2004 Lexus LS 430 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

With refinement and comfort levels equal to or better than the German uber-sedans, the LS provides an exceptional luxury sedan experience without the holier-than-thou attitude.

Pros

Superb ride quality, impressive array of standard and optional luxury features, top-notch interior materials, Lexus reliability.

Cons

Not as athletic as some competitors, adding options raises the price to un-Lexus-like levels.

What's New for 2004

Lexus gives the LS 430 a midcycle freshening for 2004. Along with mild exterior revisions, the LS gets a number of new standard features, including a six-speed automatic transmission (with a manual-shift gate), adaptive headlights that swivel during turning maneuvers, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger and a moonroof. New options include the Pre-Collision system, which uses radar to detect an avoidable collision, and prepares for impact by tightening up the seatbelts, switching to sport mode on air suspension-equipped vehicles and activating maximum braking pressure. Among the other highlights are SmartAccess, which allows the driver to start up the LS without inserting a key; 18-inch wheels as part of the Sport Package; and a rear backup camera, expanded voice recognition functionality and Bluetooth hands-free phone compatibility on vehicles with the navigation system. An upgraded Mark Levinson stereo now offers seating position-optimized sound, and satellite radio is a new dealer-installed option.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Is it worth the high price?

Written by: margy on 04/21/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	5
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

Vehicle

2004 Lexus LS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 6A)

Review

The car is very comfortable, quiet and safe. It has excellent acceleration and braking. It is very bad in snow. I don't have snow tires, so maybe those would improve driving. The a/c compressor just broke down completely and had to be replaced. It was an expensive repair and I was very surprised and disappointed that this would happen on a Lexus. I don't know if I would buy another Lexus, if it was truly worth the expense.

Favorite Features

The headlights move with the car are are very bright. It is very quiet and comfortable

Suggested Improvements

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Best Car for the Money!!

Written by: Al on 01/31/2007


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

I traded in a '99 LS 400 which I have been driving for past 6 years. The '04 LS 430 is a big improvement. Dealer Certified Car so am set for another 6 or 7 years. Looks and performs just like a brand new car even with 34,000 miles. A true luxury automobile.

Plush interior, super sound system, fantastic ride and plenty of power.

Can't think of any as of yet.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

Jeff's LS 430 comment

Written by: Jeff Nelson on 09/08/2006


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

The ride is incredibly quiet. It is pure comfort. The design is elegant and the car a pleasure to drive. I believe the car has a very distinctive look and is by far the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned.

Elegant interior, fit and finish. The Mark Levinson stereo ranks at the top too.

I would enjoy a little more front leg room. I am 6' 6" and could use another inch of leg room.

The very good and the not so good

Written by: Jack Johnson on 08/14/2006


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	4	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	7

Let me start off by saying this is a very, very well put together car. It's fast, quiet has great electronics and the build quality is top notch. Very good gas mileage for such a strong V8. No rattles or squeaks. What it is not is exciting to drive. If you like the old American Caddy ride, this it the best ever. If you want to feel the road, have some steering wheel feel and be able to corner, this is not the best choice. If I had a driver, I would love to sit in the back. For those who like driving dynamics, you may prefer the Euro cars.

Excellent sound system. Good acceleration. Gas mileage. Easy to use electronics. Build quality.

The seats are too flat and not as supportive as the MB or BMW. The steering is to loose and the car floats a bit. They should offer a true sport version with firm seats, tighter suspension and more direct steering. A bigger engine to compete with MB would help too.

4 out 12 people found this review helpful

Nnothing Compares to the LS430

Written by: JWW on 03/23/2006


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

This is a truly superb vehicle in design, performance and reliability. It is our 3rd Lexus and it is hard to get my wife to let me use it. The seats are fantastic. This is an outstanding highway cruiser with outstanding fuel economy and comfort. We will buy another Lexus when we replace this one.

Heated/cooled seats, comfort for a 6'3" person and an excellent stereo system.

Tighten up the base suspension a bit and make 18" wheels standard.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

2004 Lexus LS 430 Consumer Ratings & Reviews