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2006 Lexus GS Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Lexus GS Review:
2006 Lexus GS Review
Lexus redesigns the sportier and more-expensive of its two premium midsize sedans for 2006, and launches a gas/electric hybrid variant as a midyear addition. The redesigned GSs have more power, fresh styling, and new features, including available all-wheel drive. They gain 2 inches of wheelbase vs. the 2001-2005 versions, but are otherwise dimensionally similar. The lineups starts with the rear-wheel-drive GS 300 and the all-wheel-drive GS 300 AWD. They have a 245-hp V6. The GS 430 is rear-wheel drive and has a 300-hp V8. Added midyear as a 2007 model, the GS 450h also has rear drive, but teams a gasoline V6 engine with an electric motor to produce 339 hp. The system self-charges the batteries; no plug-in charging is necessary. The GS 450h has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) providing near-infinite gear ratios. The other models have a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. Antiskid/traction control and ABS are standard. GS 430 and 450h have driver-adjustable shock absorbers with three firmness settings. Available on the 450h are automatically adjusting anti-sway bars designed to counteract body lean in turns.
GS 300s come with 17-inch wheels, the other models with 18s. Run-flat tires are standard with AWD, optional otherwise. All models have front knee airbags, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Also standard: leather upholstery and keyless entry/engine start. Many control functions are governed by a dashboard touch screen that also displays an available voice-activated navigation system, rearview TV camera, and, with the transmission in Park, DVD video. Other available features include steering-linked headlamps and Lexus's Pre-Collision System, designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected.
GS 300s come with 17-inch wheels, the other models with 18s. Run-flat tires are standard with AWD, optional otherwise. All models have front knee airbags, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Also standard: leather upholstery and keyless entry/engine start. Many control functions are governed by a dashboard touch screen that also displays an available voice-activated navigation system, rearview TV camera, and, with the transmission in Park, DVD video. Other available features include steering-linked headlamps and Lexus's Pre-Collision System, designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected.
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 Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
News
Word is the GS line is in for new gasoline engines, probably for 2007. GS 300s will become GS 350s by switching to the Lexus/Toyota 3.5-liter V6. The GS 430 becomes a GS 460 sharing a new 4.6-liter V8 with Lexus's redesigned 2007 LS flagship sedan. Minor styling changes should show up for 2008 or '09.
2006 Lexus GS Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Rear-seat room |
| Ride | |
| Quietness | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
All engines strong, smooth, helped by silky, responsive transmissions. GS 300 has plenty of ready power; test AWD example did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph. V8's extra thrust evident, but not compelling; test GS 430 did 6.6 sec 0-60.
Lexus bills GS 450h as a high-performance hybrid and pegs it at 5.3 sec 0-60. Hybrid powertrain lacks immediate kick of V8, but 450h otherwise surges ahead with spine-compressing dispatch. Overall, hybrid system calls little attention to itself.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.7 |
All engines strong, smooth, helped by silky, responsive transmissions. GS 300 has plenty of ready power; test AWD example did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph. V8's extra thrust evident, but not compelling; test GS 430 did 6.6 sec 0-60.
Lexus bills GS 450h as a high-performance hybrid and pegs it at 5.3 sec 0-60. Hybrid powertrain lacks immediate kick of V8, but 450h otherwise surges ahead with spine-compressing dispatch. Overall, hybrid system calls little attention to itself.
Fuel Economy
Test AWD GS 300s averaged 18.2 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance tests, 22.5 mpg with more highway use. Test GS 430s averaged 17.2-18.9 mpg in similar driving. No opportunity to measure with 450h. Lexus recommends premium-grade fuel for all models.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test AWD GS 300s averaged 18.2 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance tests, 22.5 mpg with more highway use. Test GS 430s averaged 17.2-18.9 mpg in similar driving. No opportunity to measure with 450h. Lexus recommends premium-grade fuel for all models.
Ride Quality
Comfortably unruffled on smooth pavement. But sharp bumps too easily make way through to passenger compartment with 18-inch or run-flat tires. Some testers also complain of minor float over large humps.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Comfortably unruffled on smooth pavement. But sharp bumps too easily make way through to passenger compartment with 18-inch or run-flat tires. Some testers also complain of minor float over large humps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Little apparent difference among the GS models, though none feels as agile as a BMW 5-Series. Still, cornering lean modest, grip and balance good. AWD much preferred to rear-drive in slippery or wintry conditions. Steering quick enough, but can feel a bit overassisted. Strong stopping power, but to some testers pedal action is either too mushy or too sensitive.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Little apparent difference among the GS models, though none feels as agile as a BMW 5-Series. Still, cornering lean modest, grip and balance good. AWD much preferred to rear-drive in slippery or wintry conditions. Steering quick enough, but can feel a bit overassisted. Strong stopping power, but to some testers pedal action is either too mushy or too sensitive.
Quietness
Less isolated than the Lexus norm, but equals most any class rival for hushed refinement. The one annoyance is coarse-surface tire thrum. Wind rush impressively low. Classy-sounding GS 300, 430 engines rise to muted growl at full throttle, where 450h sounds raspy. All are nearly inaudible at idle.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
Less isolated than the Lexus norm, but equals most any class rival for hushed refinement. The one annoyance is coarse-surface tire thrum. Wind rush impressively low. Classy-sounding GS 300, 430 engines rise to muted growl at full throttle, where 450h sounds raspy. All are nearly inaudible at idle.
Controls
Gauges large, legible. Pleasing dashboard layout, but switches for secondary functions, such as power-mirror adjustment, trip-odometer reset, fuel-door release, housed in a drop-down pod to lower left of steering wheel. This reduces clutter, but needlessly compromises access to these controls. Touch screen control system interfaces with too many functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments. Lexus-typical cabin decor blends high-grade plastics, leather, real wood accents.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Gauges large, legible. Pleasing dashboard layout, but switches for secondary functions, such as power-mirror adjustment, trip-odometer reset, fuel-door release, housed in a drop-down pod to lower left of steering wheel. This reduces clutter, but needlessly compromises access to these controls. Touch screen control system interfaces with too many functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments. Lexus-typical cabin decor blends high-grade plastics, leather, real wood accents.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Six-footers get ample leg room, but only average head clearance. Seats feel all-day comfortable. Power tilt/telescope steering wheel standard, but some testers believe power-adjustable pedals a curious omission for a Lexus. Seats set fairly high, so good all-around visibility despite moderately shallow side and rear windows.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Six-footers get ample leg room, but only average head clearance. Seats feel all-day comfortable. Power tilt/telescope steering wheel standard, but some testers believe power-adjustable pedals a curious omission for a Lexus. Seats set fairly high, so good all-around visibility despite moderately shallow side and rear windows.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Feels slightly less roomy than BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, despite Lexus' claims to the contrary. Still decent head and leg room for most adults, though foot room limited. Entry/exit hampered a bit by narrowish door openings.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Feels slightly less roomy than BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, despite Lexus' claims to the contrary. Still decent head and leg room for most adults, though foot room limited. Entry/exit hampered a bit by narrowish door openings.
Cargo Room
Trunk not that roomy, and bulky rear wheel arches intrude. Trunklid swings on noninvasive strut-type hinges, but small opening makes for awkward loading. And there's no folding rear seatback, just a slim pass-through. Cabin's small-item storage limited.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Trunk not that roomy, and bulky rear wheel arches intrude. Trunklid swings on noninvasive strut-type hinges, but small opening makes for awkward loading. And there's no folding rear seatback, just a slim pass-through. Cabin's small-item storage limited.
Value within Class
Ride quality over sharp bumps disappoints, and hiding secondary controls in a drop-down dashboard pod is counterproductive. But any GS model is comfortable, cultured, and competent. Traditionally strong Lexus resale values and top-notch customer care appeal, too. Overall, the GS 300s are the smart buys here, available with all-wheel drive and giving up little everyday satisfaction to the costlier GS 430 and hybrid 450h. Lexus's boast for the GS 450h is a tall one, and not beyond believability: that it blends V8-style acceleration with levels of fuel economy and exhaust emissions usually associated with 4-cyl cars.
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Ride quality over sharp bumps disappoints, and hiding secondary controls in a drop-down dashboard pod is counterproductive. But any GS model is comfortable, cultured, and competent. Traditionally strong Lexus resale values and top-notch customer care appeal, too. Overall, the GS 300s are the smart buys here, available with all-wheel drive and giving up little everyday satisfaction to the costlier GS 430 and hybrid 450h. Lexus's boast for the GS 450h is a tall one, and not beyond believability: that it blends V8-style acceleration with levels of fuel economy and exhaust emissions usually associated with 4-cyl cars.
Total Score
| GS 300 | AWD GS 300 w/nav. sys. | GS 430 w/nav. sys. | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 64 | 63 | 62 | 62 | 61.4 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 61 | |
| High Score | 72 |
2006 Lexus GS Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/04/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| GS 300 4-door sedan | $43,150 | $37,971 | $695 |
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| AWD GS 300 4-door sedan | $45,100 | $39,688 | $695 |
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| GS 430 4-door sedan | $51,375 | $44,694 | $695 |
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 V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 10-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night and tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, power trunk closer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, fog lights, 225/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 225/50R17 run-flat tires.
GS 430 adds to GS 300:
Powertrain
4.3-liter V8 engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive headlights, driver-adjustable suspension, 245/40ZR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Navigation/Radio System Pkg.
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GS 300, GS 430
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$4,030
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$3,319
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Navigation system, rearview TV camera, Mark Levinson sound system w/DVD player.
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Preferred Accessory Pkg.
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GS 300, GS 430
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$194
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$116
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Cargo net and mat, wheel locks.
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Safety |
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Pre Collision system
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GS 300, GS 430
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$2,850
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$2,280
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Includes precrash system, adaptive cruise control.
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Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
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GS 300, GS 430
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$500
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$400
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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GS 300, GS 430
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$2,250
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$1,895
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Includes rearview camera.
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Satellite radio
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GS 300, GS 430
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$486
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$389
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Requires monthly fee.
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Power sunroof
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GS 300, GS 430
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$1,000
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$800
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Ventilated front seats
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GS 300, GS 430
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$200
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$160
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Power rear sunshade
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GS 300, GS 430
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$210
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$168
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Rain-sensing wipers
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GS 300
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$525
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$420
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GS 430
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$225
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$180
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Includes headlight washers. GS 300 includes steering-linked adaptive headlights.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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GS 300, GS 430
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$200
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$160
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225/50R17 run-flat tires
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2WD GS 300
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$400
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$320
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225/50R17 run-flat tires w/spare tire
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2WD GS 300
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$480
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$384
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245/40R18 run-flat tires
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GS 430
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$400
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$320
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245/40R18 run-flat tires w/spare tire
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GS 430
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$480
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$384
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2006 Lexus GS Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lexus GS 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3536 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V8 | dohc V6/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /183 | 4.3 /262 | 3.5 /210 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 245 @ 6200 | 300 @ 5600 | 339 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 230 @ 3600 | 325 @ 3400 | 267 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed automatic | 22/30 | 18/25 | --/-- |
| CVT automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 27/28 |
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 | For RX 400h:6/70,000 powertrain, 8/100,000 on hybrid components. |
| 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:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Navigation system (includes compass and rear camera), Rear Spoiler, Rain Sensing Wipers (with mist control, adaptive front lighting system and headlamp cleaner), One Touch Open/Close Moon Roof, Rear Sunshade, Ventilated Seats, Preferred Accessory Package (trunk mat, cargo net and wheel locks), XM Satellite Radio Kit Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 22.27 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Kirk Bell The GS is certainly a nice car, but it's just nice. There's no passion. It's not what I'd look for in a sports sedan. BMW, Audi, and Infiniti do it better. Plus, this car has some room/comfort issues for taller passengers. Rick Cotta The GS' faults aren't glaring, but noticeable when the vehicle comes with a $50,000 price tag. Acura RL and Infiniti M are smarter choices and less expensive. |
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Major Options: All Season Run Flat Tires with Spare Tire. Mark Levinson Audio/Navigation System with Compass, Audio with EMV, Rear Camera. Rear Spoiler, Rain Sensing Wipers with Mist Control and Headlamp Cleaner. One-Touch Open/Close Moonroof. Rear Sunshade. Ventilated Seats. Intuitive Parking Assist. All Weather Mats. XM Satellite Radio Kit. Preferred Accessory Package (trunk mat, cargo net and wheel locks). Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 19.52 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None |
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Also in the 2006 Lexus GS Review:
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