Generally, this is a smooth car that relaxes you and provides a reason why you work for a living. It is not as spirited as a BMW, not as cramped as a Jaguar, and is more conservative than an Infiniti. Perhaps it compares best with the expensive Audi A8L.
Young working woman's view: Spacious, elegant, classy, and does whatever you wish. This is a car filled with wants and it quickly spoils you with its sophisticated perfection. I loved the 22-gallon fuel tank that gave this traveling car its long legs and to go with its perfect highway manners. In town was another matter. The Lexus LS is a large car and needs its space whether parking it or in your garage. Although I admired the essence that Lexus has given its vehicles, I am also aware of the criticism that they have gotten for making cars that isolate you from the driving experience. To a degree, this LS does that. But after a hard day of work I really don't want to feel the road or try my hand at finding the apex of a curve. I just want to drive home in comfort. The whisper from the engine, the five speed automatic transmission's fluid gear changes, and the lack of wind noise are exceptional. That is where the LS is a winner.
College going male's view: I know I am young and should be attracted to the Lexus IS and smaller vehicles, but the LS 430 is my favorite car. I love the way it rides, the quality build and its quietness. The LS does not shout at anyone, it quietly, literally and figuratively, shows it excellent.
For instance, the 0.25 coefficient of drag is unbelievable for a large sedan. There's plenty of room inside for five, and the rear seat passengers are treated as royalty. The armrest features both storage and an instrument cluster that puts the passenger in control of the environment. In back there are heated seats, a compact disc player, and rear climate system.
And there are other unique and useful items everywhere. The automatic climate system reads temperature sensors around the interior, and sun sensing articulated air registers deploy in particular areas as needed to cool the warmest parts of the interior. The center outlets move to provide more uniform cooling ala the late Mazda 929. Even front side window glass has been treated to help repel water.
Family conference: The best real luxury car for the money. You need to see its features, feel its ride, and see its quality. As my dad would say, " Mighty fine rig."
