2005 Lexus GS Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Lexus' midrange sedans are little-changed for 2005. New-design '06 models are expected by summer '05. The GS 300 uses a 3.0-liter inline 6-cyl engine, the GS 430 a 4.3 V8. Both include 5-speed automatic transmission, antiskid/traction-control system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, sunroof, and in-dash CD changer. GS 430 has leather upholstery, memory driver seat, and heated front seats, all available for the 300. A navigation system is available for both models.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, and the Lexus ES 330.

News

Lexus is redesigning all its sedans for rollouts in the next two years. A new GS starts the parade for 2006. It launches this spring as a GS 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and as a GS 460 with a 4.6-liter V8. A gas/electric hybrid model, the GS 450h, is due in spring 2006. Details haven't been released yet, but the 350 and 460 are expected to mate a 6-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive instead of rear drive. Another new feature is a Vehicle Dynamic Management system (VDM) integrating antiskid/traction control with Lexus's first "by-wire" antilock brakes. The '06 GS also introduces a "Lexus only" styling theme, intended to give Toyota's luxury brand a stronger visual identity. Wheelbase reportedly grows two inches on a half-inch gain in overall length. Height rises nearly an inch, and width balloons a hair.

Look for standard full-length curtain side airbags and front knee airbags, plus wood and polished-metal interior accents and a keyless "Smart Access" system with engine-start button. Options new to GS are expected to include steering-linked headlamps and an Adaptive Variable Suspension, basically driver-adjustable shock absorbers with four firmness levels. Also to be available is a Pre-Collision System that cinches front seatbelts and prepares brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision. The optional navigation system should add a rearview TV camera that activates when Reverse is selected. The V8 version will roll on 18-inch wheels, the V6 on 17s. We'll have firm details very soon, so keep checking back with us.

2005 Lexus GS Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Steering/handling	Navigation-system controls

Quietness

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
6	7	6.6

Both models seem sleepy on takeoff, but then come on strong. Test GS 300 took 7.6 sec 0-60 mph, GS 430 just under 7. Automatic transmission is smooth and usually quite responsive in both manual and full-automatic modes.

Fuel Economy

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
4	4	4.6

Good for this level of acceleration. In mostly city driving, test GS 300 and 430 each averaged 17.2 mpg. With mostly highway travel, test GS 430s averaged 19.6-21.6 mpg. Both engines require fuel of 91 octane or higher.

Ride Quality

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
9	8	6.9

Comfortably supple, though GS 430 can be a little fidgety and thumpy on its optional 17-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
7	7	7.1

Corners with reasonable precision, aided by firm, responsive steering, but lags the best European rivals for outright agility. Simulated panic stops are stable and short.

Quietness

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
8	7	6.8

Low wind and mechanical noise, but marked tire roar on the 430 with optional 17-inch tires. Both models still quite refined, though.

Controls

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
8	6	6.7

Pleasing overall design, but silver-colored main gauge faces annoy, as do semihidden trunk and fuel-filler releases. Navigation system controls too many audio and climate functions, takes time to sort out. Exemplary materials and workmanship.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
7	7	7.4

Ample adult space and cosseting seats. Good basic driving stance abetted by power seat and steering-wheel adjusters. Visibility good except directly aft.

Room/Comfort (rear)

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
5	5	5.6

Supportive, with adequate leg space, but head room tight for the tall. Easy entry/exit.

Cargo Room

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
4	4	4

Sufficient for long weekends, but not exceptional for the class. Same goes for interior small-items stowage.

Value within Class

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
6	5	5.9

Neither GS is a sports-sedan all-star, but they do have a smooth ride, plentiful features, and quality workmanship. They also stack up well for value against direct price rivals. But the GS 300 is the smarter buy, giving up little to its costlier V8 sibling.

Total Score

GS 300	GS 430 w/nav. sys., 17-inch wheels	Class Average
64	60	61.6

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		61
High Score		72

2005 Lexus GS Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 08/02/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

GS 300 4-door sedan	$38,875	$34,208	$650

GS 430 4-door sedan	$47,975	$41,736	$650

Price note: 450h price and equipment not available at time of publication.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

GS 300

Powertrain

3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, 10-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, universal garage-door opener, visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, full-size spare tire, 225/55VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

GS 430 adds to GS 400:

Powertrain

4.3-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Xenon headlights.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Leather Trim Pkg.
GS 300	$1,660	$1,494
Leather upholstery, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel).

Navigation/Mark Levinson Radio System Pkg.
GS 300	$4,910	$4,419
GS 430	$3,250	$2,925
Leather Trim Pkg. (GS 300), navigation system, Mark Levinson Radio System.

Preferred Accessory Pkg.
GS 300, GS 430	$194	$116
Cargo net and mat, wheel locks.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
GS 300, GS 430	$2,000	$1,800


Mark Levinson Radio System
GS 300, GS 430	$1,250	$1,125


Heated front seats
GS 300	$440	$396
Requires Leather Trim Pkg. or Navigation/Mark Levinson Radio System.

Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
GS 430	$300	$240


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
GS 300	$515	$464


Rear spoiler
GS 300, GS 430	$440	$352


235/45ZR17 tires
GS 430	$215	$172


225/55VR16 all-season tires
GS 300, GS 430	$0	$0


Chrome alloy wheels
GS 300, GS 430	$1,700	$850


Chrome alloy wheels w/all-season tires
GS 300, GS 430	$1,700	$856


17-inch chrome alloy wheels
GS 430	$1,915	$958
Includes 235/45ZR17 tires.

2005 Lexus GS Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lexus GS 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.2

Overall Length, in.	189.2

Overall Width, in.	70.9

Overall Height, in.	55.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3649

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.8

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.0

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	44.5

Rear Head Room, in.	37.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I6	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.0 /183	4.3 /262

Horsepower @ rpm.	220 @ 5800	300 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	220 @ 3800	325 @ 3400

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	18/25	18/23

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Lexus GS 4-door sedan

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/70,000	8/100,000 on RX 400h hybrid-related components. In CA, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty.

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2005 Lexus GS Photos

Also in the 2005 Lexus GS Review:

Lexus GS

Lexus GS Road Test

Lexus GS Prices & Equipment

Lexus GS Specs & Safety

Lexus GS Photos

Lexus GS Full Review

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