Added on May 27, 2014  The News Wheel  
No Comments

Lexus GS History

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page
Lexus GS history

Lexus GS history

Introduction

The GS is Lexus’ performance sedan competing in the mid-luxury class. Falling between the IS (an entry level compact executive) and the LS (Lexus’ full-size flagship sedan), the GS has something for everyone.

Early History

The first-generation Lexus GS was introduced to the U.S., Europe, and some Asian markets in 1993, with an inline-6 engine. The second-generation model was available in 1997, using an all- new platform, updated Lexus styling, and adding a V8 version for the first time outside Japan. The third-generation GS was introduced for the 2006 model year, and available as a V6, V8, and, for the first time, a hybrid version.

Recent History

The fourth (and current) generation Lexus GS was introduced in August 2011 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and introduced the V6 GS 350, hybrid GS 450h, and performance-tuned F Sport variants, adding even more options to an impressive lineup.

The 2014 model year brought a long list of new convenient features and technology and the optional Sport F package, making the Lexus GS more appealing than ever.

Lexus GS Awards

The Lexus GS has seen its fair-share of awards, and continues to impress year after year. According to Wikipedia.org, the GS has earned the following titles and awards:

  • Best midsize luxury car in initial quality for 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 – J.D. Power and Associates
  • Third generation GS 300 named the best car in its class for 2005 – AAA.
  • Consumer Reports awarded the Lexus GS as the highest ranked vehicle in predicted reliability in the luxury car class in 2005.
  • The GS 450h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive system was the recipient of the annual Paul Pietsch Prize for Advanced Technology in 2007, awarded by technical editors of Auto Motor Und Sport publications.
  • The Lexus GS 450h was named the winner of the 2007 IF product design award from the International Forum Design group in Hannover, Germany.
  • German automotive magazine Auto Bild selected the GS 450h for its “Auto 1” award for best sedan in 2007.
  • Smart Money magazine named the Lexus GS the best luxury sedan for the 2003–2004 model year. In 2005, the magazine named the GS its Best New Car Value.
  • The GS series was named most appealing midsize luxury car by J.D. Power and Associates in 2001.
  • The first generation GS series was named to the Top Ten in Initial Quality list by J.D. Power and Associates in 1994.
  • Kelley Blue Book gave the GS series its Best to Hold Value Award in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001.
  • The second generation GS was named Import Car of the Year by Motor Trend in 1998.
  • Car and Driver named the second generation GS to its Ten Best list in 1998, 1999, and 2000.

2014 Lexus GS Overview