2002 Lexus LS 430: Road Test
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2002 Lexus LS 430 ▼
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- MSRP: $54,405
- Invoice: $47,332
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Our road test for the 2002 Lexus LS 430 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Lexus LS 430 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Lexus LS 430, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Lexus LS 430 help you decide if a 2002 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 | 6.5 |
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 | 4.2 |
One test LS averaged 19.2 mpg in mostly highway driving; another 17.8 in primarily city driving. Premium fuel is required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 |
Supple and controlled, even on the harshest surfaces. Available air suspension makes the going smoother yet.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
Acceptably capable, but even the 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 | 7.5 |
One of the quietest cars around, 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 | 5.3 |
Handy and logical, in the Lexus tradition. 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 | 7.8 |
Spacious for adults of most any size. Wide, supportive power seats adjust 14 ways. Drivers benefit from 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 | 7 |
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. We haven't yet tested the new Custom Luxury Package, but it promises to deliver much of the Ultra Luxury's equipment for roughly half the price.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
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 | 4.6 |
LS 430's starting price is competitive with that of V8 rivals, but can quickly climb. Ultra Luxury-equipped models approach the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in cost and techno overload. Even the new Custom Luxury Package has to be ordered with a minimum of $1460 in upgraded leather trim. Still, an LS in any form is unsurpassed for comfort, coddling, and refinement at the price.
Total Score
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78 | 78 | 78 | 62.4 |
Total Score: 78
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