Lexus GS

Name: 2008 Lexus GS
Brand: Lexus

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The GS is refined, but it's not the luxury sports sedan Lexus pitches; we didn't find it particularly exciting to drive. The steering lacks feel and the car isn't agile. The ride is comfortable, but no better than its competitors. The GS's well-constructed interior is luxurious and most controls are easy to use. But passenger room is tight and the driving position is flawed.

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Lexus GS

vs. Similar Cars

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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2008 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2008 Lexus GS

$6,000 - $6,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Acura RL

$3,700 - $4,575

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Acura TL

$4,825 - $6,600

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Audi A6

$3,125 - $5,175

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Audi S4

$6,225 - $6,625

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 BMW 5 Series

$5,000 - $5,600

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 BMW 6 Series

$6,700 - $7,325

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Buick LaCrosse

$3,425 - $4,550

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Cadillac CTS

$3,500 - $3,925

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Infiniti M

$4,375 - $5,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jaguar S-Type

$3,575 - $5,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jaguar X-Type

$4,825 - $5,150

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Lexus ES

$6,075

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Lincoln MKZ

$3,350 - $3,400

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$6,100 - $8,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$4,475 - $9,625

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volvo S80

$3,325 - $4,375

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volvo V70/XC70

$ NA

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Rear

3.5-liter V6 (303 hp)
3.5-liter V6 hybrid (340 hp)
4.6-liter V8 (342 hp)

6-speed automatic
CVT

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Model History

2013-2020

2013 Redesign Year

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.

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.

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.