The brakes are strong, don't get me wrong, but even in around town errand running, the GS 430 RWD's brake-by-wire system is too sensitive, causing embarrassing stops a few metres before an intersection. Having said this, it's no worse than Mercedes-Benz's system, and a long term owner would more than likely adjust.
When you back off the boy racer antics, the GS 430 RWD is one smooth operator. The vee-eight is always quiet and smooth, the six-speed tranny shifts are velvety and the ride is cosseting.
One of the pleasures of any Lexus is the excellent build quality, both inside and out. Materials are soft to the touch and most of the ergonomics are well thought out. The only disappointments are a bunch of secondary controls hidden in a pull out panel to the left of the steering wheel that are awkward to find and the vertical controls in the centre panel don't have enough variety in their shape or size to distinguish themselves in use. Lexus has avoided any kind of centralized controller like he German brands use. Whether that's good or bad depends on your own ergonomic eccentricities.
With outstanding build quality, features and powertrain refinement, the 2006 Lexus GS 430 RWD delivers what Lexus buyers are looking for in spades. And compared to comparable Audis, BMWs and Mercedes-Benzs, its in a league of its own when it comes to value.
- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and Publisher of www.straight-six.com
Just the facts...
Build quality 6/6
Features 5/6
Performance 5/6
Fun-to-drive 3/6
Overall value 5/6
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-drive; 4-door 5-passenger sedan
Engine: 4.3-litre DOHC V8,
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with sequential manual shift
Horsepower: 300 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque: 325 lb.-ft.@ 3,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 1,700 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr: 5.8 seconds
Wheels & Tires: P245/40ZR18 Tires
Base price: $74,700
Optional Equipment: Touring Package $2,400.00
Price As Tested: $77,100
photo:John LeBlanc
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| 2006 Lexus GS 430 (Photo: John LeBlanc, www.straight-six.com) |
One of the pleasures of any Lexus is the excellent build quality, both inside and out. Materials are soft to the touch and most of the ergonomics are well thought out. The only disappointments are a bunch of secondary controls hidden in a pull out panel to the left of the steering wheel that are awkward to find and the vertical controls in the centre panel don't have enough variety in their shape or size to distinguish themselves in use. Lexus has avoided any kind of centralized controller like he German brands use. Whether that's good or bad depends on your own ergonomic eccentricities.
With outstanding build quality, features and powertrain refinement, the 2006 Lexus GS 430 RWD delivers what Lexus buyers are looking for in spades. And compared to comparable Audis, BMWs and Mercedes-Benzs, its in a league of its own when it comes to value.
- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and Publisher of www.straight-six.com
Just the facts...
Build quality 6/6
Features 5/6
Performance 5/6
Fun-to-drive 3/6
Overall value 5/6
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-drive; 4-door 5-passenger sedan
Engine: 4.3-litre DOHC V8,
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with sequential manual shift
Horsepower: 300 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque: 325 lb.-ft.@ 3,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 1,700 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr: 5.8 seconds
Wheels & Tires: P245/40ZR18 Tires
Base price: $74,700
Optional Equipment: Touring Package $2,400.00
Price As Tested: $77,100
photo:John LeBlanc
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