Five model years after Lexus rolled out the first GS 300, the luxury auto maker did a major overhaul to introduce a second generation. The result was the 1998 GS 300, a car so good and so warmly received Lexus didn't see a need for another major overhaul until the 2006 model year.

The car retained its familiar, six cylinder, 3.0 liter, 225 horsepower engine. The overhaul was aimed almost entirely at making Lexus' sports sedan look and perform like an actual sports sedan. That included a lighter body and more striking contours on the panels.

"The new GS cars are considerably more attractive," one test driver said. Another liked that it offered better gas mileage than the bigger, more expensive LS without sacrificing luxury touches.