2009 Lexus GS 460 Quality Review

March 21, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Nicely formed power front buckets
Kelley Blue Book

luxurious and well-crafted
Edmunds

Up to five can fit comfortably
Cars.com

Limited storage and cramped backseats do not detract from the superior comfort of the front seats in the 2009 Lexus GS.

Cars.com reports that the 2009 Lexus GS sedans' "trunk space totals 12.7 cubic feet." ConsumerGuide contends that the lid "swings on noninvasive strut-type hinges, but its small opening makes for awkward loading," and "small-item storage is limited" inside the cabin. The 2009 Lexus GS cabin is nonetheless "luxurious and well-crafted," according to Edmunds, which says that the 2009 Lexus GS 460 is "put together with flawless fit and finish."

Edmunds adds that "the optional navigation system features high-resolution graphics that make it easy to operate at a glance," but "the audio controls lose some functionality as they become integrated into the touch screen"; in addition, "the highly polished wood can reflect glare annoyingly at times, and the control-oriented drop-down dash panel to the left of the steering wheel can get in the way of the driver's exit if left open." ConsumerGuide comments that "one test GS suffered from an annoying dashboard rattle."

Kelley Blue Book says the 2009 Lexus GS 350's "Nicely formed power front buckets are the best seats in the house," acknowledging that "even the 'bucketed' rear bench has sufficient head and legroom to handle a pair of adults and the occasional smaller child in the less-hospitable center spot." Cars.com reports that "up to five can fit comfortably in the 2009 Lexus GS 460's leather seats"; however, Edmunds counters that "though spacious enough for five passengers, it accommodates four more comfortably, as the elevated rear center cushion makes for a tighter fit in the middle position."

ConsumerGuide says that while the 2009 Lexus GS 460 "equals most any class rival for hushed refinement," there is an annoying "coarse-surface tire thrum." Kelley Blue Book, though, gushes that the 2009 Lexus GS 350's "finely crafted cabin always maintains Lexus levels of isolation from wind and road noise."

Conclusion

Overlooking the inferior backseat and storage space, the 2009 Lexus GS sedans offer good build quality and a peaceful, quiet interior.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Nicely formed power front bucketsKelley Blue Bookluxurious and well-craftedEdmundsUp to five can fit comfortablyCars.com Limited storage and cramped backseats do not detract from the superior comfort of the front seats in the 2009 Lexus GS. Cars.com reports that the 2009 Lexus GS sedans' "trunk space totals 12.7 cubic feet." ConsumerGuide contends that the lid "swings on noninvasive strut-type hinges, but its small opening makes for awkward loading," and "small-item storage is limited" inside the cabin. The 2009 Lexus GS cabin is nonetheless "luxurious and well-crafted," according to Edmunds, which says that the 2009 Lexus GS 460 is "put together with flawless fit and finish." Edmunds adds that "the optional navigation system features high-resolution graphics that make it easy to operate at a glance," but "the audio controls lose some functionality as they become integrated into the touch screen"; in addition, "the highly polished wood can reflect glare annoyingly at times, and the control-oriented drop-down dash panel to the left of the steering wheel can get in the way of the driver's exit if left open." ConsumerGuide comments that "one test GS suffered from an annoying dashboard rattle." Kelley Blue Book says the 2009 Lexus GS 350's "Nicely formed power front buckets are the best seats in the house," acknowledging that "even the 'bucketed' rear bench has sufficient head and legroom to handle a pair of adults and the occasional smaller child in the less-hospitable center spot." Cars.com reports that "up to five can fit comfortably in the 2009 Lexus GS 460's leather seats"; however, Edmunds counters that "though spacious enough for five passengers, it accommodates four more comfortably, as the elevated rear center cushion makes for a tighter fit in the middle position." ConsumerGuide says that while the 2009 Lexus GS 460 "equals most any class rival for hushed refinement," there is an annoying "coarse-surface tire thrum." Kelley Blue Book, though, gushes that the 2009 Lexus GS 350's "finely crafted cabin always maintains Lexus levels of isolation from wind and road noise." ConclusionOverlooking the inferior backseat and storage space, the 2009 Lexus GS sedans offer good build quality and a peaceful, quiet interior. 2009 LEXUS GS STYLING | [8 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "a legitimate sense of design passion" Cars.com: "the GS is more futuristic than its predecessor" Edmunds: "genuine wood and aluminum trim complements the rich leather seating" The styling of the 2009 Lexus GS is great, if not ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Although the BMW 5-Series is clearly in Lexus’ sights with the 2009 GS, Infiniti's M sedans, the M35 and M45, are its closest rivals in execution. Compared to the GS, the M35/45 has a roomier interior but a similar sporty driving feel, with powerful engines and electronic driving aids, although interior noise is a bigger issue on the M than any of these rivals. The Lexus GS models also come across as more performance-oriented than the A6, lining up the S6 as a fitter competitor, with its 340-horsepower V-8 that takes on the GS 460. But the S6 has all-wheel drive, a feature that's not available on the GS 460. The BMW 5-Series has a firm ride and rather cramped backseat, along with some high-tech options (including night vision, which isn't available on the GS), but its steering is more direct and it comes across as a well-rounded rival that may suit a wider range of drivers than the GS. The 2009 Lexus GS 350 is considerably sportier in feel than the standard Mercedes E350, with a suspension that's more firmly tuned.

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See the Lexus GS 460 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

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