Exterior quality is not so great, paint pealed in one spot on roof post. Car handles very nicely with good suspension that quiets the ride. Seats are ok for tall folks - over 6 - good for those less tall. Interior fit and finish is very nice and looks very well finished. Corner acceleration is hampered unless your turn off the AFS. Car doesnt need a lot of repairs but maintenance is costly.

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  GreatValu - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By FIJIP - August 24 - 9:53 pm

  This is my 3rd LS and, in 10yrs & 150K miles, Ive had only one repair incident (pinch-control on sun roof.) Great car, great value.

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  2005 LS 430 Excellence number 7 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Don Taylor - August 20 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned seven Lexus LS model cars. Each one has been better than the previous model. I have owned many other brands of automobiles in my life and none have been as totally satisfying as the Lexus. Nothing ever goes wrong with these cars. My latest LS 430 gets 21/22 mpg in all around driving and 26/28 mpg on highway trips.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Doc T - July 25 - 2:03 am

  I bought this car used 64k, it has been one of the better cars Ive owned. I have had all the big ones except Jag. This is up there with the Benzs and Bimmers, I have only replaced the battery and tires but it has been very dependable. Gets 25mpg on hiway. Nice sound system. One Sunday I drove 12 hours from Jersey to Detroit sleeping for about 2 hours in the car, attended a service and turned around and drove 12 hours back. 60 miles from home before I had to stop and sleep again.

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  My Lexus - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By pboedeker - July 24 - 8:36 pm

  My 2004 LS430 is a real delight to drive. The optional Smart Access is a wonderful idea. I utilize the Parking Assistant and find the multiple seat positions quite comfortable on long rides. The real beauty of this car is in the handling. Until you have driven a 430 you just cant understand... its as smooth as warm butter.