2005 Lexus LS 430 Review
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By Mitch McCullough

Overview

Drivers who want a smooth, carefree luxury car should look no further than the Lexus LS 430. It whisks occupants along in supreme comfort, allowing the driver to concentrate on other, more pressing matters than the automobile. Its ride is silky smooth yet it handles quite well, with smooth, effortless steering and good grip. It's also powerful, with a strong V8 and a smooth six-speed automatic. And it features the latest in active safety technology.

Inside is a beautiful interior with rich wood accents and buttery soft leather trim, seats so comfortable that you never think about them, and controls that are a paragon of ergonomic excellence. Every convenience feature imaginable is provided.

Quality, durability and reliability are Lexus hallmarks. For the 10th consecutive year, Lexus was the highest-ranking brand in a J.D. Power and Associates dependability study; based on surveys of owners, the study named LS 430 the most problem-free car in its class after three years of ownership. The LS 430 is also a perennial quality leader, as cited in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study, which surveys owners after 90 days of ownership.

Toyota launched its luxury channel with the 1990 LS 400, an event that changed the rules for luxury car ownership. The third-generation LS appeared as a 2001 model. Model year 2004 brought major changes to the LS 430: revised styling, suspension refinements, safety improvements, and mind-boggling technology. A new six-speed automatic replaced the previous five-speed for improved acceleration performance without sacrificing fuel economy. There are more airbags than ever before (eight) and seat belts with pretensioners. There's a tire-pressure monitor, an optional backup camera, headlights that swivel for seeing around corners, and optional Dynamic Laser Cruise Control that maintains a set following distance to the car ahead. With the options Bluetooth and SmartAccess, you can unlock the doors, start the car, drive off, and make hands-free phone calls without even pulling your key or your cell phone out of your pocket or purse.

Model Lineup

The 2005 Lexus LS 430 is powered by a 290-horsepower 4.3-liter aluminum V8 and comes standard with the six-speed automatic transmission. The LS 430 ($55,675) comes as one model, loaded with every feature expected of a flagship luxury sedan and more. Standard features include a power moonroof with auto open/close, a power rear sunshade, and lighted rear-seat vanity mirrors.

Leather trimmed upholstery comes standard, but upgraded leather trim is optional in Black Semi-Aniline ($2,100), Saddle Comfort Nappa ($2,100), and Ecru ($1,460). A Premium Package ($1,390) adds front climate-controlled (heating/cooling) seats, heated rear seats, and sonar-based Intuitive Parking Assist.

Optional 18-inch wheels with all-season tires ($220) are among the options to replace the standard 17-inch wheels. An optional Euro-tuned Sport Suspension ($220) sharpens handling and includes the 18-inch wheels and 245/45R18 tires.

A Custom Luxury Package ($5,935) is available that includes a Mark Levinson audio system, navigation with rear back-up camera, Bluetooth, dynamic cruise control (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Pre-Collision Systems or Dynamic Laser Cruise Control without Pre-Collision), Intuitive Parking Assist, climate-controlled front seats with fans that circulate heated or chilled air, rear seat heaters, headlamp washers, and power door closers. The aptly named Ultra Luxury Package ($11,320) features all that plus the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension, SmartAccess keyless entry and ignition, and a number of rear-seat features: sunshades for the rear passenger doors, a rear seat adjuster with memory, rear climate-controlled seats with a massage feature, and a rear air conditioner with optical deodorizer.