2003 Lexus LS 430: Road Test
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2003 Lexus LS 430 ▼
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- MSRP: $55,125
- Invoice: $47,958
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Our road test for the 2003 Lexus LS 430 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Lexus LS 430 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Lexus LS 430, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Lexus LS 430 help you decide if a 2003 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 |
Smooth, impressive power: Test LS did 0-60 mph in 6.7 sec. Alas, 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 | 4.1 |
Test LSs averaged 19.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 17.8 in congested city driving. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 8.2 |
Supple and controlled, even on the harshest surfaces, though optional Euro-Tuned Suspension a bit stiffer. 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 |
Surprisingly adept, but even with the Euro-Tuned Suspension option, LS doesn't match the agility of top European rivals. 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, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.7 |
Handy and logical, per 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. Interior design conservative, but flawlessly assembled. Classy wood trim. Standard hides go opulent with leather-package options.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.1 |
Spacious for adults of most any size. Wide, supportive power seats adjust multiple ways. Drivers benefit from power tilt/telescopic steering wheel and fine all-around visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 10 | 7.6 |
Adult-roomy here, too. Seat blends fine support, soft padding. Ultra Luxury Package combines upgraded leather with indulgent amenities.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
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 | 5.3 |
The LS 430's starting price is in the ballpark with V8 rivals, though it gets mighty expensive with the admittedly features-heavy Custom or Ultra Luxury options. Still, any LS offers unsurpassed comfort, coddling, and refinement for the money. And resale value tops the luxury class.
Total Score
| Base | Base w/Euro suspension | Base w/Ultra Lux. Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 80 | 79 | 64.7 |
Total Score: 80
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