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2005 Lexus LS 430
Date Published: 7/31/08

2005 Lexus LS 430
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MSRP:
$56,225 -

Invoice:
$48,915 -

Class:
Premium Large Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2005 Lexus LS 430
Expert Rating Summary
Category Base Rating (See All
Ratings)
Premium Large Car Average Rating
Acceleration 7 6.7
Fuel Economy 5 4.1
Ride Quality 9 8.2
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 6.8
Quietness 10 8.5
Controls 7 6.2
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 10 8.7
Room/Comfort (rear) 9 8.3
Cargo Room 6 5
Value within Class 10 5.7
Total Score: 79 68.2
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2005 LEXUS LS 430 BUYING RESOURCES
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2005 Lexus LS 430 Review
An assistance and concierge service is no longer available on Lexus' flagship sedan for 2005. The LS 430 has a 290-hp V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. Antiskid/traction control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, and steering-linked headlights are standard. A firmer Euro-Tuned Suspension option substitutes 18-inch wheels for the standard 17s. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard, as are torso side airbags and knee airbags for driver and front passenger. Gone is the optional Lexus Link service, which provided assistance through GM's OnStar network. Continuing option groups start with a Premium Package including front/rear obstacle detection, heated rear seats, and heated/cooled front seats. The Modern Luxury Package includes a navigation system with a rearview TV camera that displays on the navigation screen when backing up. To that, the Custom Luxury Package adds power door closers and adaptive cruise control, designed to maintain a set following distance. The top-line Ultra Luxury Package includes self-adjusting air suspension, rear air conditioning, massaging rear seats, and other features. Available with the Custom or Ultra options is Lexus' Pre-Collision Safety System, which automatically tightens seatbelts and readies full breaking power based on data from a motor sensor that "anticipates" a crash. Also optional is Lexus' SmartAccess keyless access and starting.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys include the Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended picks include the Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac DeVille, and Volkswagen Phaeton.
News
Our usual sources say a redesigned LS is due for 2007 to cap a top-to-bottom makeover for all Lexus sedans. Significantly, the name will change to LS 460, signalling a 4.6-liter V8 beneath the hood. No word yet on horsepower and most other specifics. However, the 460 is expected to feature a new Vehicle Dynamic Management system (VDM) that integrates antiskid/traction control with Lexus's first "by-wire" antilock brakes. New comfort and convenience gizmos are a near certainty, and Lexus promises more dramatic styling. Word is that overall length is little changed, but that wheelbase, height and maybe width show slight gains. All-wheel drive may be available, perhaps standard.

Meanwhile, a rumored $100,000 "super Lexus" is looking more and more likely. One source even predicts a 2008-model debut. But this car is apparently not yet approved and could go two ways. The first is a luxury/performance sports car, suggested by the recent LF-A concept and spy photos of similar prototypes. This would be either a 2-seater or 2+2 with a high-power V8 or a possible V10 mounted up front or amidships. The other prospect is a big luxury sedan in the BMW 7-Series/Mercedes S-Class mold. This would offer a rumored V12 and/or an AWD hybrid powertrain with an electric motor at each wheel assisting a gasoline V8. What will Lexus do? We'll just have to wait a while to see.
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