2001 Lexus LS 430: Road Test
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2001 Lexus LS 430 ▼
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- MSRP: $54,005
- Invoice: $46,984
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Our road test for the 2001 Lexus LS 430 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Lexus LS 430 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Lexus LS 430, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Lexus LS 430 help you decide if a 2001 Lexus LS 430 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
LS is heavier now, so performance effectively unchanged despite the larger engine. Lexus claims 6.3 sec 0-60 mph; our test car took 6.7. That's still quite good, though the transmission is sometimes slow to downshift for passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
One test LS averaged 19.2 mpg in mostly highway driving; another 17.8 in hard city driving. Premium fuel is required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 7.7 |
Continues the LS tradition of supple control on even the harshest surfaces. Available air suspension makes the going even smoother.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6.1 |
Numb steering and modest roadholding were LS 400 demerits; 430 is markedly better, but even its sport setup can't match European rivals for agility. Test cars made swift, undramatic simulated emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 7.8 |
One of the quietest cars around by our sound meter, despite mild wheel patter on rough pavement and slight body drumming over railroad tracks.
CONTROLS
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Lexus's usual style, but ordering all the gizmos brings a daunting jumble of buttons, switches, displays. Navigation system aggravates things by absorbing functions better left to conventional controls; even its voice-activation requires button-pushing.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 7.7 |
Spacious for adults of most any size. Wide, supportive power seats adjust 14 ways. Drivers also enjoy power tilt/telescopic steering wheel and fine all-round visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 10 | 6.9 |
No less spacious than up front. Very cosseting with the Ultra Luxury Package, which also delivers top-notch interior fit and finish. Lesser models have less-impressive interior materials.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Among best in class, though Ultra Luxury's separate rear air conditioning cuts volume by 2.7 cu ft.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 9 | 4.9 |
The Lexus flagship is improved in many ways, yet costs little more than last year's LS 400; Ultra Luxury adds a sizable $12,505, though, and approaches the Mercedes S-Class for techno overload. That aside, LS 430 is unsurpassed for comfort, coddling, and refinement.
Total Score
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78 | 78 | 78 | 61.9 |
Total Score: 78
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