2002 Lexus GS 430 Review
2002 Lexus GS 430 Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+37
Used GS 430 for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine, plenty of safety technology on-board, available Mark Levinson audio system, blend of both luxury and sport.
Cons
- Navigation system bundled with controls that work better with knobs and buttons
- doesn't communicate with the driver enough, given the sporting mission of the car.
What’s new
After a number of upgrades last year, the GS 430 enters 2002 unchanged.
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 2002 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
Some people use the term vanilla pejoratively, in reference to something bland. It is also subject to such neologisms as "vanillified" or "vanilla-esque," for something that's been toned down, stripped of its zing. But who hates vanilla? We can't find anyone who wholly dislikes it. It's just a matter of degrees of preference.
Think of the GS 430 as a dish of delicious vanilla ice cream. It's good in itself. No one will be averse to it. But many will prefer fancier desserts.
Looking to create the ultimate sport sedan in both price and performance, Lexus redesigned its GS series in 1998 and came up with two cars that have aged extraordinarily well. Armed with a powerful V8 engine, 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 front fenders and short front and rear overhangs give the GS 430 a sporty look. Some people might not care for the hindquarters with creative rear taillights, but at least they keep this car from blending in with the rest of today's high-line sport sedans.
Appearances are supported by a 4.3-liter V8 that develops 300 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps to provide optimal fuel efficiency, as well, allowing the GS 430 to earn ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) certification. 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.
The GS 430 sparkles on the open road. Its silent cabin, expurgated of any noise, harshness or vibration, is a portrait of tranquility. The GS 430 isolates you from any inconsistencies in the road. The four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension is configured to favor a supple, smooth ride over a taut, sporty one, which is great for the passengers, but a tad stultifying for the driver.
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 touchscreen 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. Audi's A6 4.2 and BMW's 540i offer a bit more fun, and the Mercedes E430 has, well, the Mercedes emblem on the hood. The GS also holds a tenuous spot within the Lexus lineup; it's not as sporty as the IS 300, nor is it as luxurious as the LS 430. But for a reliable daily driver with a hint of sporting capability, it's tough to beat the Lexus GS 430.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Lexus GS 430.
5 star(96%)
4 star(4%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
51 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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best car I've ever owned!!!!
Sean, 07/19/2006
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
This car brings a perpetual smile to my face every time I drive it. Took me several months to find a late-model GS 430 that was well-maintained - can't afford a new one. I'd much rather buy a 4-year-old Lexus than a new car any day. Used to have an LS 400, and while it was a great car too, it was almost too refined to be fun to drive. The GS 430 is all about driving excitement if you … ask me. The GS 430 has a great balance between sportiness and comfort. It filters out harsh road noise and vibration, while letting you know that it has 300+HP under the hood. Works well for my family with two carseats in the back. The Z-rated tires are pricey and wear out quickly so budget for tires!
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 Lexus GS 430, so we've included reviews for other years of the GS 430 since its last redesign.
2002 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
Related Used 2002 Lexus GS 430 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Audi Q8 2022
- Used Tesla Model Y 2021
- Used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2016
- Used Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 2019
- Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2020
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
- 2025 BMW X6
- BMW 2 Series 2024
- 2023 Convertible
- 2024 BMW 7 Series
- Kia Sportage Hybrid 2023
- 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
- 2023 Subaru Impreza
- 2023 Escalade ESV
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 2023
Research other models of Lexus
- 2024 Lexus RZ
- 2024 Lexus NX
- 2024 Lexus TX
- RX350 Hybrid
- Lexus RX500H
- Lexus GX Awd
- Lexus Is F
- Lclexus
- Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Research similar vehicles
- 2024 ILX
- Honda Civic Type R Auto
- Toyota Corolla Hatch
- Audi Car RS7
- Tesla Model S Models
- Honda Accord Sedan Sport
- Camry
- Ford Mustang 2024
- Model 3 Sedan
- Nissan Altima2023
Other models
- Used Audi S7 in Avondale, AZ
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-2500Hd in Towson, MD
- Used Lexus LS-600H-L in Springfield, VA
- Used Mercedes-Benz Gl-Class in Kearney, NE
- Used Toyota Tercel in Harrison, NJ
- New Chrysler 300 for Sale in Franklin, NC
- Used GMC Acadia in Oconomowoc, WI
- Used Volkswagen Golf-Sportwagen in Albany, GA
- Used BMW X5 in Lake Saint Louis, MO
- Used Ferrari 488-Spider in Monroeville, PA