JDR76

It was a tough decision for me - IS vs GS.

In the end I just liked the size and style of the 3IS a little better than the GS, but am sure I would have been happy with a GS as well. In a couple more years when my IS lease is up, I'll have to make the decision all over again.

jjscsix

I have not driven an IS, but I fully agree that they new 8 speed is disappointing from a performance standpoint. And just because it's the same transmission does not mean it shifts the same. How the ECU is set up can make a HUGE difference in the way a transmission shifts. Tuners on cars like a Corvette with an automatic make a big difference in the shifting, and no doubt the same could be done with a Lexus.

I had a 2010 GS with the same engine, and I have driven a 2013 with the six speed. When I got our car I was appalled at how unresponsive it is because of the transmission. It is slow to downshift and in may cases simply does not downshift as much as it should keeping it out of the meat of the power band. And I drive the car in sport or sport plus mode all the time.

fsportjay

i'm a tall guy, the IS was just a bit too small and cramped for me. I wanted a larger car, and with all the lease incentives, it made more sense and was the right decision for me to get the GS.

i've never had the feeling the 8 speed GS not downshifting fast enough/unresponsive in sport+. I only have 2000 miles on the car. maybe its a programming issue? do you guys ever use the manual mode/paddle shifters to see if that makes a difference? i'm very happy with the car so far.

ItzFilyO

Oh in manual mode this car takes off with no problem.

I drive in M mode and normal most of the time. I leave it in D if I don't do much passing and I only use Sport when I really feel the need for speed, mine doesn't have S+.

jjscsix

Of course manual mode would make a difference, but that is not the point. And to get from eight to third you would have to pull the paddle five times.

Zinda

iTrader: (1)

Since Lexus is trying to portray the brand as more performance oriented why the hell did they put the 8 speed in our cars. Does that make any sense?

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Too squeeze out another 1-2 MPG to meet the rising CAFE requirements.

moose66

Have them both. IS is tight for a tall/large person. I am a little over 6 feet tall and I feel like I have to fold up to get in the wifes IS. The GS is definitely roomier. Even it the specs say otherwise, it feels roomier. I also find it to be more luxurious. However, there is no way i would pay what they ask for a new one. Way too much in my opinion. The pre-owned market is the way to go.

I can't really compare much else as the hybrid is a different animal from the gas version IS. In the end, I love them both!!!

Blackraven

I can't stand those 3IS headlights

So with that said, between the two, it's 4GS for me (GS350 FSPORT)

jjscsix

Oddly enough I've gotten exactly the same mileage in our 2014 as I did in my 2010. I will say that the eight speed is a lot smoother and better in normal (non sporty) driving.

damtachoa

GS - $59K
IS- $48K

I will pick IS to save money for the rims. Both GS and IS rims are ugly. I'll wait for 2015 IS model for any upgrade.

Dukeaudio

I had a '06 IS350. My GS F Sport feels more solid but is not as agile or responsive. Where the GS surpasses the IS is in comfort and int space; it feels enormous in comparison. I would've kept my IS but my kids outgrew the back seat...zero regrets.

Flying3

My wife has an IS250 and I have a GS350 so I drive both. IMO, they are night and day and they should be, different class of vehicle.

The GS is a much nicer ride and much more comfortable.

tex2670

I see a pretty good number of low mileage 4GS models around me on AutoTrader in the low to mid-$40s, and they are not stripped down versions either. Something to consider...

MikeyTown

In my eyes, the IS F-Sport is one of the best, if not the single best, looking sedans on the road.

Unfortunately, I'm 6'4" and was in need of a daily driver. For comfort purposes, I went with the GS F-Sport... and I couldn't be happier with my decision.

Honestly, it has surprised me with what it can do in the S+ mode. It's more than enough to satisfy my occasional lead-foot craving. It's no slouch in the looks department, either.