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Lexus LS

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$ NA

RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
This flagship of Toyota's luxury division was redesigned and renamed for 2001. A revamped 290-hp, 4.3-liter V8 led to a name change from LS400 to LS430. The old car was one of the smoothest and quietest made, and the updated version is not only quicker but it handles slightly better. Even so, the LS430 remains less agile than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The ride is serene in an ultra-hushed cabin replete with high-quality interior details. Rear passengers are treated to heated seats that recline and massage, as well as separate radio and climate controls. The LS430's many standard safety features makes this car a standout.

2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Ultra luxury cars Ratings

$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,500 - $3,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,675 - $4,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,425
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,275 - $6,500
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 4.3-liter V8 (290 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed automatic
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2013-2017
2013 Redesign Year

Updates for 2013 freshening included updated styling, a revised dashboard and suspension tweaks for more responsive handling, while preserving the creamily serene ride. The LS remains a terrific highway cruiser and yet it won't completely disappoint if it's occasionally hurried. The Lexus LS sets a benchmark for soothing luxury motoring, providing a cosseting and isolating environment in a very spacious cabin. Even though this generation's 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission date back to the 2007 makeover, the powertrain remained a paragon of response and smoothness. The biggest change was the move to more complicated controls, including a mouse-like controller that moves around a giant center dashboard screen. This represents a step backward compared to the relative simplicity of the previous touchscreen system.


2018-
Current Generation

The fifth-generation LS strays from its historic place as the embodiment of stress-free comfortable motoring by piling on complicated controls, a less cushy ride and compromised seating. This redesigned flagship brings lots of tech and more dynamic styling. Available with rear or all-wheel drive, the standard drivetrain is a 416-hp, 3.5-liter V6 turbo engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission, but despite good measured acceleration times, the car doesn't impart a powerful impression due to some hesitation at low speeds. (A hybrid is available.) The wide car is too bulky to feel nimble. The optional air suspension keeps the Lexus steady but bumps punch through more often than they should. The cabin is nicely trimmed and luxurious but the controls are extremely convoluted and frustrating; it can take several steps to perform simple tasks.


2001-2006
2001 Redesign Year

The Lexus flagship is a sedate freeway cruiser, filled with luxury features, and glides comfortably over bumps. One of the best-scoring luxury sedans we've ever tested, the powertrain is especially refined. All seating positions are extremely comfortable and options include heated and massaging power-reclining rear seats. Handling is sound, but don't confuse this with a luxury sports sedan. Body lean is pronounced, but ride is exceptionally smooth and the car is extremely quiet. Unlike most of its luxurious competitors, controls are very user-friendly. Nicely illuminated gauges are clear, the audio system is logical and the touchscreen voice-activated navigation system is easy to use. The Lexus LS is a true benchmark luxury sedan. For 2001 the V8's displacement swelled to 4.3 liters and the car was renamed the LS430.

1995-2000
1995 Redesign Year

Lexus's flagship LS400 is one of the world's finest luxury sedans. It is super quiet, glides comfortably over bumps, and is filled with luxury features. The LS emphasizes quietness and road isolation with a long list of comfort and convenience features. All seating positions are extremely comfortable, and some models offer optional heated, massaging, power-reclining rear seats. The highway ride is cushy and relaxed. Handling is sound, but not particularly agile. Body lean in corners is pronounced. Stability control became standard for 1999. Unlike most of its competitors, the controls are user-friendly.