2001 Lexus GS 430 Review
2001 Lexus GS 430 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine, plenty of safety technology on-board, available Mark Levinson audio system, great blend of luxury and sport.
Cons
- Overdone styling, gauges wash out in direct sunlight, no manual transmission, navigation system bundled with controls that work better with knobs and buttons.
What’s new
On the safety front, standard side curtain airbags debut, and a new sensor detects if the front passenger seat is unoccupied, deactivating the front passenger airbag if nobody is sitting in that seat. Additionally, a new child seat-tether restraint has been added, along with impact-detecting door locks and an emergency trunk release handle that glows in the dark inside the cargo area. Exterior changes include water-repellent front door glass, a new grille with a bigger "L" badge, revised taillights, larger exhaust pipes with stainless-steel tips and new six-spoke alloy wheels. HID headlights are standard. Inside, steering wheel controls for the audio system come standard, a compass has been added and a new DVD-based navigation system is optional. Bummer that it's bundled with trip computer, audio and climate control systems. Mark Levinson audio is newly optional, replacing Nakamichi as the premium sound supplier. Dashboards have new metallic-gray trim, and a wood and leather steering wheel is optional. Four new colors round out this long list of updates for 2001.
Edmunds says
A sedan to consider if you can't decide which you like more, luxury or sport.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$295/mo for GS 430 Base
GS 430 Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Looking to create the ultimate sport sedan in both price and performance, Lexus redesigned its GS series in 1998 and came up with two truly exceptional cars that have aged extraordinarily well. Available with a new, larger V8 engine for 2001, the GS 430 is one model that can hang with the best Europe has to offer.
A distinctive quad-headlight design sweeps back into the hood and fenders in much the same manner as Mercedes' E-Class cars. Short front and rear overhangs give the GS 430 a sporty look, and tidy hindquarters with creative rear taillights keep this car from blending in with the rest of today's high-line sport sedans.
Appearances are supported by the powerful new drivetrain. GS 430 packs a new 4.3-liter V8 that develops 300 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 325 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps to produce additional power and provide optimal fuel efficiency. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available.
A roomy cabin provides the driver and front passenger with space to stretch out. An impressive 44 inches of legroom and 58 inches of shoulder room accommodate the long-limbed and broad-shouldered in the front seats. Rear-seat passengers don't fare as well, however, and get only 34.3 inches of legroom.
Luxury touches include a standard dual-zone climate control, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and the normal roster of power goodies typically found on luxury cars. Worthwhile options include a Mark Levinson premium sound system and a DVD-based navigation system that employs touch-screen controls to program routes. Unfortunately, Lexus has decided to bundle it with the audio and climate controls, which always work better with traditional buttons and knobs.
Standard equipment includes Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), which is a system that employs the sensors, actuators and computer electronics of the antilock braking and traction control systems to help reduce vehicle skids caused by understeer or oversteer conditions. VSC is teamed with Brake Assist ABS; front, side and curtain airbags; and traction control to provide top-notch occupant protection.
As with other vehicles in the Lexus line, road feel and absolute performance take a backseat to pure luxury and refinement. BMW's 5 Series offers a bit more fun, and the Mercedes E-Class has, well, the Mercedes emblem on the hood. But for a reliable daily driver with more than a hint sporting capability, it's tough to beat the Lexus GS 430.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Lexus GS 430.
5 star(93%)
4 star(7%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
The Best One Yet
Iceman, 03/27/2010
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
I stopped buying new cars year ago. I now buy well maintained luxury/sports car and pay cash for them and drive them for 3-4 years. This Lexus is a must buy. It has the smoothness, class and reliability of the Lexus brand. It also has excellent power, great creature comforts and exceeds most performance expectations. I call my car Jekyll & Hyde as it has a split personality. It will … pamper you in luxury but will also drop the hammer when you want. The steering tightens up at speed and the car becomes firmer and responsive especially when you press the sport shift button for the transmission. Find a well maintained one and buy it. These are great cars and cheap to own.
5 out of 5 stars
Best Used Performance Sedan Value
Brad, 07/07/2009
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
I bought a "high mileage" used 2001 GS 430 5 months ago with 140,000 miles. I've owned a wide variety of sports cars, trucks, and sedans over the years- both new and used. This Lexus is one of the best. For tens of thousands less than a comparable new sports sedan- this car is an absolute bargain. It was dealer maintained by the previous owners- but still, this car is tight all … around. It's VERY fast with the 300hp V8. I get compliments on it from friends and strangers alike. I have had zero issues with this car- runs perfect. I smile when I see 5-series BMW's now- this car is a steal compared to the German sedans. If you're in the market for a used sports sedan- you can't beat GS430.
5 out of 5 stars
The mad lexus
hogpile, 03/19/2002
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
As tame and humble as it may seem. This beast hungers for excitement. It's hard to be a consertive driver in this quite machine. Handling ride and upmost performance doesn't capture the far reaching words needed to describe the experance of the GS430. It wants to go and I do let it loose on occasion.
It's cool knowing you can kick a punk driving a 5.0 Mustang in the dust.
5 out of 5 stars
Fun and well engineered
EastonBob, 12/26/2007
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
This is my second Lexus in the GS line. I purchased this model for the more powerfull engine and reliability. The car drives very well as a sporty vehicle and equally as well as a touring sedan. The power is incredible with excellent pick up for passing or highway driving.
2001 GS 430 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $47,405 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $295/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the GS 430 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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