2005 Lexus LS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
After several significant updates for the previous model year, the LS 430 was unchanged for 2005. The only piece of news is the 18-inch...
After several significant updates for the previous model year, the LS 430 was unchanged for 2005. The only piece of news is the 18-inch alloy wheels, previously included with the Sport Package, were now available as an individual option. 2005 marked the 16th year of production for the Lexus flagship. The LS, steadily building upon its reputation for ride quality and reliability, had now become a technological marvel as well. The LS 430 was supplied with 290 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, courtesy of a highly evolved four-cam 4.3 liter aluminum V-8, and boosted further by Toyota TRD's Variable Valve Timing Technology + intelligence. VVT+i not only increased horsepower, but it also reduced emissions and improved fuel economy. The result was a 4000 pound full size sedan that traveled from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, while consuming fuel at the reasonable rate of 18/25 mpg and earning an ultra-low emissions rating. The LS retained its RWD drive-type, and a new six-speed automatic transmission had been added in 2004. Many buyers had shopped around the European luxury market before driving away from the Lexus lot with a new LS. Along with a lower sticker price than most German and British competitors, the LS also offered a smoother and quieter ride, according to many owners. Criticism for this flagship is generally hard to come by, but on a very close examination, Lexus was still holding on to an awkward and intrusive cup holder design and the operation of some controls provided a challenge while driving.
What owners say
"The 2005 Lexus LS430 is highly praised by owners for its reliability, luxury, and smooth performance. Many reviewers appreciate the car's quiet ride and high-quality interior features, claiming it feels solid and maintains its elegance over time. However, some point out downsides such as outdated technology, like limited Bluetooth options, and certain maintenance challenges with components like the timing belt."
Just lost my first Ls430 in a flood. Found another with lower miles. Previous car had 190k on it. No car compares. So comfortable. Great features. Friends of mine with cars that were 2012+ even said it was nicer than their own cars. Great vehicle for price.
April 4, 2021Probably the best Lexus ever made was the 2005-2006 LS430. Opulent, quiet and austere with just enough power and technology to make most Lexus owners happy. Powered trunk, parking sensors, plush seats and matched wood grain on all wood surfaces. Only downside is changing the timing belt and door actuators going out. Forget 2001-2004 and get the updated 2005-2006..
August 1, 2023This car is perfect for traveling. It has excellent handling and luxurious interior features that make for a comfortable, quiet, and safe experience. The car has intuitive components that spoil the occupants- like the drivers ability to move the front passengers seat through the push of a button while seating in the drivers seat. The only negative about this car is it's rear wheel drive.
May 18, 2014What owners say
Just lost my first Ls430 in a flood. Found another with lower miles. Previous car had 190k on it. No car compares. So comfortable. Great features. Friends of mine with cars that were 2012+ even said it was nicer than their own cars. Great vehicle for price.
April 4, 2021Probably the best Lexus ever made was the 2005-2006 LS430. Opulent, quiet and austere with just enough power and technology to make most Lexus owners happy. Powered trunk, parking sensors, plush seats and matched wood grain on all wood surfaces. Only downside is changing the timing belt and door actuators going out. Forget 2001-2004 and get the updated 2005-2006..
August 1, 2023This car is perfect for traveling. It has excellent handling and luxurious interior features that make for a comfortable, quiet, and safe experience. The car has intuitive components that spoil the occupants- like the drivers ability to move the front passengers seat through the push of a button while seating in the drivers seat. The only negative about this car is it's rear wheel drive.
May 18, 2014The car has been abused. Dents on the drivers side door handle that should not even need to be there. Its like one of the past owners likes to punch the car on the way in. Body is in terrible shape - a lot of work needed to be done to bring this car in good shape.
March 31, 2024Great car.....drives on a cloud.... excellent motor and transmission....with basic regular maintenance will last 300.000 plus miles....rides better than most new cars and looks better as well..... definitely a good investment that holds its value well...
February 24, 2022Great car. Im thoroughly enjoying it. Ive owned it for a little over a week. Everything works. The only downside with a car this age is that you dont have many Bluetooth options. You can just use your phone to make a call and the screen for the infotainment center looks dated. its a very complicated process if you want to upgrade it. All in all still satisfied with the buy and the car. You get all the luxury of any other comparable car in the same class and your model but you also get Toyota reliability.
February 27, 2021Amazingly engineered vehicle! As with anything, it requires maintenance by professionals that know what theyre doing. This vehicle is so quiet and void of buzzes or rattles, every little thing will be heard. Substandard windshield replacement will result in wind noise due to incorrect sealing. Changing of timing belt and water pump by your local Joe Schmoe using non OEM parts will result in oil leaks, if not worse. Listening to a tire salesman insisting on installing high performance ZR rated tires is overkill and will affect the ride and quietness. Long story short - fantastic vehicle that requires Lexus level competence to maintain its excellence.
February 23, 2021Rides like glass; smooth quiet power; silky transmission; feels very solid and safe, airbags everywhere; quality of materials is awesome, paint is beautiful, HID headlights make the road light up, MPG is great for size of car; Mark Levinson stereo is best I've ever heard. After a stressful day at work, I open the perfectly balance door with awesome trim, close it with the absolutely most satisfying "whoomp", start it up to a quiet idle, slip it into gear and feel that glassy ride - click on the stereo to hear Beethoven --and feel the stress just slip away .... If, like me, you've never appreciated classical music, listen to it in this car, and you'll love it. I can hear the difference between the quality of classical music recordings easily. Such depth!
November 19, 2012Car Has Aged Well And The Most Reliable Luxury Car To This Day In My Opinion
March 1, 2021One of the best cars built by Lexus. Even with 100k miles and up the engine still runs smoothly and all the features still function as intended.
February 5, 2021Trims & specs
Base MSRP $56,875 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.3L 290 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 20.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
