The 2001 Lexus LS430 is the flagship sedan of the Japanese luxury automaker. It made its debut back in 1990 and is now in its third generation. The third time is obviously the charm, as it's one of the most refined models Lexus has ever produced. The premium luxury segment is a competitive one, but it definitely has what it takes to keep pace with the traditional European powers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It is to the Mercedes-Benz S-class that it owes much of its exterior styling to. But while Mercedes may test its cars on the famed Nurburgring, it was tested in the same wind tunnel as the Japanese bullet train. This has helped result in its new, more aerodynamic design. The cabin seats five and is decorated with high-grade wood and leather. It is also equipped with a climate control system that reads temperatures and employs sun-sensors to regulate cabin temperatures accordingly. Both driver’s and front passenger’s seats are power and adjustable.
The Range
Body Styles: sedan
Engines: 4.3-liter V-8
Transmissions: five-speed automatic
Models: Lexus LS430
What's New
The 2001 Lexus LS430 has been completely redesigned for 2001. It now features a more aerodynamic body design and a beefier 4.3-liter V-8. The interior has been made more stylish and more spacious. Advanced safety and luxury features have also been added. Furthermore, it's outfitted with a new suspension that delivers more stability and smoother ride quality.
Exterior
The four-door 2001 Lexus LS430 was redesigned and now features more aerodynamic styling and a higher roof. its profile and various other style elements appear to have taken its cues from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Interior
The 2001 Lexus LS430 is spacious and well appointed with leather upholstery and standard wood trim. There is seating for five, while the driver’s seat is adjustable 14 ways, and the front passenger seat is adjustable 10 ways. Other standard interior features include a stereo with a dash-mounted six-CD changer. Cabin volume and trunk space are both larger than that of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Performance & Handling
The 2001 Lexus LS430 delivers quick acceleration thanks to its 4.3-liter V-8 engine. In fact, it's capable of making zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. The aerodynamic LS has a coefficient of drag (CD) of .25 when it’s equipped with the available Air Suspension. It's also equipped with a torque-activated powertrain that will automatically apply additional throttle to provide more power when needed.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2001 LS430 includes dual-stage front airbags for the passenger side, side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger, and curtain-type airbags for front and rear seats. Other safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, advanced variable-force airbags, and a lateral-skid control system. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters are standard for front seats and rear outboard seats. In frontal offset impact tests conducted by the IIHS, it receives a top rating of ""good"" while in rear crash protection tests, it receives a second lowest rating of ""marginal.""
EPA Fuel Economy
Lexus LS430: 16/23 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Powerful new 4.3-liter V-8 engine
- Cabin is spacious and luxurious
- Aerodynamic new exterior design
- Good safety features
You Won't Like
- Rear styling a bit flat
- Switchgear is more generic Toyota than high-end
Sum Up
A refined luxury sedan that’s easily on par with competing models from Germany and Sweden.
If You Like This Vehicle
- BMW 5-Series
- BMW 7-Series
- Infiniti Q45
- Jaguar XJ8
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class