Didn't even read it myself yet, I hope it's good...

http://www.edmunds.com/roadtests/roa...t01lexusgs430B

 

How about these quotes:

"The GS doesn't inspire much passion."

"...drivers were less than charmed with the shape of the taillights"

"The GS 430 doesn't beg to be driven"

etc. etc.etc......

WHATEVER.... She obviously hasn't spent any time around GS owners, or this forum!!!!!

They can stick their reviews where they fit best.... (1sicklex style!!!!)

C.

 

She doesn't exactly strike me as a driver who could navigate an ess at speed. Besides, how the hell would she know if it begs to be driven when she was stuck in rain the whole time. Give me a break. I have talked to three seperate E430 owners who have cursed themselves for selling their G4. And I have always loved the E420/430. Now, a 540 with a stick is a different animal. But I gotta tell you, I'll take the extra space, luxury and dealership approach (as well as resale) over anything in this class.

 

What's up with her comment, "Hey, we're hearing about price adjustments that amount to around 5,000 smackeroos. That's a lot of ice cream. "? Is that an INCREASE in base price? 2001 or 2002?

 

what do you guys think? would it be an increase, or decrease from the price?

if her number on the gs sales figure from last year compared to the 5's and E's is correct, should the price of gs(particularly gs4s), be going up, or down $5000?

what is your interpretation?

 

I believe what she meant is that it is discounted off of list by $5000... being that it is not selling well.

Here are some pretty sad 'Second Opinions' from the review...

Features Editor Miles Cook says:

I must admit I was truly excited to spend an evening gallivanting around in the hard-hitting (on paper anyway) GS 430, supposedly the quickest and fastest Japanese sport sedan. Before I was ever given the chance to drive and write about new cars for a living, this car was one of the machines I fantasized about driving, along with other cars such as a Corvette Z06, a Mustang Cobra R, a BMW M5, a Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 and several others.

Problem is that after driving the GS 430, it's no longer on my car lust list with the above-mentioned models. Sure, the new 4.3-liter V8 makes serious power, the car wraps its driver in shameless luxury, and it's got enough gadgets to keep those who like that kind of stuff happy. But there's no spirit. No soul. And although I've not yet driven an LS 430, I don't feel the GS is different enough from the LS for me to consider it a serious sport sedan (serious in terms of an E430 or 540i, anyway). I used to think of the Lexus GS in the same frame of mind as a Benz or a BMW (or even a Lincoln LS), but now I don't. And when I looked at the sticker price of well over 50 grand, that quashed the GS for me even more. For a tad more money (or even the same or less for a used one that's maybe a year old) I'll take a 540i six-speed — basically the best sport sedan you can get at any price.

Senior Editor Brent Romans says:

I drove our GS 430 test car. Or at least I think I did. Big sedan, sand-colored paint, green gauges, right? Yes, that's the one. Sorry, my memory is rather hazy, leading to the conclusion that the car didn't leave a big impression on me. I did appreciate the new 4.3-liter V8 engine. Three hundred horsepower and ULEV certification? That's something even Ralph Nader would have a hard time putting down. I also liked the large LCD screen and detailed navigation system; both put the COMAND system in the Mercedes-Benz E430 to shame.

But shift away from the details to the big picture, and the GS 430 loses its focus. What's the purpose of the car? It is somewhat sporty, but certainly not as sporty as the smaller IS 300. Is it luxurious? Well, yes, but not as much as the LS 430. So what's the point, then? I think much of this problem would be solved with a lower price; as it stands, a more prestigious LS 430 could be obtained for about the same amount as our test car. I see from Edmunds.com's TMV price, GS 430 transactions are going for considerably less than MSRP. Grind the dealer to get a price near invoice, and the GS makes a lot more sense.

Editor-in-Chief Christian Wardlaw says:

Nearly three years ago, when we compared the Lexus GS to a BMW 540i and a Cadillac Seville STS, the Lexus placed a solid second behind the BMW.

Today, if that test were repeated, I'm certain the results would be the same. The GS is intended to be a sporting Lexus, less an isolation chamber and more communicative with driver and passengers. It succeeds at this mission, but ultimately represents a compromise between cushy boulevard cruiser and competent back road carver.

Quality and refinement are Lexus calling cards, and the GS exudes both. The main exception pertains to the brake pedal. Not only does it lack natural, progressive travel, but also when released, it thuds audibly with a high-toned, flimsy sound. So quiet and vibration-free is the power train that, though plenty quick, the GS quells engine and exhaust roar to the point that rapid acceleration is rather dull.

Inside, quality and finish are the names of the game, but there are oddities. Some controls are shared with Toyota products, cheapening the cabin. The navigation system touchscreen must be used to reference certain climate control and stereo functions, which is dangerous, frustrating and ergonomically inferior. I never did figure out how to preset radio stations (there wasn't a manual in the car). At least the navigation system is simple to program and operate. Also, such a fine sounding audio system deserves better than an in-dash cassette player. The CD changer is stuffed inconveniently into the glove box.

Finally, the thick hindquarters, excessive rear overhang and oddly shaped lighting just don't do it for me. The GS is a great car, certain to satisfy undemanding owners, but for me it is unexciting. All I want to do with it is listen to the stereo.

 

Let's see, a couple of overpriced bland Germans? Ahhh,
A Sexy Asian with smooth lines, nice curves, and and a great tail! Mmmmm?

 

Did you guys catch the consumer commentary section which is linked to the article? They quoted bitkahuna, who is a regular in our ClubLexus community, and benkea, a former member whose GS was nearly totalled in an accident.

See;
http://www.edmunds.com/roadtests/roa...0/page003.html


One common thread in all these articles and discussions of the GS is it's lack of "European" performance. I have talked with Lexus reps in dealerships, corporate marketing, and even fellow ClubLexus members, and everyone agrees with it. That is why we are all here on this forum sharing our experience in the tried and true methods of obtaining better sports performance. One must understanding the Japanese are very conservative, and they like to take careful steps. It's certainly not lack of talent in designing a performance sports sedan (remember, this is the same company that built the Supra TT), but Toyota corporate marketing's emphasis on a "luxury" sports sedan. Lexus still focuses on the models that make them money, the ES300 and the RX300, and what the majority of buyers want. Take a look around you when you spot a GS on the road. The driver is typically not someone you see at a ClubLexus meet, but older. Like you, I wish Lexus would just spend the resources and go for a M5-type GS4, but that is not the Japanese way. Perhaps in due time, but meanwhile I'll just have to continue in my mods and do their work for them.

 

Ouch.

 

Do they have the right to quote from fellow members without notifying them?

 

Dennis,

ones comments in the town hall meeting of edmunds become the property of edmunds. it is a big company and they certainly have all the legal matters covered.

 

Probably in the terms of usage somewhere...