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2020
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: 23 mpg
Average Retail Price
$29,725 - $55,475
Join for Ratings
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Overall Reliability
Reliability Details
NA
Owner Satisfaction Details
NA
See All Ratings & Specs
Road Test

While not a sales success, the GS is one of Lexus's best sedans which successfully melds luxury and sportiness. Engaging to drive yet with a supple ride. The GS 350 has a punchy V6 powertrain and is linked to a smooth transmission. Fuel economy, at 21 mpg on premium fuel, is not a standout however. Handling is quite agile and the ride is comfortable. The ultra-quiet cabin is beautifully finished and is quite accommodating but controls are frustrating to use.

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

2020 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
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.
2017
NA
2018
NA
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
2022
2023
2024
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
NA
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
NA
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
NA

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

2020 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2020 Lexus GS
$30,775 - $54,650
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2020 Acura RLX
$24,250 - $27,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2020 Audi A6
$18,650 - $29,300
economy-icon
EPA MPG 27 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2020 Audi A7
$25,825 - $34,175
economy-icon
EPA MPG 25 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2020 BMW 5 Series
$18,400 - $33,700
economy-icon
EPA MPG 27 mpg
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 (311 hp)
  • 5-liter V8 (467 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 8-speed automatic
  • 6-speed automatic
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.

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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.
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