2006 Lexus GS 430 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Lexus GS?
Lexus redesigned the GS mid-luxury sedan for 2006, keeping its familiar face, but cleaning up its proportions. The GS 300 has a new 3.0-liter V6 under the hood, good for 245 horsepower and mated to a new six-speed automatic that drives the rear wheels. For those residing in the Snow Belt, a GS 300 with all-wheel-drive is also available. The Lexus GS 430 retains the same 4.3-liter V8 it had last year, but receives the new six-speed automatic transmission. The GS 430 gets a new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System which includes traction control, stability control, antilock brakes, brake assist, variable gear ratio steering and electronically controlled brakes. A new Mark Levinson sound system with 5.1 surround sound and 330 watts of power is available for audiophiles.

Advantages of the 2006 Lexus GS:

• Beautifully furnished interior
• Fantastic optional Mark Levinson audio system
• Plenty of smooth, quiet power
• Reputation for quality and durability
• Newfound fun-to-drive character

Objections to the 2006 Lexus GS:

• Sensitive brakes
• Limited rear headroom
• Small trunk opening

Editor's Advice:
Like most models in the Lexus stable, the redesigned GS 300 and GS 430 are luxury sedans so utterly competent that they ultimately lack truly distinctive character. Otherwise, this is an impeccably crafted, impressively refined and incredibly comfortable daily driver. Buyers looking for something a little sportier can choose the 2006 Lexus GS 430, which has a stout 300-horsepower, 4.3-liter V8 engine providing acceleration to 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 redesigned 2006 Lexus GS.