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2007 Lexus GS Full Review
Date Published: 3/11/08
Also in the 2007 Lexus GS Review:
2007 Lexus GS Review
A new engine with more power triggers a name change for base models of Lexus's sporty premium midsize car. The GS lineup starts with the GS 350, which has a 303-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. It replaces the 245-hp 3.0-liter V6 GS 300. The GS 350 is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Unchanged for '07 are the GS 430 and the gas/electric hybrid GS 450h. Both are rear-wheel drive. GS 430s have a 290-hp V8. The GS 450h teams a gasoline V6 engine with an electric motor to produce 339 hp. Like other Lexus and Toyota hybrids, it can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The GS 450h has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Other GSs have a 6-speed automatic. Traction/antiskid control and ABS are standard. GS 430 and 450h have driver-adjustable shock absorbers. All models have front knee airbags, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Also standard: leather upholstery and keyless entry/engine start. Many control functions are via a dashboard touch screen that also displays an available navigation system and rearview camera. 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 18 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, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
News
New engines trigger new model names in this Lexus line during 2006-07. The GS 300 becomes a GS 350 by switching to the Lexus/Toyota 3.5-liter V6 that's already used in the hybrid GS 450h. The GS 430 becomes a GS 460 sharing a new 4.6-liter V8 with Lexus's redesigned LS flagship sedan. No other changes are imminent, but minor styling tweaks are probable for 2008 or '09.
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2007 Lexus GS Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Rear-seat room |
| Ride | |
| Quietness | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No opportunity yet to test GS 350. GS 430 satisfyingly fast, aided by silky, responsive transmission. Test example did 6.6 sec 0-60 mph. Lexus bills GS 450h as a high-performance hybrid. Hybrid powertrain lacks immediate kick of V8, but 450h does surge ahead with dispatch. Test example did 6.1 sec 0-60. Overall, hybrid system calls little attention to itself.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
No opportunity yet to test GS 350. GS 430 satisfyingly fast, aided by silky, responsive transmission. Test example did 6.6 sec 0-60 mph. Lexus bills GS 450h as a high-performance hybrid. Hybrid powertrain lacks immediate kick of V8, but 450h does surge ahead with dispatch. Test example did 6.1 sec 0-60. Overall, hybrid system calls little attention to itself.
Fuel Economy
Test GS 430s averaged 17.2-19.5 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Test GS 450h averaged 22.7 mpg in similar driving. All GS models require premium-grade fuel.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 4.6 |
Test GS 430s averaged 17.2-19.5 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Test GS 450h averaged 22.7 mpg in similar driving. All GS models require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Comfortably unruffled on smooth pavement. But sharp bumps too easily make way through to passenger compartment with 18-inch or available run-flat tires. Some testers also complain of minor float over large humps.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6.6 |
Comfortably unruffled on smooth pavement. But sharp bumps too easily make way through to passenger compartment with 18-inch or available 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. Steering quick enough, but can feel a bit overassisted. Strong stopping control, but, to some testers, pedal action is either too mushy or too sensitive.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
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. Steering quick enough, but can feel a bit overassisted. Strong stopping control, 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 V8 engine rises to muted growl at full throttle, 450h sounds slightly raspy. All are nearly inaudible at idle.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
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 V8 engine rises to muted growl at full throttle, 450h sounds slightly raspy. All are nearly inaudible at idle.
Controls
Gauges large, legible. Pleasing dashboard layout, but switches for such functions as power-mirror adjustment, trip-odometer reset, fuel-door release are in a drop-down pod to lower left of steering wheel. This compromises access to these controls and, if left open, can hit the knee of a driver entering the vehicle. Also complicating things is the touch screen control system, which governs too many functions, muddling what should be simple adjustments.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.8 |
Gauges large, legible. Pleasing dashboard layout, but switches for such functions as power-mirror adjustment, trip-odometer reset, fuel-door release are in a drop-down pod to lower left of steering wheel. This compromises access to these controls and, if left open, can hit the knee of a driver entering the vehicle. Also complicating things is the touch screen control system, which governs too many functions, muddling what should be simple adjustments.
Details
Lexus-typical cabin decor blends high-grade plastics, leather, and real wood accents.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 |
Lexus-typical cabin decor blends high-grade plastics, leather, and real wood accents.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Six-footers get ample leg room, but only average head clearance. Taller-still drivers will feel cramped. Seats are all-day comfortable. Power tilt/telescope steering wheel standard. Seats set fairly high, so good all-around visibility despite moderately shallow side and rear windows.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Six-footers get ample leg room, but only average head clearance. Taller-still drivers will feel cramped. Seats are all-day comfortable. Power tilt/telescope steering wheel standard. Seats set fairly high, so good all-around visibility despite moderately shallow side and rear windows.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Feels less roomy than BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Decent leg room for most adults, but foot room limited and taller riders will want more head clearance. Entry/exit hampered a bit by narrowish door openings.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Feels less roomy than BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Decent leg room for most adults, but foot room limited and taller riders will want more head clearance. 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. There's no folding rear seatback, just a slim pass-through. Hybrid's battery is behind rear seats, further reducing trunk room, and eliminating pass-through. Cabin's small-item storage limited.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 3 | 2 | 4.2 |
Trunk not that roomy, and bulky rear wheel arches intrude. Trunklid swings on noninvasive strut-type hinges, but small opening makes for awkward loading. There's no folding rear seatback, just a slim pass-through. Hybrid's battery is behind rear seats, further reducing trunk room, and eliminating pass-through. Cabin's small-item storage limited.
Value within Class
Ride quality over sharp bumps disappoints, and hiding some 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 350s are the smart buys here. They're available with all-wheel drive, and their V6 engine now has more horsepower than the costlier GS 430's V8. Lexus's boast for the GS 450h is a tall one, but not unrealistic: that it blends V8-style acceleration with fuel economy typical of 6-cyl cars and exhaust emissions usually associated with 4-cyl engines.
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
Ride quality over sharp bumps disappoints, and hiding some 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 350s are the smart buys here. They're available with all-wheel drive, and their V6 engine now has more horsepower than the costlier GS 430's V8. Lexus's boast for the GS 450h is a tall one, but not unrealistic: that it blends V8-style acceleration with fuel economy typical of 6-cyl cars and exhaust emissions usually associated with 4-cyl engines.
Total Score
| GS 430 w/navigation | GS 450h | Class Average |
| 68 | 68 | 70.2 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 49 | |
| Average Score | 70 | |
| High Score | 75 |
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2007 Lexus GS Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| GS 350 4-door sedan | $44,150 | $38,851 | $695 |
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| AWD GS 350 4-door sedan | $46,100 | $40,568 | $695 |
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| GS 430 4-door sedan | $52,375 | $45,564 | $695 |
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| GS 450h 4-door sedan | $54,900 | $48,312 | $695 |
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 350
Powertrain
3.5-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, power sunroof, 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 xenon headlights, driver-adjustable suspension, 245/40ZR18 tires.
GS 450h adds to GS 430:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (CVT).
Safety
Rear side airbags, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/ventilated front seats, rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: trunk pass-through, tachometer.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Mark Levinson Audio Pkg.
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GS 350, GS 430
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$3,630
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$2,979
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Navigation system, rearview camera, Mark Levinson sound system w/DVD Audio.
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Power Active Vehicle Stabilizer
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GS 450h
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$3,400
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$2,720
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GS 430
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$3,000
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$2,400
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Automatic adjustment of sway bars, 245/40VR18 run-flat tires.
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Preferred Accessory Pkg.
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GS 350, GS 430, GS 450h
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$197
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$117
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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 350, GS 430, GS 450h
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$2,850
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$2,280
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Includes adaptive cruise control.
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Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
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GS 350, 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 350, GS 430
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$1,850
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$1,555
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GS 450h
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$1,900
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$1,615
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GS 350, GS 430 include rearview camera.
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Lexus Link assistance system
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GS 350, GS 430, GS 450h
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$900
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$760
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Includes one year service.
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Mark Levinson sound system
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GS 450h
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$1,780
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$1,424
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Includes DVD Audio.
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Satellite radio
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GS 350, GS 430, GS 450h
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$486
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$389
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Ventilated front seats
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GS 350, GS 430
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$200
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$160
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Power rear sunshade
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GS 350, GS 430
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$210
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$168
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Rain-sensing wipers
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GS 350
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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 350, GS 430, GS 450h
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$200
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$160
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18-inch run-flat tires
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GS 430, GS 450h
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$400
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$320
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GS 350
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$1,270
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$1,016
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NA AWD.
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18-inch run-flat tires w/spare tire
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GS 430, GS 450h
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$480
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$384
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GS 350
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$1,350
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$1,080
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NA AWD.
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 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. | 3704 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 |
| 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. | 3.5 /210 | 4.3 /262 | 3.5 /211 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 303 @ 6200 | 290 @ 5600 | 339 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 274 @ 3600 | 319 @ 3400 | @ |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed automatic | 21/29 | 18/25 | --/-- |
| CVT automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 25/28 |
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 | -- |
| 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: Run Flat All Season Tires, Mark Levinson Audio, Navigation System (Generation 5 Navigation System, Bluetooth and Voice-Activation with Destination Input) Rear Lip Spoiler, Preferred Accessory Package (Trunk Mat, Cargo Net and Wheel Locks) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 24.38 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Tom Appel The GS 450h is to be appreciated in the same way colonial folk art is. The old paintings may not be especially attractive, but we do not question the sincerity or earnestness of the artist who created them. As it is with the GS450h. One can only marvel at the seamless fluidity of gas/electric integration. This is certainly the finest combination yet of hybrid power and fuel thrift. But, as a package this car falls far short of a good value. The GS itself lacks the sporting edge of the Infinity M or the chassis sophistication of Mercedes' E-Class. But more disturbing is the price. At $61,000 I don't want a V6 that approximates a V8, I want a V8. And for $10,000 less I can get one in the Infinity. The GS450h is a marvel of engineering prowess, and the answer to a question, no one, NO ONE AT ALL, ever asked. Note that Toyota can't give these away. As of October '06, sales are still in the hundreds. |
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Also in the 2007 Lexus GS Review:
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