1999 LEXUS GS 300 ... Lexus's VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence)
system. ... and passing, is adequate but timid compared to the GS 400.
1999 LEXUS GS 300 Dissatisfied with the old GS 300, Lexus decided to start over, almost from scratch. The result is not one but two new cars: the GS 300, powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine, and the V-8 equipped GS 400. Both are mid-sized 4-door sedans whose declared mission is to upset the BMW-Mercedes applecart. Inside The inviting, easily accessible cabin has very comfortable seats upholstered in leather and equipped with power lumbar support. The driving position is very good, and the tilttelescopic steering wheel retracts when the ignition key is removed to facilitate entry and exit. The driver’s-side seating memory (seat, mirrors and steering-column) can only be activated with the transmission in Park. The rear bench can comfortably accommodate two adults, as long as they are not too tall -- head room is tight. The trunk is bigger than before but still just average in size, with a dual-level floor that adds nothing to practicality. The rear seat back does not fold and does not have a port to accommodate long objects. Convenience and safety The GS is impeccably fitted and finished but can get a bit noisy on rough pavement. Of the many storage compartments, the glove compartment is especially impressive; it houses a six-CD disc changer as well as a pollen filter. Everything in the GS bears the stamp of quality. The various controls have a solid feel, and all are ergonomically perfect. Our one small complaint concerns the click of the turn signals, which is practically inaudible. Comfort and convenience features include an excellent dual-zone climate system with separate driver- and passenger-side controls, and a powerful audio system. The analog dashboard information is projected into deep dials. The projection is clear and easy to read, never tiring for the eyes. Safety features include dual front and side air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and lockable head restraints. Xenon headlamps turn night into day; other headlamps pale in comparison. The view to the rear is limited by the rear head restraints, spoiler and small window. Engine and transmission The silky-smooth engine is lively and progressive through most of the rev range, thanks to Lexus’s VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) system. Acceleration, both standing and passing, is adequate but timid compared to the GS 400.
The six-cylinder engine is melodious, if not spirited. More work is required to make the accelerator more progressive and communicative, and to rid it of its artificial fee. The transmission is normally very smooth, but it can be slow to downshift in quick stopand-go driving or when slowing almost to a stop, then re-accelerating. Combined with the jerky accelerator, this can generate abrupt, annoying shifts, inconsistent with Lexus’s “Relentless pursuit of perfection”. Roadability The GS 300 offers a very smooth ride, occasionally firm, never uncomfortable and perfectly compatible with its sport sedan status. The 300 has a very firm grip, a solid feel, and is agile and easy to handle on winding roads. When it detects a skid, the VSC (vehicle skid control) system applies the brakes selectively at one or more wheels while reducing engine power. Despite the feeling of safety, drivers should ignore the temptation to override the laws of physics. Quick and precise, steering is a bit heavy at slow speed and should provide more road feedback. The brake pedal requires a firm foot to obtain full braking power. The GS 300 is impeccably built underneath, an examination at the CAA-Quebec inspection showed. Conclusion Lexus classes its GS vehicles as luxury sport sedans. While the six-cylinder engine may not fully merit the “sport” label, the GS 300 is nonetheless a finely balanced car offering inspiring handling. Careful construction, quality materials and generous standard equipment are an added appeal in a vehicle built by a company recognized for the reliability of its products. FOR Overall quality Luxurious comfort Handling Xenon headlamps Silky-smooth engine Quick steering
AGAINST Inaudible turn signals Modest performance Lack of accelerator progressiveness Perfectible transmission Rear visibility Smallish trunk 1999 LEXUS GS
Engine: 24-valve, 3.0-litre 6-cylindre; 32-valve, 4.0-litre V-8 Horsepower: 225 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 300 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque: 220 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm; 310 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 480.5 cm Width: 180 cm Height: 144 cm Wheelbase: 280 cm Weight: 1,665 kg; 1,690 kg
Tires: P225/55VR16; P235/45ZR17 Towing capacity: non-recommended Air bags: dual front (standard) and dual side Fuel economy (GS 300): - Transport Canada rating: city: 11.8 L/100 km (24 mpg); highway: 8.5 L/100 km (33 mpg) - Test result: 11.5 L/100 km (25 mpg) Fuel capacity: 75 litres Acceleration (GS 300): 0-100 kmh: 8.3 seconds; 60-100 kmh: 6.4 seconds Competition: Acura RL, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac Seville STS, Mercedes E-class, Lincoln Continental, Saab 9-5, Volvo S80 Maintenance: Frequency: 6 months/6,000 km; total cost to 100,000 km: $1,950 (may vary from dealer to dealer) Warranties: - Full coverage: 4 years/80,000 km - Major components: 6 years/110,000 km - Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 km - Perforation: 6 years/unlimited mileage - Emissions Control System: 4 years/80,000 km basic coverage; 8 years/130,000 km coverage of catalytic converter, electronic control module and on-board diagnostic device. Factory parts: Rear bumper: $516 Front brake disc: $85 Brake pads: $54
Muffler: $166 Front fender: $248
Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $1,275 to $1,700 Price according to trim line: GS 300: $59,220
GS 400: $67,360
Major options: Rear spoiler, GS 300: $490 Rear spoiler and chrome wheels, GS 300: $1,990 Radio upgrade, GS 400: $1,325 Radio upgrade and spoiler, GS 400: $2,415 Radio upgrade, spoiler and chrome wheels, GS 400: $3,615 Price as tested: $61,210 Delivery and preparation: $1,000 Dealers: Quebec: 4; Canada: 22 © CAA-Quebec, June 1999
