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Comments
I agree there is not enough head room in the 300 if you are over 6 feet (I am 6' 1")
Come to think of it, the M should not have lost to the RL either. This wasnt "best value" comparison test, nor was it "user friendly and sexy materials" test. It was the supposedly sport test, and the sports car got last place.
What I really want is a comparison between the GS300, M35 (both loaded) and the Acura. When you equip the Lexus and Infiniti like the Acura, their prices are fairly close - come on Edmunds, time for another test.
Interesting to note that 0-60 in the GS took 6.4 (Lexus claimed 5.7) and 1/4 mile took 14.9 (Lexus claimed 14.2). Wonder what the actual times for the GS 300 will be - Lexus claims 6.8 and 15.4. Probably closer to 7.5 and 16.0 - close to last year's model
I personally dont really put much faith in Edmunds.com comparo results, especially when they are as haphazardly constructed as this one seems to be... one AWD car, two RWD, one V6, two V8s, one a Sport variant, one spartanly equipped, one somewhat equipped, and one dripping with luxurious exceess, ETC....
However, I thought it interesting nonetheless, and wanted to point that some of the criticisms of this vehicle, as opposed to the opinions presented here.... may not be as all-encompassing as believed...
~alpha
The bottom line is there is another competitor on the block. For years the GS was the only RWD luxury sport sedan competitor from Japan. Now Infiniti has entered the picture. Competition is good for all consumers- better cars, lower prices. I am sure that the GS will outsell the Infiniti or the Acura regardless of performance results. Lexus has built up too much brand equity over the last 15 years not to dominate sales. However, Infiniti is clearly catching up. The Europeans had better step up- higher prices, lower quality, rapidly narrowing performance gaps (if any remain) over the Japanese.
Thats not true. Just because a car has the L on the front, that doesnt automatically equal great sales. If you take away Lexus' SUVs, its "luxury sales leader" position turns to a very different picture. The G35 and Acura TL DOMINATE the IS300 in sales.
Don't forget, they had these cars for a week, so the GS may be the easiest to live with for a time period longer than a test drive.
Before the LS hits.
DrFill
The 5 has a cheap and cheezy interior.
Everyone has warts.
Everyone sweats.
It's just when a Lexus sweats, it's glistens!
DrFill
When you're going to place emphasis on luxury, comfort and features over sport, the cards are already stacked against the M when they're going to test a base, no option Sport version, whereas the GS is a fully loaded version.
But then again, the fault may lie with Infiniti for not providing a loaded M45.
First time for everything! LOL!
They apparently thought a sported-up M would impress the judges with it's moxie, and they were right.
But Lexus attention to detail is something you can't dispute. And the VDIM seems to do it's job of enhancing the cars feel, while protecting you. But up to a point. Then it overprotects.
The V6 M would've beat the GS300, though.
The M would still be ugly, but I like the interior a lot. They are right, the dash has a little too much Nissan Quest in it.
I like the embroidered seats. I guess that makes me tacky.
I thought I was getting better.
DrFill
Granted, the GS has a few more luxury features, but not that many.
I test drove both cars on the same day, and for the kind of driving I do 95% of the time, the Avalon Limited is every bit as good as the GS.
Oh yeah, also check out the cost for routine maintenance on each!
This from another poster:
The title of the article clearly says '2005-2006 $50K Sport Sedans From Japan Comparison Test' which would lead you to believe the emphasis would be on sport.
No mistake, all three cars are packed with luxury as well but that should not be as heavily weighted if you're going to name the title as above.
It appears that this is what went wrong.
1. Edmunds asks Infiniti for a car to do a $50k sports sedan comparison.
2. Infiniti obliges and gives them the best configuration to fit the bill - M45 Sport at $50k (stripped of all options to not be penalized for exceeding the price limit).
3. Midway through the comparison, Edmunds decides to change it to a luxury comparison, but doesn't notify Infiniti and forgets to change the title of their review.
4. Infiniti gets screwed over.
From the outcome of this review, it looks like they wanted more luxury than sport.
Had Infiniti known this earlier, they would've sent the non-Sport and optioned it out with the proper packages to include the oh-so-important wood trim, NAV/XM, and compliant suspension, and won the comparo.
I would really like to see a comparo of ALL of these midsize sport/luxo sedans. Because I would still take an STS over an RL (and maybe M). Now I need an excuse to test drive all of them....
The GS in sales existence for only a few days sadly has already become a dinosaur.
Without a dedicated Sport Pkg., the Lexus did match the M at the Slalom.
DrFill
Pricing out the options...the only way to get the Nav system is with the ML sound system...and...this option costs about $4500 more than the other options.
Basically options are $1900 or $6400.
It appears you cannot get the Nav without the ML.
This probably marks the GS 300 off my list.
$4500 more to get the option with the Nav and not enough headroom for someone over 6 foot tall.
Now it is between the M35 and the RL for me.
I have enjoyed watching the rebirth of Acura and Infiniti, but the fact is, they are going to have to keep this up for a while before they deserve the same credibility that Lexus has established. Lexus has a fit, finish and feel that is currently unmatched. Sure, Infiniti and Acura can pad their stats however they want, but nothing beats track record and feel behind the wheel. If Infiniti and Acura keep this up for another 10 years I MIGHT buy one. Until then I'm sticking with a proven winner.
Anyways, the GS430 won ONE INTERNET comparo, barely...
Edmunds seemed to like VDIM, but it also can turn into the Butler who doesn't know when to stop.
DrFill
There really is no reason for this car's existence. It cannot compete in the sports sedan category. It's proponents emphasize its "refinement." Yeah. But what else is there?
Been there. Done that. New direction? Humbug!!
GS = 38.8 inches
LS = 38.1 inches
Any way I adjusted the seat in the GS, there is much less headroom. Truly incredible.
Must disagree. The '04/'05 LS430 have the 6-speed tranny, Bluetooth, PCS, Rear camera, radar-cruise, pre-wired XM, no LEXUS link, upgraded Nav (gen-4), standard 18" wheels, slightly better ride and handling even in base trim, than the '01.
Even more significant change from '01 to '04 lies in the exterior - slightly changed front and exposed rear tail pipes...
The question is if all of these additional features and changes are worth the extra $10K to the buyer! IMO, I'll take the '04/'05 over the '01 anyday... Even better, I'll take the MY2007 over any LS, period.
Also, the 17" tires/wheels are still standard on the LS but are hard to get as most still come with the optional 18" variety.
My bad. Note to self: use reading glasses next time.