2004 Lexus GS 430 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Lexus GS?
Lexus has a redesigned GS debuting for 2006, so the current 2004 Lexus GS is carried over without changes.

Advantages of the 2004 Lexus GS:

• Beautifully furnished interior
• Fantastic optional Mark Levinson audio system
• Plenty of smooth, quiet power from the GS 430’s 4.3-liter V8
• Reputation for quality and durability

Objections to the 2004 Lexus GS:

• No steering wheel controls for audio or climate on the GS 300
• Can’t program navigation while the car is underway

Editor's Advice:
Like most models in the Lexus stable, the GS 300 and GS 430 are luxury sedans so utterly competent that they ultimately lack any kind of distinctive character. Distinguishing marks on the Lexus GS include circular front and rear lighting elements, a rakish roofline, and round electroluminescent gauges. Otherwise, this is an impeccably crafted, impressively refined and incredibly comfortable daily driver. The 2004 Lexus GS 300 is powered by a silky 220-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine that drives the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates to 60 mph in just under eight seconds. Buyers looking for something a little more sporty can choose the 2004 Lexus GS 430, which has a stout 300-horsepower, 4.3-liter V8 engine providing the motive force to reach 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Neither model is particularly adept at carving canyons, as the steering, handling and braking characteristics are not as sharp as German luxury sedan counterparts, but the beautifully wrought interior and automaker’s well-deserved reputation for quality and reliability are compelling reasons to purchase the 2004 Lexus GS.