2008 Lexus GS

*Est. $44,550 to $55,800

Quiet, comfortable cabin
Smooth, powerful, hi-tech drivetrain
Excellent build quality
Lower price than many competitors

Lack of sporty driving dynamics
Lack of headroom
Small opening to a small trunk
Lack of manual transmission

Our Analysis

The Lexus GS is designed to fill a performance-oriented role in the upper end of the Lexus lineup, below the flagship LS. The line includes the Lexus GS 350 (*est. $44,550 to $46,500) with a 303 horsepower V-6, the Lexus GS 460 (*est. $53,020) and its 342-horsepower V-8, plus the 340-horsepower Lexus GS 450h (*est. $55,800) V-6 gas-electric hybrid. Auto writers feel that the GS places a priority on luxury over performance, and claim that it can't match the sporty driving dynamics of competitors like the BMW 5 Series (*est. $44,600 to $83,900) and 2009 Jaguar XF (*est. $49,200 to $63,700). The GS's ride gets mixed reviews, with some critics saying the low-profile tires contribute to a stiff ride on bumpy road surfaces. The Lexus GS 460 has a new, advanced eight-speed automatic transmission that performs well at normal speeds, but hunts for the right gear during aggressive driving, according to enthusiasts, who also regret that no manual transmission is available.

Motor Trend compares the Lexus GS 460 against three similarly priced European sports sedans. Edmunds.com provides the best general summary review of the Lexus GS, while a detailed road-test review is available at Automobile.com.

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Our Sources

1. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

Four sports sedans are compared in this road test: the Lexus GS 460, the Mercedes E550, the Jaguar XF SC and the BMW 550i. Despite respectable acceleration numbers and "commendable chassis behavior," the Lexus finishes in last place. Editor Ron Kiino reports that the GS's new eight-speed automatic transmission comes up short during aggressive driving.

Review: Private Reserve Cabs: Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison, Ron Kiino, Nov. 13, 2007

2. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors provide a well-balanced and descriptive review of the Lexus GS 350 that describes the car as a great value. The GS is said to handle well, but is noted to be more of a luxury car than a sports sedan. The GS 460 is also covered in a separate review.

Review: 2008 Lexus GS 350 Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

3. Automobile.com

Automobile.com features a balanced, lengthy road test of the Lexus GS 350. The writer praises the GS for its overall value, smoothness and in-cabin convenience features, but the GS is criticized for its lack of trunk space.

Review: 2008 Lexus GS 350 AWD Road Test, Kevin Wang, May 9, 2008

4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors of Consumer Reports base their road-test review of the Lexus GS on 2006 and 2007 models, which are largely similar to 2008 models. Reliability data based on owner surveys is also offered.

Review: 2008 Lexus GS Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

5. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com tests the Lexus GS 460 and hybrid GS 450h. Dislikes reported include the ride quality over sharp bumps, limited headroom for tall occupants and the hidden location of some cabin controls. Overall, the Lexus comes up with a lower score compared to the average of all other premium midsize cars.

Review: 2008 Lexus GS Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 22, 2008

6. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This short article reviews the GS model lineup for 2008, the most powerful being the 342-horsepower GS 460, which matches the hybrid GS 450h with a 5.5-second zero to 60 mph run. The writer gives driving impressions, and notes that the GS 460's as-tested price is higher than the Infiniti M45's but lower than similarly equipped German sedans.

Review: 2008 Lexus GS460 -- Short Take Road Test, K.C. Colwell, May 2008

7. Cars.com

Cars.com includes the Lexus GS on its "Best Bet" list, where it is one of 32 vehicles the website says excel in their category. Following a summary of pros and cons, an overview of the GS provides additional details, but no behind-the-wheel driving impressions are offered.

Review: 2008 Lexus GS 350 Review, Editors of Cars.com, Sept. 8, 2007