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2013
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Lexus GS

EPA MPG: 22 mpg
Average Retail Price
$12,225 - $12,950
Join for Ratings
RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Overall Reliability
Reliability Details
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction Details
/ 5
See All Ratings & Specs
Road Test

While past versions of the GS midsized luxury sedan struggled to reconcile the brand's trademark isolating plushness with the fun-to-drive verve found in competing class leaders, this iteration of the GS pulls it off. Engaging to drive, yet offering a supple ride, it's roughly on the same page as its German competition. The GS 350 has a punchy V6 powertrain and is linked to a smooth transmission. Fuel economy, at 21 mpg on premium fuel, is OK for the class but not a standout. Handling is quite agile and the ride is comfortable. The ultra-quiet cabin is beautifully finished and quite accommodating.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars
See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013

2014

2015

2016

2017
NA
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
View all Owner Satisfaction

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

2013 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2013 Lexus GS
$12,525 - $13,275
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Acura TL
$9,325 - $10,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Audi A6
$5,425 - $8,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Audi A7
$8,950 - $10,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Audi S4
$11,475 - $12,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
See All Luxury midsized cars Ratings
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 3.5-liter V6 hybrid (338 hp)
  • 3.5-liter V6 (306 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
  • CVT
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
See All Ratings & Specs
Model History
1998-2005
1998 Redesign Year

This rear-drive sedan sits between Lexus' entry-level ES and its flagship LS. Powerful six-cylinder and V8 drivetrains are the GS's most notable feature. Handling is competent but unexceptional. The suspension emits stiff kicks over bumps. The optional sunroof makes head room tight for tall people. The interior is neat and functional but strangely antiseptic.

More
2013-
Current Generation
The 2013 redesign transformed the car. While handling is sporty, the ride is still supple and controlled. Meanwhile, the cabin is roomy, comfortable, and nicely furnished. Our only complaint is the mouselike controller used to operate the cumbersome infotainment system. We'd stick with the regular GS 350 and get all-wheel drive if winter poses a problem where you live. To us, the only must-have option is the blind spot monitoring system. The 2014 refresh brought an eight-speed automatic transmission to rear-wheel-drive models; all-wheel-drive versions retained the six speed. For 2016, Lexus added Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users and all trims were available with the Lexus Safety System +, which includes pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist and dynamic cruise control. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.
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2006-2012
2006 Redesign Year
This version of the rear-wheel drive GS offers powerful engines, but it isn't a great sports sedan. Handling is unexceptional and the suspension transmits stiff kicks from road bumps. The interior is neat and functional, but strangely antiseptic. However, as you'd expect from Lexus, it is well constructed, luxurious and most controls are easy to use. Still though, passenger room is tight and the driving position is flawed. The V6 isn't as strong as some competitors; though a V8 is optional. A hybrid arrived for 2007. For 2010, the GS came with active front restraints, which move forward in response to the occupant's pressure on the seatback; this further reduces head travel and the potential for whiplash injury.
More