2008 Lexus GS 350

An upsacle mid-sized luxry sedan from Lexus? Shocking. The 2008 Lexus GS 350 receives some minor styling tweaks after a refresh last year. The rear-wheel drive sports sedan extends its grille, adds a steeper slope to its C pillar, revises the front bumpers, and dresses the interior gauges in aluminum. Turn signals have been added to the power-folding side mirrors for 2008.

A 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine delivers 303-hp and 274 ft-lbs of torque at 3600 RPM. It is matched to a 6-speed shiftable automatic. An all-wheel drive version defaults torque 30/70 front to back, but can shift to 50/50 when road conditions demand more traction. Dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows are standard, along with ABS brakes, traction and stability control, xenon headlights, foglights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Optional Parking Assist helps in parallel parking, and an easy-to-use voice-activated navigation system bundled with a rearview camera earns rave reviews from owners.

Competing with the Acura RL and Mercedes-Benz E series, the 2008 GS 350 is fully appointed with 10-way power heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, a 6-CD/MP3 player, keyless ignition, wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, and memory settings for three drivers. The sedan seats five, with a pass-through to the 12.7 cubic foot trunk. Quality materials and high-end comfort are distinguishing features of the 2008 GS 350, and drivers appreciate the sporty handling, quiet ride, and bevy of luxury features. Complaints mention a small trunk opening, a short driver's seat, the need for larger tires, and the poor location for the folding mirror switch.