why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Lexus GS

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 2 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Lexus GS

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2009 Lexus GS Review

By KBB.com Editors

Slotting between the flagship LS 460 and the popular ES 350, the mid-size Lexus GS line occupies an admittedly modest but still notable niche in the sport sedan segment. Intertwining aggressive styling and formidable performance with typical Lexus luxury cues, it gives Toyota's premium division a very credible competitor in an arena most often associated with German offerings, including the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. In addition to offering the only hybrid in this segment, the GS 450h (reviewed separately), the GS lineup consists of three gasoline-powered variants. The rear-drive GS 350 and all-wheel-drive GS 350 AWD share a common 3.5-liter V6, while the rear-drive GS 460 is powered by a larger and more powerful V8 engine.

You'll Like This Car If...

Those demanding a vehicle that offers sporting character infused with loads of luxury touches will find the entire GS family, but particularly the V8-powered GS 460, more than capable of satisfying their multi-dimensional appetites.

You May Not Like This Car If...

For some, any proper sport sedan still must come with a German pedigree – or at least with a manual transmission. For those folks, the GS in any guise will likely not pass muster.

What's New for 2009

For 2009, there are no major changes to the GS lineup.

Driving the GS

Driving Impressions Well-mannered, well-controlled and admirably quick with either powertrain or drivetrain combination, the GS strikes a very desirable balance of personality traits that should please all but the hardest-core sport-sedan buyers....

The suspension trades off a bit of fine-edge feel in return for excellent comfort on a daily-driver basis, and the GS 460's optional Power Active Stabilizer system does a first-rate job of keeping body roll in check. Despite a slightly artificial feel, the electronically-boosted variable power steering is both quick and precise. The various supplemental handling assists can be switched off completely by anyone who really does want to press to the edge of the envelope. For those who prefer all-weather security, the GS 350 AWD deserves consideration. Regardless of model, the finely crafted cabin always maintains Lexus levels of isolation from wind and road noise.

Favorite Features

Optional Mark Levinson Premium Audio System
Boasting 330 watts of 5.1 Surround Sound power and 14 strategically positioned speakers, the available Mark Levinson audio package delivers an auditory experience that rivals hearing music performed live. It's available with or without the DVD-based Lexus navigation system in any GS model.

Hideaway Controls
Affording an even tidier look to the already business-like cabin of the GS, a concealed panel on the left side of the dash houses a bank of power switches for several items, including the power mirrors, instrument illumination levels and odometer resets.

2009 Lexus GS Details

Interior

Supple leather, brushed aluminum and bird's-eye maple help define a well-organized, well-isolated and exceptionally comfortable cabin in all GS versions. In a realm where typical Lexus levels of fit and finish abound, revamped white-on-black gauges provide great legibility, basic controls are well-positioned and an array of supplemental function switches hide discretely behind a drop-down panel on the dash until they're called into action. Nicely formed power front buckets are the best seats in the house, but 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.

Exterior

Embracing the division's L-Finesse styling language, the GS brings a legitimate sense of design passion to its sleekly flowing sheetmetal that arguably qualifies it as the best-looking Lexus sedan. Last year's minor facelift saw the prominent aero flair receive a minor tweaking courtesy of an edgier front fascia with a bigger air inlet and new chrome grille surround. A well-proportioned glass area provides good outward visibility while bi-xenon HID headlamps and quick-responding LED taillamps make it easier for you to see and be seen, day or night. All GS models have standard alloy wheels, with the GS 350 sporting 225/50WR17 performance tires, the GS 350 AWD opting for an all-season run-flat alternative and the GS 460 rolling on 245/40ZR18s.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

True to the division's upscale persona, every GS model comes packed to please even the most discriminating buyer. Beyond stellar powertrains, you'll find leather-covered and heated 10-way power front seats (heated and ventilated in the GS 460), a comprehensive array of power assists, SmartAccess keyless locking and starting, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/cassette audio, a seven-inch multifunction display screen, an advanced anti-lock brake (ABS) package, driver-switchable Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system and front, front-side, side-curtain and knee airbags. Standard on the GS 460, and optional on the GS 350, are Adaptive Variable suspension and the corner-following Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).

Optional Equipment

The GS options list is fairly short, with the key elements being the DVD-based voice-activated navigation system and rear backup camera, a 330-watt Mark Levinson Premium Sound System that includes the navigation package and the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Other single items of note include Lexus Link, Intuitive Parking Assist, all-season run-flat tires, rain sensing wipers with headlamp washers and a power rear sunshade. The GS 460 also offers the computer-controlled Active Power Stabilizer Suspension System, while the GS 350 can be fitted with the GS 460's Adaptive Variable Suspension, ventilated front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Under the Hood

Two impressive engines impart a definite enthusiast flavor to the GS. Both are exercises made of weight-saving aluminum and fitted with continuously-variable valve timing that optimizes responsiveness and efficiency across the entire operating range. The 3.5-liter V6 in the GS 350 and GS 350 AWD turns out an impressive 303 horsepower and 274 pound-feet of torque, enough to send either car sprinting from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds when backed by the six-speed automatic. The 4.6-liter V8 ups those output figures to 342 and 339, respectively. Teamed with an equally smooth and sophisticated eight-speed automatic, it allows the GS 460 to complete that benchmark sprint in less than 5.5 ticks. The sole caveat: Manual-style gear changes still must be made using the conventional console lever, as neither transmission offers steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons or paddles.

3.5-liter V6
303 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
274 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26(RWD), 18/25(AWD)

4.6-liter V8
342 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
339 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Lexus GS vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2009 Lexus GS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 207 Ratings for the 2006 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.4/10

Great car overall....save for gas though

By beasy (FL) on Wednesday, April 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "comfort, looks, ageless styling, luxury"

Cons: "GAS MILEAGE - and that's really it"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I own an 06 GS430 with 78k on it now. Purchased at 64k CPO from a Lexus dealer. I fell in love with it at first sight. Very well put together and overall fit and finish. Extremely smooth ride and decent engine. In 06 im sure the v8 with 300hp was a lot but anymore now that isn't much compared to many v6's out there like those nissan/infiniti use. But theres nothing like the pull of a v8 engine. Be prepared to spend a lot of money on gas though. If you arent ready for 16mpg avg city and max 24mpg on road trips then this isn't your car. Go get a 300 or 350 instead. I dont drive far for many commutes at all (15-25 mi/day) and avg 50/wk to keep the needle towards full. Reliability is where it is at though along with value. I purchased used at 24k and trade in is still around the 18k mark with private party value showing avg of 20-23k. Good luck doing that in anything else. I'd say if you were on the fence about this car to just go ahead and buy it. You wont have any regrets. Just make sure you find one certified pre owned or pay the money to get it certified. You wont be upset."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love this car!!!

By GS momma (WA) on Saturday, March 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I buy a car every two years when I traded out of my GS to another brand I had to get the GS back. Now I will only trade for a newer GS. I rated the 8's because there were significant changes to the interior and nav systems 09 and newer."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Pretty Good Car

By Guinness (TN) on Friday, March 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 79,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fun to drive"

Cons: "Small trunk on hybrid"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Love driving, great and sporty bachelor car. Biggest problem is small trunk with the Hybrid battery hogging the space. Incredibly reliable and high tech. Drives like a BMW 0-60 acceleration is on par with a sports car at 5.5 seconds."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I love it...have kept it longer than any car that

By DMY (GA) on Sunday, January 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun and comfortable...very classy"

Cons: "NONE"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Have owned BMW Mercedes & Jaguar and Lexus is the only luxury brand that i have repeated buying. Lexus is wonderful"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

My Xmas present to myself, so pleased.

By DonS (OH) on Thursday, December 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Driving a dream car, everything you need & more"

Cons: "Small trunk space"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Purchased used 2009 Lexus GS 350 AWD this summer. Found a deal I could not pass at the local Lexus dealership. What a wonderful car to drive. The premium sound system is unreal. You can drive for hours in this car and not feel tired. So comfortable and the added luxury items included as Lexus stock options, too many to list, make you feel you are really driving something special. Nothing like it. I'm sold. Probably be a Lexus driver forever"

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love it so much...gotta do it again!

By I8ABMR on Tuesday, December 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Good value, great ride, phenomenal performance!"

Cons: "None for me..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Best car I've ever owned!!! I absolutely adore my 07 GS350! It's stylish and elegant! It has great "get up and go! And it's very reliable! I love it so much I'm trading in "Smokey" for "Smokey 2". Yep that's right...same car, same color, newer year! Honestly, I just want that new car smell...that's the only reason...lol. #dontjudgeme. If you're looking to compare this car to anything else...just stop looking! You can't go wrong with a Lexus GS! Period."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 207 reviews