2003 Lexus GS430 Review
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SEE ALSO: Lexus Rover Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS
The Lexus GS series marks its tenth anniversary in 2003. Not
only has it been a successful line for Lexus, the GS's influence can
be seen and felt in some of its competitors as well.
When the GS 300 debuted for the 1993 model year, it put Lexus
into the mid-luxury sedan segment in a serious way with Italian-
inspired styling, more interior space than most competitors, and a
high-performance inline six-cylinder engine. When it was unveiled
for the 1998 model year, the second-generation GS had some
surprises. The styling, while an evolutionary development of the
original's, was much bolder than expected from Lexus at the time,
and the 4.0-liter 300-horsepower, V8-powered GS400 served
notice to the European sport-luxury manufacturers that Lexus was
seriously after the sport portion of the market as well as the luxury
side. In 2001, the V8 GS became the 430, with a 4.3-liter V8.
Horsepower, never a problem, stayed the same, and torque
increased. There was joy in Lexusland, if not in Germany.
Changes since then have been minor. For 2003, the power
moonroof, CD changer, and heated front seats with perforated
leather upholstery that were formerly optional are standard
equipment. I've been reacquainting myself with the GS430 for the
past week. Immediately comfortable and well balanced, it combines
style, Lexus luxury comfort, serious power, and sport sedan
handling in its own unique way.
APPEARANCE: The GS's exterior styling has aged well, with only
minor trim changes since 1998. Its distinctive four-eyed face
descends from the original Lexus SC400 coupe, and its shape, with
its long, prominent passenger cabin, relatively short front and rear
decks, and short overhangs, is very different from the sports or
luxury sedan norm. The gently-rounded near-fastback design of the
car is complimented by sharp character lines, and looks more like a
coupe than a sedan. Discreet chrome trim gives a contemporary
luxury look, while the bright reflective surfaces of the headlights
give it an interesting character.
COMFORT: Interior space has been a hallmark of the Lexus GS
since its inception. If its place in the Lexus lineup is between the ES
and LS, it is closer to the LS in size, and larger than many
competitors. The interior features the Lexus trademark dark-over-
light design with leather upholstery and genuine walnut trim. The
10-way power-adjustable front seats - with driver's side memory -
compare very well with those of the GS's European competitors. It
is a driver's car, with a tilt and reach power-adjustable steering
wheel allowing the perfect driving position, and a well-placed shift
lever for drivers who wish to over-ride the automatic transmission's
computer. ``Optitron'' backlit analog gauges are easily visible in all
circumstances. Despite the sleek roofline, there is first-class head
and leg room for the two outboard rear passengers. As is usual in
contemporary sedans, the center rear position is best-suited for
small people and short distances. The CD changer is found in the
top of the glovebox, which still has useful space. The optional DVD
navigation system is now bundled with the Mark Levinson
audiophile-quality sound system. The nav system has a useful split-
screen display; the Levinson audio system combined with the GS's
soundproofing and acoustics is simply amazing.
SAFETY: All 2003 Lexus GS models have a strong passenger
compartment with three-point safety belts for all occupants, and
front and rear crumple zones, dual front and front side airbags, and
front side curtain airbags. The Brake Assist system engages the
four-wheel antilock disc brakes more fully in emergency stops, and
the Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) stability system aids control in
difficult and low-traction situations.
ROADABILITY: Sport and luxury get equal billing in the GS 430.
Its fully-independent double-wishbone suspension is tuned firmly
enough for spirited driving on scenic backroads, yet is compliant
enough for long distances on the Interstate. It is never harsh or
tiring for the driver or passengers, even with the optional 45-profile
sport tires. There is enough feedback through the steering and
suspension so that while the driver and other occupants are
insulated from major road shocks, they are not isolated from the
driving experience. While it's not as nimble on a tight road as the
smaller IS 300 - remember Physics 1A, especially the part about
mass and inertia, and the GS is a fairly large, heavy car - it's
definitely as happy on a tight and twisty road as it is on the
Interstate.
PERFORMANCE: The smaller IS 300 may be the premier Lexus
sports sedan these days, but big brother still is the undisputed
performance king. With 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque,
the GS 430's namesake 4.3-liter V8 can move the car from a stop to
60 mph in under six seconds. VVT-i variable valve timing helps
broaden the torque curve, improve efficiency, and lower emissions.
Although there is no manual shift mode, the five-speed automatic
transmission has regular, sport, and winter modes that do make a
noticeable difference in response. And, with the engine's strong
torque, shifting is not often necessary. When it is, the transmission
performs with all of the smoothness and refinement expected in a
Lexus.
CONCLUSIONS: The Lexus GS430 combines style, power, and
prestige.
SPECIFICATIONS
2003 Lexus GS430
Base Price $ 47,825
Price As Tested $ 54,199
Engine Type dual overhead cam 32-valve V8 with
VVT-i variable valve timing
Engine Size 4.3 liters / 262 cu. in.
Horsepower 300 @ 5600 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 325 @ 3400 rpm
Transmission 5-speed multi-mode electronically-
controlled automatic
Wheelbase / Length 110.2 in. / 189.2 in.
Curb Weight 3715 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 12.4
Fuel Capacity 19.8 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires P235/45 ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE030
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc,
antilock and brake assist standard
Suspension, front/rear 4-wheel independent double wishbone
Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 18/23/20
0 to 60 mph 5.8 sec
1/4 mile (E.T.) 14.3 sec
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.29
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Mark Levinson Audio/Navigation System - includes:
Mark Levinson 10-speaker, 240-watt premium
audio system, Lexus DVD-based navigation
system $ 3,250
Rear spoiler with integrated brake lamp $ 440
17-inch chrome wheels with summer tires $ 1,915
Cargo net $ 59
Trunk mat $ 69
Wheel locks $ 66
Delivery and processing $ 575