Automobile Information & Articles

Introduction:
When the GS was first introduced in 1993, it was intended as a splash of scarlet in Lexus' inoffensive sedan lineup, as well as being Japan's answer to German sport sedans. It was an attractive car with an inviting interior. But as a sport sedan, the GS faltered, largely because of its size and underpowered 3.0-liter engine. Article after article called it a comfortable, competent handler that was seriously lacking a vibrant powertrain. Not content to take much flak over the competitiveness of its products, Lexus redid the car in 1998 with more dramatic styling and an available V8 engine. This V8 made the GS 400 one of the most powerful four-door sedans available at the time. Since then, the GS has received only minor tweaks and upgrades. The current GS 300 is meant to appeal to semi-cost-conscious buyers wanting a blend of sport and luxury. To that end, it comes supplied with a decent amount of luxury equipment and a 220-hp, 3.0-liter inline six. That the GS is still a reasonable purchase even though it has been seven years since the car's last full redesign speaks well for the car's quality. However, we see a number of better buys available in 2005. Within Lexus' own stable, there's the IS 300 or ES 330. Though smaller, the IS 300 is considerably sportier, features the same engine, can be had with a manual transmission and costs less. The ES 330 offers even more interior room and almost the same level of opulence and also costs less.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
This midsize four-door luxury sedan comes in just one trim level. Luxury touches include standard dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilting and telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a moonroof and an in-dash CD changer. Cloth seating is standard, however, so you'll have to pay extra for leather. It's available as a stand-alone option, but quite likely you'll find it packaged into cars with the optional navigation and Mark Levinson premium sound systems. This impressive-sounding ML system includes 10 speakers and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.

Powertrains and Performance:
The GS 300 uses a 3.0-liter inline six that develops 220 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available. To take advantage of the transmission's five forward gears, the GS 300 features manual-style upshift and downshift buttons on the steering wheel spokes, controlled by the thumb and forefinger of either hand. The EPA rates the GS 300 with fuel mileage estimates of 18 city/25 highway.

Safety:
Safety equipment includes seat-mounted side and head curtain airbags (for front occupants only), four-wheel antilock disc brakes with BrakeAssist, traction control and stability control. The NHTSA has not tested the GS, though the IIHS has given the car a "Good" rating (the best possible) for its performance in the frontal offset crash test.

Interior Design and Special Features:
A roomy cabin provides the driver and front passenger with space to stretch out. Impressive amounts of leg- and shoulder room accommodate the long-limbed and broad-shouldered in the front seats. Rear-seat passengers don't fare as well, however, and get less room than what is offered in the ES 330. The cabin is outfitted with rich wood trim and handsome light-sensitive gauges housed in chrome-ringed pods. Materials quality is excellent, and everything is assembled with precision.

Driving Impressions:
The GS 300 sparkles on the open road. Its silent cabin, devoid of any noise, harshness or vibration, is a portrait of tranquility. During modest cornering, the chassis is solid and the multilink suspension keeps the tires pressed tight to the ground at all times. A noticeable amount of body roll limits high-speed antics. The 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder engine is smooth, but with a curb weight of more than 3,600 pounds, the GS 300 offers only mediocre acceleration. If you're looking for speed, the GS 430 would be a better choice.