Lexus GS (2005 – 2012) Review

Lexus GS (2005 – 2012) At A Glance

3/5

+Very refined and quiet. Effortless performance from all engines. Hybrid GS450h is superbly refined. Stuffed with technology and equipment. Excellent crash test rating.

-Not the smoothest motorway cruiser. Some reports of below-par cabin assembly. Alloy wheels can oxidise. No diesel in the range.

Insurance Group 41
On average it achieves 92% of the official MPG figure

The Lexus GS is the Japanese brands' luxury rival to established executive models like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. Majoring on quality and technology, it's an incredibly advanced car that's available with cutting edge systems to improve on-board comfort, safety and performance. Perhaps the biggest surprise is what there isn't - a diesel engine. While the smaller Lexus IS is available with a Toyota-sourced diesel, the larger GS only comes with petrol engines. But it does have an ace up its sleeve - the GS450h.

The 'h' stands for hybrid and it's a true motoring innovation - the world's first rear-wheel drive full-hybrid power car. Thanks to the combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor is provides incredibly strong yet effortless performance, especially from a standstill, while fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are impressively low for a car with so much power. The GS450 is so good in fact, that it's now the only model available - the petrol engined GS300 and GS460 were dropped from the range as their thirsty nature meant they weren't big sellers.

All GS models are superbly engineered with exceptional build quality, so it's little surprise the GS performs strongly in owner satisfaction surveys - as do all Lexus models. The dealers also have a great reputation for customer care and also regularly top the likes of the J.D Power survey both in the U.S and here. In 2010 it came top of the J.D. Power UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study with owners particularly happy in three of the four key measures: vehicle quality and reliability, vehicle appeal and service satisfaction.

Real MPG average for a Lexus GS (2005 – 2012)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

92%

Real MPG

21–38 mpg

MPGs submitted

105

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

Buying an exec saloon for a short commute - A6 or GS?

"I drive a 2005 Lexus GS300 and love the reliability, standard level of equipment and comfort. I want to change up to a newer car (1-3 years old). I cover 20,000 miles per year, 70 per cent of which is a short distance commute each day lasting no more than 20 miles. I'm thinking a Lexus GS300H 2014/15 OR Audi A6 2.0 diesel 2014/15. My gut tells me the Lexus is the better option for me based on my driving habits but would appreciate your thoughts or suggestions of an alternative not mentioned here."
Definitely the Lexus hybrid rather than the Audi diesel.
Answered by Honest John

Discovered my car has a hidden accident history - what should I do?

"I purchased a Lexus GS 450h from a main dealer about three years ago. The wings are now going rusty and Lexus have said this is due to inconsistent paint thickness from a previous repair and is not covered under the warranty. Thing is, I have not had any work done and this must have happened with the previous owner. Surely the dealer should have checked the thickness of the paint? "
It would not be down to the Lexus dealer to check the thickness of the paint on every used approved Lexus sold. The question is whether the dealer knew the car has been crashed and repaired or not. If you can prove that he did know (because the car was repaired at that dealership), then you have a case under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations May 2008 that create an offence of misleading omissions. More here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Answered by Honest John

Which tyres are best for the Lexus GS300?

"I need four new tyres for my 2007 year Lexus GS300. I currently have Dunlop SP Sport 225/50 R17 94 W. Should I buy the same again or are there better tyres available?"
Fit Michelin Cross Climate 225/50 R17 98V XL and enjoy better steering feel, more compliance, better ride quality, less noise, and low temperature all weather benefits at no sacrifice in economy.
Answered by Honest John

Can I give my car to charity?

"Can I give a car away to charity? I have old lexus GS300, with 11 months MoT and I no longer need it."
Yes please. http://www.giveacar.co.uk
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Lexus GS (2005 – 2012) cost?