2001-2006 Lexus LS 430: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2006 Lexus LS 430 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Quietness
- Acceleration
- Ride
Cons
- Instruments/controls
- Automatic-transmission performance
Vehicle Highlights
For 2001, Toyota's luxury division introduced the successor to the 1990-2000 LS 400 sedan, which had been known for hushed accommodations, V8 muscle, and Camry-like dependability. Named for its new 4.3-liter V8, the new second-generation LS 430 sedan offered greater interior space, thanks to a taller roofline and a wheelbase 3 inches longer than its predecessor's. Horsepower remained at 290, but the new LS engine delivered more torque for improved throttle response. A five-speed automatic transmission was used. Rather than continuing the prior one-model lineup, Lexus offered a base model, a base sedan with sport suspension, and an Ultra-Luxury variant. All had side curtain airbags, front lower-body side airbags, high-intensity-discharge headlights, leather upholstery, and an antiskid control system. An available Lexus Line assistance service was provided, in conjunction with the similar GM OnStar system. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were standard. Sport-suspension versions of the rear-drive four-door got tauter suspension tuning and 17-inch wheels, instead of the usual 16-inchers. Ultra-Luxury models included a dual-mode air suspension, navigation system, Mark Levinson audio system, laminated side glass, power door closers, heated/cooled front seats, and upgraded leather/wood trim with a suede headliner. In addition, the LS featured rear audio and climate controls, a refrigerated armrest, power sunshade, and manual side window shades. Seat adjusters included memory, heat, and massage functions. The LS 430 also offered front and rear parking assistance and laser-operated cruise control, which could maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Lexus LS 430 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 10 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 10 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 10 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 9 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 74 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2006 Lexus LS 430. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2006 Lexus LS 430.
Year to Year Changes
2002 Lexus LS:
Lexus's flagship sedan got a new lower-priced luxury package for 2002. A firm Euro-tuned suspension was a no-charge option, but required available 17-inch wheels. The new $6895 Custom Luxury Package included a navigation system, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, rear-seat audio controls, and cruise control that automatically maintains a safe following distance. This equipment had been in the $12,505 Ultra Luxury Package, which returned for 2002 at $12,485 and added rear-seat climate controls, massaging rear seats, a self-adjusting air suspension, and Lexus Link service. Both packages required optional upgraded leather upholstery.
2003 Lexus LS:
Larger (17-inch) wheels went on all 2003 models, which got some revisions to available features. A firmer Euro-tuned suspension was now a no-charge option. So were all-season tires, to replace the performance treads. The available Custom Luxury Package included a navigation system, heated/cooled rear seats, rear audio controls, and "Smart" cruise control. The Ultra Luxury Group added rear climate controls, massaging seats, a self-adjusting rear suspension, and Lexus Link. Both packages also had heated/cooled front seats and front/rear obstacle-detection systems, each newly available as a separate option.
2004 Lexus LS:
Lexus' flagship sedan retains a 4.3-liter V8, but swaps a 5-speed automatic transmission with a 6-speed with manual shift gate. Suspension, steering, and ABS systems are also revised. Driver and front-passenger knee airbags were added as were a tire-pressure monitor, steering-linked headlights, and a power rear sunshade. New options included heated/cooled rear seats, keyless access and starting, satellite radio, and a rearview camera that uses the navigation system's screen to display a image of the area directly behind the car when backing up. Front and rear styling were also revised slightly.
2005 Lexus LS:
An assistance and concierge service is no longer available on Lexus' LS 430 for 2005. A firmer Euro-Tuned Suspension option substitutes 18-inch wheels for the standard 17s. Gone is the optional Lexus Link service, which provided assistance through GM's OnStar network.
2006 Lexus LS:
No changes of note for the LS 430 in 2006.
Our road test for the 2001-2006 Lexus LS 430 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2006 Lexus LS 430 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2006 Lexus LS 430 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Lexus claimed a 6.3-second acceleration time to 60 mph, though in our tests we averaged 6.7 seconds. Still quite good, though the original 5-speed automatic was sometimes slow to downshift for passing. Six-speed automatic downshifts more promptly and offers a manual shiftgate for aggressive driving. One test LS 430 averaged 19.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Another got 17.8 mpg in hard city driving. Premium fuel is required. Any LS 430 offers a ride that is supple and controlled, even on the harshest surfaces. The available air suspension makes the going smoother yet. Lexus's optional Euro-Tuned suspension is a bit stiffer. Steering/handling is acceptably capable, but even the sport setup cannot match European rivals for agility. Truth be told, this is a fine automobile for chauffeurs, but less so for avid drivers. Test sedans have made swift, undramatic simulated emergency stops. The LS 430 is one of the quietest cars around, despite mild wheel patter on rough pavement and slight body drumming over railroad tracks. Instruments and controls are handy and logical, in the Lexus tradition. But if all the available gizmos were installed, you'll get a daunting jumble of buttons, switches, and displays. A navigation system aggravates the situation, by absorbing functions that would be better left to conventional controls. Even its voice activation requires button-pushing. The front seat is spacious for adults of most any size. Wide, supportive power seats adjust 14 ways. Drivers benefit from a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and enjoy fine all-around visibility. Rear seats are no less spacious than up front and are very cosseting with the Ultra Luxury Package, which also delivers topnotch interior fit and finish. Lower-level models have less-impressive interior materials. Cargo space is among the best in class, though the Ultra Luxury's separate rear air conditioning cuts trunk capacity by 2.7 cubic feet.
Value for the Money
New-car base pricing was competitive with most V8 rivals, but could quickly climb if Custom or Ultra Luxury equipped. In that case, the LS 430 approached the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in both cost and techno-overload. Even the Custom Luxury Package had to be ordered with a minimum of $1,460 in leather trim. Still, an LS 430 in any form is unsurpassed for comfort, coddling, and refinement at the price.
New-car base pricing was competitive with most V8 rivals, but could quickly climb if Custom or Ultra Luxury equipped. In that case, the LS 430 approached the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in both cost and techno-overload. Even the Custom Luxury Package had to be ordered with a minimum of $1,460 in leather trim. Still, an LS 430 in any form is unsurpassed for comfort, coddling, and refinement at the price.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Lexus LS 430 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 10 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 10 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 10 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 9 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 74 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Lexus LS includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lexus LS .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brake noise:
The front brakes may be noisyÑsquealing or groaningÑand installing revised brake pads should eliminate the noise. (2001)
Mirrors:
When the heater is switched on for the outside rearview mirrors, they may crack requiring replacement with revised heated mirror glass. (2001)
Steering noise:
A groaning or moaning sound may come from the steering column for which there is a countermeasure replacement column assembly. (2001)
Trunk latch:
The trunk may relock itself after release, may require extra effort to open or may be hard to close requiring replacement of the striker. (2001)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $655 |
| Alternator | $390 |
| Brakes | $530 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,715 |
| Exhaust System | $550 |
| Radiator | $645 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $350 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $485 |
Our price chart for this generation Lexus LS details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| LS 430 | $35,000-37,500 | $32,600-34,900 | $24,900-26,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| LS 430 | $28,000-30,000 | $26,000-27,900 | $19,000-20,400 |
| 2004 | |||
| LS 430 | $23,700-25,500 | $22,000-23,700 | $15,400-16,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| LS 430 | $20,000-21,500 | $18,400-19,800 | $13,000-14,000 |
| 2002 | |||
| LS 430 | $17,000-18,500 | $15,600-17,000 | $10,900-11,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| LS 430 | $15,500-17,000 | $14,100-15,500 | $9,900-10,900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Lexus LS include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 115.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 196.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3955 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 20.2 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Sole engine was a 4.3-liter dual-overhead-cam V8 engine, producing 290 horsepower. Original transmission was a 5-speed automatic. In 2004 that transmission was supplanted by a 6-speed automatic with manual shift gate.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.3 / 262 | 290 | 320 | 5-speed automatic: 18/25 6-speed automatic: 18/25 |
5-speed automatic: 17.8 6-speed automatic: 18.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lexus LS include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2006 Lexus LS 430 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2004:
Impeller inside fuel pump may have been improperly molded; alcohol in some fuels could deform the impeller and cause it to contact pump housing, and in worst case, could result in fuel pump failure.
2004:
In some cars, if accelerator is operated quickly, small metal piece in automatic transmission may separate and cause parking-lock system to be inoperative when shift lever is in "Park" position.
2004-06 LS:
Some air bag inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas may be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag.
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