EDMUNDS.COM 2004 LEXUS LS 430
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 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.
Overview
Introduction:
For a company whose motto is the obviously difficult "passionate pursuit of perfection," Lexus'' formula for success has been relatively simple: Just aim for the fences.That''s exactly what Toyota''s then-new, upstart luxury division had done with the original LS 400 for the introduction of its brand back in 1989. Its spiffy flagship sedan was a smash hit the moment it reached market. Of course, some of that had to do with a bargain price -- obviously subsidized by Toyota in an effort to launch the nameplate. But even a series of hefty price "readjustments" by European makes couldn''t slow the runaway sales success of the first-generation LS 400. Blessed with a smooth, powerful V8 and superb build quality, the LS 400 quickly zoomed to the head of the luxury class, claiming a slew of customer satisfaction and vehicle dependability awards while building a loyal owner base. When it came time for a model revision in 1995, Lexus decided to not fix what wasn''t broke. The end result was even more acclaim, and an ever-growing consensus that dollar for dollar, the Lexus LS sedan just might be the best-built mass-produced luxury car on the planet. So when a third-generation makeover was slated for 2001, exactly how did Lexus plan on improving what some consider the benchmark sedan in the premium luxury segment? Simple: By going after even more -- more design edginess, more interior room, more comfort, more features, more performance, more safety and more technology. For 2004, Lexus has given its flagship a midcycle freshening. Exterior changes are barely discernable, but a new six-speed automatic (with a sequential shift gate) drops the car''s 0-to-60-mph time from 6.3 seconds to 5.9. New safety features include adaptive headlights; knee airbags for the driver and front passenger; a tire-pressure monitor; and the Pre-Collision system, which uses radar to detect an unavoidable collision, and then prepares the car and its passengers for impact. Among the other new items you''ll find on the options list are 18-inch wheels; Keyless Access, which lets the driver start the LS without inserting the key; and on vehicles with the navigation system, a rear backup camera, expanded voice recognition functionality and Bluetooth hands-free phone compatibility. Most certainly, the 2004 Lexus LS 430 is one of the finest luxury sedans you can buy. Its V8 engine is powerful and its interior is supremely comfortable. Moreover, Lexus'' flagship sedan proves that there is no shame in flaunting your wealth, though, of course, you need to be wealthy to own such a superb car. One of the reasons that Lexus became such a powerhouse is that it was able to offer its flagship sedan at a price much lower than its European competitors. Now, fully optioned, the Lexus pushes the lofty $70,000-plus mark, the dangerous treading waters of some of the finest automobiles in the world. But take a test-drive, and you may well find the LS worth the price of admission.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
As the Lexus flagship, the LS 430 offers plenty of standard and optional features. All cars come with 17-inch wheels; adaptive headlights that swivel during cornering; dual-zone climate control (with oscillating air registers); a 14-way power driver seat with memory and 10-way power for the front passenger; auto-dimming mirrors; an in-dash CD changer; a moonroof; a rear sunshade and a power trunk closer. On the options list, you''ll find two upgraded leather upholstery trims; heated and cooled front seats; a voice-activated navigation system with rear backup camera; and a 240-watt Mark Levinson premium audio system. The Custom Luxury package includes these items and tacks on rear-seat heaters and power door closers. Buyers have their choice of laser-based adaptive cruise control, or a radar-based system that includes the Pre-Collision system, which detects and prepares for unavoidable impacts. Still not enough? The aptly named Ultra Luxury package gives you all of that plus SmartAccess, which allows you to start the car without a key; Lexus Link telematics, a smoother-riding air suspension; upgraded power-adjustable, heated/cooled rear seats; and a separate rear climate control system. Other options include the Sport Package, which provides firmer suspension tuning along with 18-inch wheels and dealer-installed satellite radio.
Powertrains and Performance:
A 4.3-liter V8 engine powers the LS 430, offering 290 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) eliminates the compromise between high-rpm horsepower and low-end torque. The engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission (with an automanual gate) driving the rear wheels, and thanks to very slippery aerodynamics, the LS has an 18/25 mpg EPA fuel mileage rating.
Safety:
A full complement of airbags (side, side curtain and knee), four-wheel antilock brakes with BrakeAssist, traction control, the VSC stability control system and a tire-pressure monitor are all in place to ensure maximum safety. There''s also Pre-Collision, which uses radar to detect unavoidable collisions and then prepares for impact by tightening the seatbelts, applying maximum braking force and activating sport mode on air suspension-equipped LS 430s. Also optional is Lexus Link, the emergency communications system.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The LS 430''s cabin is quite warm and luxurious given its high-quality leather, abundance of rich walnut or maple trim and sharp electroluminescent gauges. There is plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the large trunk holds 20.2 cubic feet of luggage.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
A serene car in nearly all situations, the LS 430 is great for urban commuting and long-distance drives. The suspension neatly soaks up road irregularities, especially when equipped with the air suspension setup found in the Ultra Luxury package. Previous LS 400s weren''t known for inspired driving dynamics, and while capable when the road turns twisty, the 430 does little to engage its driver on an emotional level. If you want passion from your superluxury sedan, an Audi A8 or a BMW 745i will suit you better.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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