#6

in Luxury Large Cars

Based on analysis of 41 GS reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $45,000 - $53,470
Invoice: $40,500 - $47,587
MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:8.4
Exterior:8.4
Interior:8.5
Safety:8.7
Reliability:7.0
Research we analyzed for this review

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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 GS competes against some of the world's most exhilarating sport sedans. The automotive press says it's up to the task. In 350 trim, it's a capable handler with an advanced steering system and an engine that gives it highway passing power. In 460 trim, it has more power than most other luxury sedans. But the lack of a manual transmission strikes some reviewers as a serious omission.

  • "Offers a satisfying driving experience owing to its ample power, silky-smooth ride and commendable handling." -- Edmunds
  • "The Lexus approach to high performance isn't grasped by everyone, so it's easy to overlook the genuinely rewarding road manners of the Lexus GS sedan. This car has the calm, intuitive personality we associate with the Lexus brand...All versions of the GS have capability to get you to your destination as quickly as you dare." -- New Car Test Drive
  • "Delightful to drive, with a quiet and velvety power delivery." -- Car and Driver
  • "The GS has reflexes sharper than any Navy jet jockey's." -- Popular Mechanics

Acceleration and Power

The 2009 Lexus GS offers two exceptionally smooth engines. The Lexus GS350 comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which makes 303 horsepower. The Lexus GS460 has a 4.6-liter V8 engine making 342 horsepower. But the lack of a manual transmission keeps the car off the shopping lists of some driving enthusiasts. 350 models come with a six-speed automatic, which can be shifted manually. 460 models come with the only eight-speed automatic on the market, which is also shiftable. The EPA rates the 350 for 19/26 mpg and the 460 for 17/24 mpg.

  • "4.6-liter V8 engine gives GS 460 lots of go. Lexus quotes 5.4 seconds 0-60 mph, which feels credible to us. The 8-speed automatic transmission changes gears frequently, but it's smooth overall and a good match to the engine." -- Consumer Guide
  • "V8 engine provides ample power whether commuting or driving more aggressively." -- Edmunds
  • "In our opinion, the GS 350 is more enjoyable to drive than its up-market siblings. The V6 is responsive and just plain fast. The gear changes of both the six-speed automatic transmission are virtually undetectable. The GS is not the sort of car that encourages manual shifting, but it is a performance car, and the feeling of acceleration is a large part of its appeal." -- New Car Test Drive
  • "The most powerful V6-powered sedan in its class." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "Smooth and quiet, as expected from Lexus," -- Road and Track
  • "The V6 is whisper quiet and super smooth." -- The Family Car

Handling and Braking

The GS features a sophisticated electronically-assisted steering system that reviewers love. Many automakers have moved to such systems in recent years, and reviewers are usually disappointed in them -- but Lexus has gotten this one right. The system matches wheel angle to speed at which the driver is turning the car and offsets any delay in response, even helping to recover from skids and adjust for wind resistance. In rear-wheel-drive cars, it's impressive. With the available all-wheel-drive system, it's near the top of its class.  Many reviewers, however, complain of touchy brakes.

  • "A nearly perfect compromise between sport sedan response and touring sedan comfort. The standard adaptive suspension offers a plush ride in Comfort mode, while the Sport setting noticeably firms up the damping" -- Edmunds
  • "The steering, although accurate, is a bit numb." -- The Family Car
  • "The suspension configuration delivers optimal suspension geometry for good handling, while gas-charged dampers and coil springs promote a resilient, long-legged ride." -- New Car Test Drive
  • "Firmer and sportier than one might expect. Its new electronically controlled suspension allows quick moves while retaining the car's composure and a good ride on poor roads," -- MSN
  • "When the road gets narrow and twisty, the GS is eager to keep pace with its European counterparts." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • AWD "adds an extra degree of surefootedness in inclement weather, and it also improves the car's handling on dry pavement." -- Forbes
  • "Stopping control is strong but to some testers, the pedal action is either too mushy or too sensitive." -- Consumer Guide
Review Last Updated: 9/4/09