2010 Lexus GS
- 2008 Lexus GS
- Used Lexus GS
Based on analysis of 41 GS reviews and test drives.
Lexus GS - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Lexus GS ranks 9 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 41 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus GS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Sold as both the V6-powered GS350 and the V8-powered GS460, the Lexus GS offers a luxurious interior and bulletproof Lexus reliability. Its ride is smooth, even for a luxury car. It is the U.S. News 2009 Best Car for the Money in the Luxury car class.
The 2009 Lexus GS wins our Best Luxury Car for the Money award for its combination of an attainable price and best-in-class long-term cost of ownership.
The GS is an extraordinarily comfortable luxury car with first-rate build quality, long-term reliability and enough power to meet the needs of most drivers.
It's not considered a true performance car, in part because it lacks a manual transmission. Some reviewers find its dash too button-heavy -- but that's virtually the entire list of complaints we found published about this car.
Reviewers have also said that the car's dimensions aren't suited to taller drivers. If that described you, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class might be a better fit for your needs. Its dimensions fit taller drivers well, while offering similar levels of refinement.
But if you're looking for a lush cabin, a smooth ride, long-term value and (with the V8) extraordinary acceleration, the GS may make an excellent choice.
The Infiniti M, however, gave the GS a run for its money in our calculations, coming in a close second for the ward. GS shoppers might want to give the M a look, particularly because the M is sometimes available at discounts not offered on the GS - our Best Car Deals page has details.
Each car, GS350 and GS460, comes in only one very well-equipped trim level. The 2009 edition of the GS is identical to the 2008 model.
- "Six-footers...will want to stay away due to the cabin's limited headroom. Any GS model, however, is comfortable, cultured, and competent. Traditionally strong Lexus resale values and top-notch customer care appeal, too. Overall, the GS 350s are the smart buys here as they offer good power and are available with all-wheel drive." -- Consumer Guide
- "The 2009 Lexus GS 350 delivers exceptional road manners at a moderate price, making it an excellent choice for a luxury performance sedan." -- Edmunds
- "Lexus has unleashed a seriously sexy and fun-to-drive luxury sedan." -- Popular Mechanics
- "The sum of all these parts is a whole car that is a delight to drive." -- Road and Track
- "The Lexus GS makes its mark with sense as well as speed, restraint as well as luxury. Although it's easy to think of it as an alternative to an Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz, the Lexus GS embraces an entirely different set of values." -- New Car Test Drive
GS Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2009 GS offers a refined, smooth driving experience. In 350 trim, it's quick. In 460 trim, it's one of the most powerful cars in a class full of powerful cars. Car and Driver says the GS has "excellent" performance and is "delightful to drive, with a quiet and velvety power delivery." However, the GS competes in a class filled with sport sedans -- and many say it doesn't quite match them in the corners. Read More
GS Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The GS was redesigned just last year, and its exterior continues to impress some reviewers, but not all. It has a conservatively stylish look and outstanding build quality. Its short rear decklid gives it almost a sportback look. It also helps to make it one of the most aerodynamic shapes on the road. Read More
GS Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)
Lexus has earned a reputation for building some of the most luxurious passenger cabins available. The GS is no exception. Its cabin is filled with fine materials and advanced electronics. Some reviewers, however, say the dimensions of the space don't fit taller drivers. The GS wins points for its simple-to-use controls. It lacks the iDrive-like driver interface controller that so many of its rivals offer. To many reviewers, however, that's a point in the car's favor. Read More
GS Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)
The federal government has not crash-tested the GS, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the car its highest score, "Good," in both frontal- and side-impact crash tests. Those tests were conducted without Lexus' optional pre-collision system, which might even improve the car's performance in an accident. Read More
GS Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2010 Lexus GS reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The GS is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, as well as the roadside asssistance plan luxury buyers have come to expect. For 2009, the GS was named the "Highest Ranked Midsize Premium Car in Initial Quality" by J.D. Power and Associates. Read More
