2002 Lexus GS 4.3 V8

Summary:

One of the best in its class back in 2002

Faults:

Check engine light on, likely one of the O2 sensors. Idles a little bit rough, but not too bad.

Brakes are making a slight noise. Rotors may be warped from the previous owner being too vigorous.

General Comments:

A very quick car, and as the speed climbs it gets even faster if you want.

Delicious V8 - one of the best in the world and equal to the Germans.

At highway speeds you can accelerate from 70 mph to 100 without too much drama. You just watch the speedo needle climb, because that's the only cue you'll have. Very quiet.

Luxurious cabin - I've got the whole deal, wood and leather, including the wooden steering wheel. Nice!

Soft but very well controlled ride, soaks up bumps and imperfections like nobody's business - typical Lexus. I find the steering pretty numb though. Not a car you want to hustle through the twisties at any great speed.

It is agile despite the numb steering, but you have to work the steering. A Bimmer shines in this department.

I find the lack of retained power during entry and exit a bit odd for Lexus. Other manufacturers have this in their new vehicles; I thought Lexus would lead the way with this back in 02. Sure you can do the windows and sunroof while the key's in the ignition for a short while, but a Ford Escape has all this regardless of the key position and for a good 5 minutes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2013

2002 Lexus GS 300

Summary:

It is well-built and it has style

Faults:

The flexible trim strip below the front door has broken. That is all.

General Comments:

This is the perfect car for me. I like a sporty car, but I really cannot do my work out of a true sportscar, like a Porsche or Corvette. I like the performance although not stellar. It is quick enough and handles better than most. I like the exterior styling. This car does not look like its peers, and I like that. Seating is very good. Audio system is better than average. Fuel economy could be better. I get 25 on the highway and 19 or 20 in town.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2005

2002 Lexus GS 430 4.3 gasoline

Summary:

Comfy, reliable, fast commuter

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The car is very fast; it's very easy to go above speed limit as the cabin is very quiet and isolated from the road. Brakes are amazing; traction control helps keep the car pointing in the proper direction.

The suspension is rather soft; the car is more of a comfy GT than a sport sedan. Despite the softness, roadholding is outstanding and driving at the limit is very predictable with a bit of oversteer.

The car is very close to perfection; about the only negative is its dead steering. It feels like playing a computer game; turn a little, see what happens, turn a little more, see what happens then; virtually no feedback through the wheel.

Winter driving is fine with snow tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2005

1st Nov 2005, 19:01

Your review is dead on. Great car except for the steering which is dead. The transmission shift pattern is a bit wierd too. Otherwise, this is a very good, fast comfortable car. I live in a hot climate and the air conditioning is primo.

Phil in Texas.