Used 2002 Lexus GS 430 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 GS 430, so we've included reviews for other years of the GS 430 since its last redesign.
The Best One Yet
Iceman, 03/27/2010
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
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.
Best Used Performance Sedan Value
Brad, 07/07/2009
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
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.
2002 Lexus GS 430 for sale near you
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- Base SedanMSRP: $11,9951,950 mi away
Best car I've ever owned!!!!
Sean, 07/19/2006
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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!
The mad lexus
hogpile, 03/19/2002
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
Fun and well engineered
EastonBob, 12/26/2007
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
25,000 miles of Heaven
Roger From Mpls MN, 11/01/2002
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I'm 6'7" and this car fits me the best of any car out there. I test drove 3 BMW's(330, 540, 740), 2 Mercedes (C class, E class), & 3 Audi's( A4, A6 [including all engine types], A8. Hands down, this one had the most room and just felt the best. And the 300 horses...Yee-haa! This is the best car I have ever owned. I slap on winter tires & have never had a problem in the snow. I will trade in for a GS430/SC430 in the next yr
The Smart Shopper's Luxury Buy
Seoulchild79, 10/06/2006
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car is the perfect car for someone who wants value as well as luxury and sport in their sedan. I admit though, the car isn't as fun to drive as a Bimmer but it's definitely got nicer amenities. Whenever people ride with me, they don't believe that my car is almost 6 years old. It hides its age well. But what you really want to know is, if I had to do it all over would I buy it again? Definitely.
Top Ten...REALLY!!!!!!
Pegasus, 05/26/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is one of the BEST luxury sport rocket money can buy. I really love the design concept, the overall built quality and the best part of it-the VIP treatment I experienced in the dealership.The responsiveness of the engine, I can say-outstanding!I am very happy and satisfied with this car,the dealership/staff treatment and the compliments I get everywhere I go. I truly am happy and too young to own a LEXUS!!!
Simply Fantastic!!
TheDriver430, 10/27/2003
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Without exaggerating the GS430 is literally a dream on wheels. It is hands down the best car I've ever owned and I have owned quite a few. Its roomy and so reliable its scary. The performance is as awe inspiring as it is effortless. The car is smoother and quieter than offerings from Audi, Cadillac, Mercedes or BMW, not to mention more reliable. The quality is simply remarkable. The more I drive it, the more Im impressed. Its not perfect but its a lot closer to perfection than I ever thought possible. The amazing thing is the LS430 is even better.
Best car ever owned
Edvard, 06/14/2020
updated 06/20/2022
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Change valve cover gaskets and timing belt and drive, best car I've ever owned with 272000 miles on it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Smooth and fast
pavster, 11/28/2005
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is by far one of the most reliable, well built, and luxurious vehicles on the market. The interior is silent, the engine is outstanding, brakes flawless, and the seats, stereo system, nav controls make for a very serene experience. However, for a sports sedan, it is much too soft, and the steering is much too light. In addition, the car can be harsh and twitchy with the optional 17 inch wheels. Soft springs and low profile tires just don't mix well. Stick with the 16 inch wheels and don't expect too much from the chassis, and you will be very happy. Overall a great car, but not a very emotion-evoking one.
Best Buy.
Jagat Gosalia, 04/17/2016
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is by far the best car I have. Totally trouble free car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I love my GS430
Eli, 03/04/2010
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I can't say enough about my '01 GS430. It's L-tuned, bought it used w/ 68k miles in '05, and it's been a dandy to drive. The previous owner did not baby it as well as I do, however, the car endures and rides like a dream. For a V8 it gets excellent gas mileage on HWY, I've been averaging 23.5 to 24 mpg HWY miles.
better car than mercedes and porsche
hughbert, 08/21/2003
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had the pleasure to own a mercedes, porsche and lexus, and found the GS430 to be a fantastic car. It never goes to the shop, it's incredibly fast and smooth, and it's a blast to drive. Of course the Porsche is the best car for reallllly fast driving, but day-to-day driving, the Lexus is the winner.
Lexus GS 430
Mikea, 06/06/2002
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Wonderful combination of sportiness and luxury. Have owned this vehicle since new and have not had one problem with it. I considered the BMW 540 and the Mercedes 430 and felt this was the best buy plus the best combination of power, sport and comfort. I typically trade quickly but this one is hard to beat.
Best new car I have ever owned
manjoguy, 03/31/2007
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
112,000 miles and only 1 repair (at 108,000 miles hood release cable broke). Wish Lexus would use Bose radio (Levinson sounds great but radio reception is only average).
Best car I have ever owned
SQCarl, 06/22/2002
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I usually purchase a new car every year, but this one is a keeper. I have never been more impressed with a car. After owning a Lexus you will never own anything else.
GS 430 A Driving Machine
Markflexes, 05/16/2004
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned and driven many cars. This GS 430 is by far the best. It is fast, luxurious and a great looker. Who could ask for more. This car accelerates very quickly, smoothly and unbelievably quietly for a V8. Handling can be better but for those looking for a tighter handling car consider the L-Tuned package designed by Lexus for these cars. For those who have had tire issues I was once one of you. I found a solution. The new breed of high performance tires are coming out. I switched to the Kumho ASX 235/45W/17 and what a difference. Grippy and quite with an expected long tread life. Made a great car even better.
TG's Review
tcg9386, 03/01/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The most incredible car of the century.
Love the drive to work
Spacedude, 06/16/2002
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My first Lexus, WOW! fell in love just sitting in the passenger seat, after a drive just had to have it. I look forward to the drive to and from work, 37 miles each way. Its hard to say what I like best about the 430, the ride(it glides), the power(130 MPH, it drove as good as it did at 60), mileage (22.6 average), and that’s letting it have it's head , the look, the soft luxurious leather, with air flow through the seats, keep it up Lexus, this 430 will not be my last.
Great compromise of sport and comfort
gjhuff, 06/24/2006
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has exceeded every expectation I had for it. It is fun to drive but also very luxurious and comfortable. Several times on the road, I have surprised other cars with the speed and acceleration of the GS.
Flawlessly Fluid
mfragola, 12/30/2002
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great Performance without a hint of effort. I was a BMW 5 series person for the last 5 years and I'm very happy to have made the switch to this car.
An Excellent Blend
spendon, 01/01/2004
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have to agree with the majority of the reviews of my car. Yes, it has outstanding acceleration, good handling, the best ML audio system, etc. But it does not have the overall connection with the road that would make the car a blast to drive. This is my second GS; the first was a '98 GS400. Both were bought new. The '01 is a definite improvement over the '98 becuase of the ML audio, additional luxury and safety improvements. Would I buy again? Definitely. The combination of the performance, luxury and reliability is top notch. No, it does not handle like a BMW540, but beats it in all other ways.
gs430 lease up
jmsgs430, 01/10/2004
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
from the day I owned this car it has drifted and taken every bump moving the car to the next lane. I have had the car in alomst every month and I am told it's the same thing. Lo profile tires. I have 36k miles on the car and have had to replace the tires 4 times. 2 weeks ago the battery died on me. I was told by a tire store that Lexus has been tweeking the alignment in, so it drives straight. I asked lexus about this and they of course have denied this. The car is gorgeous but I never know.
Lexus gs
Vlad, 07/23/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Exellent car. The Best!
Best of the Best
FORREST JORDAN, 03/03/2005
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Absolutely the best driving experience in a motor car and I have driven Bentleys, Rolls and Maybachs! Get in, buckle-up, if you would, and meld into the world of Levinson and Lexus. Look no further, chaps... There is no better on this earth! Here Here!!! Kudos to Lexus!~
2001 Lexus GS430
chazgoff, 11/05/2003
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is the best automobile I have ever owned. Lexus is simply the Best!
Don't look any further....
LEXLUTHER, 07/11/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second GS (the 1st was a '98 400). I never thought I would own two of the same type of vehicle, but I made any exception. Just when you thought the 400 didn';t need improvement, Lexus tweaked the tourque and the car SCREAMS!! Quicker, but I still me the gimmicky E-shift. You can keep the hard riding 540 and MB430..this is nicer to drive and more comfortable (and that's from people who have ridden in this car and own a 540 and MB430).
SECOND GS
beachmarch, 08/15/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
PREVIOUS CAR 99 GS400. 2002 GS430 IS MUCH IMPROVED. STEERING, BRAKING, TORQUE, GPS AND MARK LEVINSON RADIO ALL IMPROVED. LOVED THE 99, BUT THE 430 IS BETTER. I DUMPED THE 17" TIRES THAT I HAD ON THE 99, BEST MOVE I'VE MADE, RODE LIKE A TRUCK AND SOUNDED LIKE SNOW TIRES. ALSO DUMPED THE BOY RACER SPOILER, WHICH LOOKS OUT OF PLACE FROM THE SIDE. GREAT RIDE, SPEED, LUXURY AND BEST OF ALL NO PROBLEMS. A FRIEND HAS A BMW 540I, HE COULD WRITE A BOOK ABOUT HIS PROBLEMS.
Extremely happy Lexus Owner
TXVball, 05/18/2004
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only reason I am parting with my car is because I need to seat more than 5 people. I have nothing but positive things to say about the GS430. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.
As I've Seen it
cmwjrx, 09/12/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have tried used most, and tested the rest, vehicles in the top consumer class. The Lexus (my first L) is the first luxury sedan I have acquired without a lingering feeling that I failed to get it all. This is the first time in my auto-buying career that I can sit up and breethe a complete breath of pure satisfaction.
GS430 - watch out BMW & BENZ
RUss, 03/20/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic car. Faster than a Boxster, 540, E430. More comfy than the BMW. Better control layout than the others. Better build quality in my experience too. JM LExus is THE dealership. BMW guy was snotty and insisted on going on the test drive. MERC dealer wanted my credit card before allowing a test drive (right!) Lexus chap said "take it out for the day" and I did!
One Great Lux Sedan
mclements, 05/01/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the quietest, smoothest, most comfortable, and most reliable sedans you can get. And it is one of the most powerful. It is so quiet & smooth, I can drive it all day without getting fatigued. And it does pretty well on the curvy roads, for a 4,000 lb. car. I get 29-30 MPG on the freeway at legal speeds, better than the car's rating.
Smokin'!
AIKOINTL, 04/07/2002
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I set out to get a new car, I had a few goals to meet. I wanted a V8 powered FR car with "IN YOUR FACE" attitude. And boy, I've got one. Now I actually look forward to seeing the red light. Why? Step on it and you know why. 3700LB car takes off with dire urgency. I burned expensive Bridgestones in a few occasion(not recommended). Lexus quality is phenomenal. It is indeed the luxury car...with 300 ponies at your service.
GS430
tiger430, 02/27/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car. Fun to drive. Fast. Could use a little larger seat. Bad tires from the factory.
My second one
dcjones96, 08/15/2002
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a '98 GS400, traded it in, got a GS430. Is there another sport sedan I should be looking for? The navigation and sound systems are terrible in E55 and M5. Lexus has the best navigation system, bar none. Touch typing a street name is much easier than rotating a knob through the alphabet!
Great for the Price
Billy347, 02/28/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the GS 430 for less then a six cylinder Benz E class or a Bimmer 530i. I regularly get 26 or 27 mpg on the highway with the cruise. The power delivery and the trans are excellent. The car is extremely comfortable, and the brakes are great. The conbination of features at this price is unbeatable.
sweat car
david/greenberg, 03/01/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love my wifes lexus. it has been no trouble to us at all. this is the car for anybody.
Eric's View
ee, 03/02/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Car.
My G!
Jon, 04/21/2005
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a black on black '01 430 w/ approx 49k. The is awesome looking car!! I am not a car enthusiast or expert, but this is an incredible automobile. It is a perfect mix between luxury and sport and it won't break like some other makes. It is extremely quiet, shifts very smoothly, corners nicely and it will throw into the seat when you want to. My wife made this comment about it after she drove it on her 50 mile commute: "driving that car will change your life. It literally changes your outlook on life!!!" (So much for it it being my car!) If you want the perfect mix of luxury, perfomance and reliability, this is the car. I needed struts at 47k miles, Great Warranty Service.
Great Car
JR, 10/11/2005
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I rely on these ratings fairly heavily so when i bought this car back in June I thought I should write to anyone considering buying one. This is by far the best car I've ever owned. It has 63,000 miles on it and it drives like it is brand new. It is so solid, so smooth, and has a ton of power. I would recommend it to anyone considering buying one, you won't be disappointed.
What an awesome car!!!!!!
phongster, 01/05/2006
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just love it, what a perfect vehicle. The best I have driven. Way better than the Benz or Bmer for thousand dollars less.
GS 430
Dirk Stiggins, 11/26/2005
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Terrific road car. It is very powerful and really fun to drive. The only issue we have had is a minor display glitch with the radio lcd window. Otherwise the car has performed perfectly.
Love my Lexus
John, 07/10/2006
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car is quiet and a pleasure to drive. I've had other Lexus in the past and they have always been great cars. The car is so easy to drive it feels like it is doing all of the work for me. I have recently had other cars and they become boring and aren't fun to drive. Thanks Lexus for making this car so amazing.
Huge Power, Great Features, Smooth Ride
Chewieee, 10/26/2004
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. Tons of power, and all sorts o0f neat features tied in with the navigation system / ML Audio. People are always amazed at how nice the interior is, very roomy and done in an extremely classy fashion.
GS430 - watch out BMW & BENZ
Russ, 03/20/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic car. Faster than a Boxster, 540, E430. More comfy than the BMW. Better control layout than the others. Better build quality in my experience too. JM LExus is THE dealership. BMW guy was snotty and insisted on going on the test drive. MERC dealer wanted my credit card before allowing a test drive (right!) Lexus chap said "take it out for the day" and I did!
super
jstorm, 04/13/2003
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this 1 is a keeper i've had them i don't drive it much onily 11000 miles on it but when i do it's a thrill the more it sits in the garage the more i want to drive it
You gotta get one of these!
2 Time Lexus Owner, 05/04/2002
2002 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No problems. 2 time Lexus owner. We really like the car and service. Mark Levinson stereo is fantastic! Best and most fun car I have ever owned. Test drove the BMW M5, 540, 740. M5 was great, too pricey. 540 too noisy and not quite enough power. 740, nice car but I could run faster. Lexus hit the mark by balancing speed, safety, and luxury at a reasonable price.
sweetness
A-rock, 07/22/2004
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
best looking car interior and exterior and not because i just own the 430 but the radio presets are hard to adjust i still havent really figured it out.
hell of a first car
Robert Petrie, 05/05/2003
2001 Lexus GS 430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had just turned 17 and what to i get for my birthday a lexus gs 430, and I love it it has been lowered and i purchased rod millen motorsports mufflers and the ride and drive are excellent. I have never had a problem maintaining this vehicle and it is the funnest car i have ever driven