Does The GS Deserve To Be Discontinued? Review Of The 2020 Lexus GS350 AWD

The Lexus GS is getting discontinued as of August 2020. We take a look into the GS350 AWD to see if it truly deserves to be axed. Bottom line, if you want a reliable, luxurious, and nice handling mid-size sedan, then the GS lineup is a strong contender, but it also falls in a segment with some stiff competitors.
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[@taharqa332]

I own a 2013 GS 350 AWD with 60K miles (I drive my truck most of the time) - this car never disappoints. Still fun to drive and still looks like new. I'll never get rid of it.

[@mackfar27]

And you shouldn't. Lexus GS owners, UNITE!!! Update: Love my 2013 GS and I have no plans in getting rid of it.

[@jackwyatt4184]

I also have a 2013 GS 350 awd got it in June with 68000 miles 1 owner all service done by Lexus beautiful car mica color exterior black interior 63000 dollars new I paid 21000 awesome deal love my car will have it forever

[@mr.whiskey3534]

Bought a 2013 GS 350 awd a couple years ago with super low miles, riviera red color with black interior, in like new condition. It's a keeper.

[@xFlared]

@@jackwyatt4184 Lexus V6 will be broken in at 100k. Meanwhile all BMWs will be broken down by 50k.

[@mackfar27]

@@xFlared Say it louder for the people in Germany.

[@digmacdiggydoo]

I just traded my 2018 Kia Stinger GT for a 2016 Lexus GS350 F-Sport. I love the Stinger but was concerned with Kia and the quality as the years would go by. I had to replace the rotors twice and there were some issues with paint on the hood that required it to be repainted. The Lexus only had 30,000 miles on it.The Stinger had 26000 miles, so not a bad trade off. I feel it was the right move.

[@nicolas8130]

It’s crazy how I found this comment, for my next car I was debating either the AWD stinger or the GS 350. I wanted an everyday fast, practicable full size car that I can have fun with and be able to drive it everyday with no problems.

[@nicolas8130]

My point is can you still have fun with this car like you can with the stinger?

[@digmacdiggydoo]

The Stinger is more fun to drive and has more horsepower. For me, because I had issues with the paint and replacing the rotors, I just felt that in the long run that the Lexus would last longer and after having the GS for a year, is a better built car.

[@kg888]

@@nicolas8130 Sure but it not fun to keep running into issues unlike Lexus, you can go for a year without issues and I save like what ? My whole bank account.

[@xFlared]

Buy a used one for 30k and use it for 20 years. Most people buying brand new audis for 50k will be changing german cars every 2-4 years, stuck in perpetual cycle of monthly payments.

[@josefernandez2722]

Yes, but you are not talking about the elephant in the room. The reason people buy Lexus is because they get to keep driving without interruptions to the mechanic and losing your shirt in expensive breakdowns. Audi, Mercedes, Bmw, Jag are beautiful but will be a pile of rubel while the Lexus owner drives into the sunset.

[@mackfar27]

Agree, I have 118,000 miles on mine and it's tuned. :-)

[@Leo-ph5dk]

I have a 2001 Lexus GS 300 at 195k miles. Until this year it never gave me much problems besides basic fixes. The harmonic balancer broke and the fuel pump broke. Besides that I haven’t had any major problems and the engine is still good it feels like it can go another 100k

[@AlanForde-CheyneMS]

@@Leo-ph5dk mine is a 95 with 280k had the same issues with the balancer and fuel pump...for years this car was just oil changes and basic maintenance.....this year I lost the amp to my system but it continues to roll along with minimum fuss

[@banginzaza]

Exactly!

[@iBike2Live]

Ruble, not RUBEL. But, yes, I see your point. Japanese quality can’t be beat.

[@blackme1]

Ten years from now this car will be on the road due to excellent reliability and excellent build quality built to last. Don’t even talk about BMW Audi Mercedes thousands of dollars to keep them on the road.

[@wtarchala]

Great review but hey, some people love the original cruise control from Toyota. It's intuitive!!!

[@ShittyCut]

I do love it

[@aussie8114]

I got to try the mouse controller on a Lexus IS and immediately felt comfortable with it, despite so many reviewers on KZbin hanging crap on it. The trick is to put your fingers at the side of it while keeping the tips of your fingers on the plastic console. A bit tricky entering in letters on the screens keyboard but navigating the rest of the screen was easy peasy.

[@alb12345672]

Meanwhile it while be driving around with 200K miles if people want to keep it. It shares a lot of parts back to 2006, especially the powertrain. That 6 speed is used in the Toyota tundra, very heavy duty. I just put 2020 GS-F bushings in my 11. They stiffened up the ride nicely!

[@AllEyezOnRod]

I have to 2018 GS 350 F Sport and I love it! Ultra White with Flaxen interior.

[@Healthylifelex]

@Rodney Noel Nice! I just bought a CPO 2017 GS 200t, atomic silver with black interior.

[@alexanderson2907]

Guy keeps name checking other brands that break down at 500 times the rate of a Lexus. There's a reason why people buy Lexus

[@dpivnik]

My 92 Camry had that cruise control lever and so does my ISF and I love it

[@mr.whiskey3534]

one of the best cruise controls in the industry imho. to engage - don't have to take eyes or off the road, or hand off the wheel. just a finger reach away.

[@rocjones6543]

Quite simply, IT WORKS ! so why get rid of it.

[@Chidoro41]

Change for change's sake is not a Lexus mantra. Lexus is for those that want an iron clad and proven experience. the 6 speed auto is praised for its smoothness and ultra reliability. You will still see this car driven in 2035 by the 1st or second owner while the competition that's praised because of changing for change's sake will be parked rusting or driven by a wannabe 5th owner that picked one up for $3k.

[@lukeson8934]

Uuurgh! One reason I hate SUV's, they just kills Sedans.

[@Shifty_Eyed_Dog]

There is a market out there for premium vehicles that do not lean hard into the latest infotainment tech and controls and it is sad to see yet another model fall on the chopping block to make way for "modern" offerings that continue to blur the lines between the driver's seat, your lazy boy in front of your home entertainment system and a high schoolers gaming chair in his bedroom in his mom's house.. We will all miss the tactile feel of volume knob on the radio, a tempature slide from warm to cool, a physical button to turn the a/c on or off or a physical hand brake that is physically connected to your rear brakes by a physical cable as opposed to a modern electronic e brake..

[@alpappalardi7044]

Nice review Better alternatives? No way. You can’t get a better competitive car than this for this price. You go to Mercedes, BMW ,Audi and you are paying a lot more and you can change your address to the dealers when they break down . I am on my third and was lucky enough to get the 1 of the 210 Latest Blacklines . Only knock is infotainment. And I have no use for Apple play and Toys anyway. If you can get over that. You have a great car !

[@thomaslapre9052]

Love your reviews guys!

[@ShiftingLanes]

Thanks so much!

[@khale4nia]

Have the ‘13 rwd version and no issues w almost 100k. Aftermarket Apple/Android conversion is simple as well.

[@SIDVENOM]

What is the name of the aftermarket company for the Apple/Android conversion is it simple to install DIY?

[@wtarchala]

Yes, please share what you installed.

[@msmith3537]

Ugh, I’m so old. I like the interior… Looking at some used models.

[@morstyrannis1951]

Unlike the Audi, BMW, and Mercedes the Lexus will be a reliable car both while new and in ten years time. But I suppose most people shopping in this category are leasing and don't care what happens after the lease runs out.

[@ShiftingLanes]

This is very accurate

[@RobsToys813]

The F Sport version with sport plus and a nice front bumper plus the digital speedometer is where it is at!

[@ZaheemTheDream]

Just got the 2016 Fsport model and I love it!

[@paulm6481]

I am sorry but Acura infotainment interface is bad too. It’s weak point. Just give us touch control. Enough with touch pads, mouse and knobs.

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

I'm a proud owner of a white on red 2016 GS350 F-Sport RWD that I bought used in June 2020 with 41k miles for $31k after taxes (Original MSRP $58k) & has been an incredible car. Love it to death & planning on keeping it for a very long time. Really couldn't ask for a better car especially for that price!

[@a.jwestcarth2456]

What mpg are you getting since you've had it?

[@runninrebel37]

wonder what your thoughts are on the 2020 acura RLX sh-awd...

[@ramrod890]

I have the same cruise control stick on my Tacoma, personally I think it’s the best controls for cruise control, coming from owning fords, dodges, Chevrolet and a nissan.

[@devoninman17]

Ummm the the bump in the leg room on the drivers seat is part of the AWD drivetrain...

[@rooost]

Yes seems he should know that ! I realized when I ordered OEM floor mats..dont care AWD is worth it

[@ft9kop]

The Speed awd is faster than the 8 speed rwd. And if you look on Fuelly, the mpg between the two are indistinguishable

[@brianfox967]

Naw bro the rwd is quicker. Alot less weight and the awd robbs power via powertrain loss. ive driven them both back to back. If you have sticky tires on the rwd it launches faster as well.

[@gforcecoons5857]

The interior in this car is much more friendly and nice than sitting in a freaking arcade like you do nowadays. My sister just got a new Honda and all that crap is so distracting. I'm sure I'm in the minority though

[@richardstephenson8072]

And fun fun fun to drive. Wife has M4, this one very comparable

[@paulm6481]

Lol that cruise control stalk can also be found in old Corollas.

[@alyaanjiwani8003]

My 1996 camry still has that

[@rocjones6543]

@@alyaanjiwani8003 My 2013 Avalon has it. 👍

[@The_Draque]

probably the only luxury sedan i would buy today

[@augurcybernaut4785]

All others....? LEASE

[@paulm6481]

As a family vehicle, sedans don’t have as much space as SUVs. The driving pleasure doesn’t compensate for lack of utility. This is a great vehicle regardless, not beautiful. But mechanically excellent. Best bought as a certified Lexus.

[@ms3173]

Lol you sound like the typical Highlander/Sienna driver

[@ft9kop]

Buy a second second car if the sedan isn't enough. If you can afford a GS350, you can afford a second car.

[@augurcybernaut4785]

Done!

[@fawadali135]

GS is a perfect car to look for in the used market. I will buy a 2017 or 2018 if it is under 30k. Standard V6, rear wheel drive. If you want a reliable, quiet and comfortable luxury car, you can’t beat it. For all other things I have my M3.

[@xFlared]

Most people can only afford 1 car.

[@fawadali135]

I was talking about price comparison to a brand new car. Most people can afford one car but most cannot afford one 50k plus car. And if you want to spend that kind of money I would take two used cars that are best at one thing they do. Comfort or sport. I don't like cars that are Jack of all and master of none.

[@carlcasimir5630]

I’m leasing a 2018 BMW 340i Xdrive M sport package and I love the car, but worried about the expensive maintenance of bmws so I’m not keeping it. So I just bought a pre owned certified 2018 Lexus GS 350 F sport AWD with 22000 miles on it. I live in the northeast so AWD is a must have for me. I definitely prefer the infotainment system of the BMW and it’s speech functionality compared to the GS’s, but I can live with it. It feels like something from before 2015, but It does have a few luxury perks that the 340 doesn’t have so there’s some pros and cons to both. But the main reason I got the Lexus was for reliability. I want to hold this car for 10 years if I can and not sell my kidney to maintain it.

[@sst5688]

That old ass cruise control is much easier to use than button in the wheel. May he why they haven’t gotten rid of it. Mercedes still uses a similar setup

[@xFlared]

He probably wants touch buttons for cruise control on the wheel like the new golfs have. Snobby fanciness over solid practicality. Literally a car is a deathtrap of distractions. 100 times worse than that lexus infotainment.

[@dukea1]

Have any of you GS owners experienced this? You'll be stopped at a light in a multiple lane road; you sense something isn't right because the car that's supposed to be next to you is sitting slightly at your rear quarter panel staring at your vehicle. Happens to me a lot! 😀😀😀

[@tuanas458]

This is a good car because it offers a sedan version for someone who doesn't want a freaking SUv

[@RobsToys813]

Gotta go F-Sport

[@PhilT993]

Thanks, you quickly talked me out of buying one. It may be a good and reliable car, but too unexciting for what I want next.

[@mackfar27]

Considering all of the aftermarket modifications you can do with the Lexus GS. Everything from the Infotainment system modification (Apple Carplay & Android Auto), to performance upgrades, I say, you are missing out.

[@PhilT993]

@@mackfar27 Thanks. Looks like a nice car though

[@swanblake]

Lexus let the GS get too old, too out of date. The tech is terrible compared to any Toyota product. Then there is the steep pricetag to compound the problem. Also the ES is the same size and styled similar for less money and is more up to date. GS was great, but not so much today. Even the GS F is way overpriced for what it is. Shame

[@v60polestar88]

I always thought the GS looked weird. The front and rear wheel gap is ridiculous. Looked like is was raised up like a outback. Not very sporty looking at all

[@xFlared]

You should see the new IS. The wheel gap is even larger.