Lexus GS

Name: 2012 Lexus GS
Brand: Lexus

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

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.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

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Lexus GS

vs. Similar Cars

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

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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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2012 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2012 Lexus GS

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura RL

$7,075 - $8,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura TL

$8,025 - $9,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A6

$4,350 - $7,275

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A7

$7,900 - $9,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi S4

$9,950 - $10,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 5 Series

$6,525 - $7,975

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 6 Series

$8,725 - $11,425

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Buick LaCrosse

$6,475 - $6,775

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Cadillac CTS

$4,575 - $23,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Fisker Karma

$ NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Infiniti M

$5,500 - $8,350

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Jaguar XF

$4,475 - $6,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lexus ES

$10,250

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln MKS

$6,750 - $7,375

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Lincoln MKZ

$5,050 - $6,325

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$8,775 - $14,425

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$6,450 - $14,250

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo S80

$5,675 - $6,325

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo XC70

$6,375 - $8,500

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Rear

3.5-liter V6 hybrid (338 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (306 hp)

8-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
CVT

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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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.