The LS430 is an exceptionally well-executed vehicle. Somehow Lexus succeeded where several others here failed in providing optimal seat comfort in the front and rear, near-perfect levels of refinement, decipherable ergonomics, and countless other areas. And all this comes for an astoundingly low price, less than all but the Jaguar, even when fully-loaded with more gadgets than all but the Audi. An evaluation of the vehicle finds that its only significant downside would be is lack of the sporty handling found in the others here, which is still not enough to keep it from the top of this highly competitive class.

       The LS430 has a superbly smooth, isolated, soft, and comfortable ride, that still has the control to eliminate any ride float or jitters. However, with the suspension tuned decidedly in favor of ride comfort, the car's handling was bound to suffer. While it still doesn't feel ungainly, the LS430 is far less agile than all but the Volkswagen, and lacks the quick, responsive, and communicative steering found in the others as well. The 4.3-liter V8 lacks the horsepower rating of some vehicles here (less than all but the Mercedes), but still provides impressive acceleration, thanks in part to the excellent transmission. The LS430 is exceptionally refined, with a near-silent engine and almost completely-suppressed wind and road noise. Fuel economy is acceptable for this group.

    Inside, the LS430 features large, supportive, well- shaped, and extremely comfortable front seats. The rear isn't the roomiest in this group, but it is more than sufficient in that area, and it is very well-shaped and supportive as well. Rear passengers in vehicles equipped with the Ultra Luxury Package (reviewed here) fare even better, the seats in those LS430s can, among other things, recline and massage. The dash uses very high quality materials that fit together extremely well. Unlike the other vehicles here, this car features easy-to-use instruments, though some buttons could still be larger. The gauges are also large and clear. The driver sits high and has excellent visibility. Entry/exit is very easy, aided by the high seats. The trunk is very roomy, though space is diminished in Ultra Luxury Package-equipped vehicles by the included rear air conditioning.

          Overall, the LS430 is the best in this group at doing what a luxury sedan should: provide very high levels of comfort, refinement, quality, and feature content, and it does this for the second-lowest price in this group. Consumers looking for sporty handling will need to sacrifice some comfort, refinement, and feature content and buy the Jaguar, or fork over an additional $15,000-$20,000 for a comparably-equipped Mercedes or BMW. But other consumers should find exactly what they are looking for in this Lexus, and for less money than its competitors, making the LS430 a definite class leader.

Pros:

-Comfort

-Refinement

-Features for the Money

-Interior Quality

-Acceleration

-Ergonomics

-Trunk Volume

Cons:

-Handling

Overall:

Class-leading comfort and refinement for an impressively low price.

Options Added to Vehicle Reviewed:

 -Ultra Luxury Package with Pre-Collision

 -Satellite Radio

Price of Version Reviewed:

$71,100

Powertrain:

4.3-liter V8

290 horsepower

6-speed automatic

Vehicle Overview