2013 Lexus GS 350 Review
2013 Lexus GS 350 Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+155
Used GS 350 for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Capable handling with refined ride quality
- high-quality interior
- cutting-edge safety and entertainment technology.
Cons
- Conservative transmission tuning, even in sport modes
- finicky electronics interface.
What’s new
The Lexus GS 350 is redesigned for 2013.
Edmunds says
Sharper handling, new features and added interior room make the redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 a top contender among midsize luxury sport sedans.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$234/mo for GS 350 Base
GS 350 Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
For all the wonderful things Lexus cars are, "athletic" is not an adjective that usually enters a discussion of the brand. Traditionally, the automaker has produced cars that trade sharp reflexes for more predictable comfort (the IS F sport sedan and LFA supercar excepted). Lexus has reshaped that perception with the 2013 GS 350. Slightly wider and taller, much stiffer and with vastly improved steering feel, the GS 350 can finally lay claim to ground once owned solely by German sport-lux sedans.
The new GS 350 is not unlike its third-generation predecessor under its distinctly more aggressive-looking skin. Length and wheelbase remain the same, but the chassis is pulled out wider by about 2 inches. It also shares the same basic suspension setup, with an improved rear design that now allows about 25 percent more trunk space. The engine is the same 3.5-liter V6 as before, but with slightly improved power and fuel efficiency.
That's where the similarities end. Revised suspension geometry, a stiffer body structure and a quicker steering system help make the GS 350 the best-handling Lexus this side of the LFA. Inside, interior designers imposed a diet on the door panels, roof, trunk and carpet, shaving pounds to make room for new features like the touchpad-operated infotainment system, and sport seats with multiple adjustments. Longtime Lexus buyers needn't worry about quality, either, as the GS maintains the brand's reputation for high-quality materials and excellent build quality.
The end result is that the 2013 Lexus GS 350 is more equipped than ever to run with the Audi A6, BMW 535i and Infiniti M37. If you're shopping for a midsize luxury sport sedan, the latest GS is worth serious consideration.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift paddle control is the only available transmission, but buyers can opt for a GS 350 with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
In Edmunds testing, a rear-drive GS 350 with the F Sport package accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a swift 5.8 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 combined, while the all-wheel-drive version rates a bit less at 19/26/21.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2013 Lexus GS 350 include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a rearview camera. Safety Connect, a traditional telematics service with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and emergency assistance button, is also standard.
Adding the optional adaptive cruise control includes a pre-collision system that detects impending collisions and responds by pre-tensioning the seatbelts and activating brake assist.
In Edmunds brake testing, a GS 350 with the F Sport package stopped from 60 in a short 112 feet.
Driving
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 delivers punchy V6 power with traditional Lexus ride comfort. But the new GS dispenses with the soft, undulating motions of its predecessor when driven hard. Instead, improved steering and suspension design make the new GS feel alert, planted to the road and ready to change direction on a whim -- characteristics amplified when equipped with the F Sport package and optional features like variable steering ratio and rear wheel steering. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the extra leash afforded by the non-intrusive stability control system.
Our only major gripe is with the automatic transmission's shift points. Even set in manual shift mode, the gearbox releases revs too early, upshifting at 6,400 rpm -- rather annoying when you want power to leap out from a nice, quick corner.
Interior
Complementing its physical and dynamic makeover, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 also gets a revised cabin. In the best Lexus tradition, it's a finely crafted interior marked by soft leather and rich wood and aluminum trim. Befitting this caliber of luxury sport sedan are seats that are firm and cosseting in equal measure, and limited only by the degree of power adjustments you choose.
The cabin also offers more space, with slightly more head- and shoulder room. Rear seat passengers will appreciate, however, nearly 3 more inches of hip room compared to the previous model. Trunk space is no longer an issue either, with the revised rear suspension design allowing 14.3 cubic feet for golf clubs and luggage.
The Remote Touch multimedia controller -- a small mouselike device adjacent to the gear selector -- is now in its second generation. It works quite well and helps navigate the menus and apps of the extensive infotainment system, displayed on the standard high-resolution 8-inch screen or the impressively large 12-inch display that comes with the optional navigation system. The optional Mark Levinson sound system sounds fantastic.
2013 Lexus GS 350 models
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a midsize luxury sport sedan offered in a single, well-appointed trim level. The related GS 450h hybrid is reviewed separately.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 10-way power front seats with driver memory. Standard electronics features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an 8-inch control display with touchpad interface and a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio and a USB/iPod interface.
The Luxury package adds 18-inch wheels, adaptive headlamps, adaptive suspension dampers, upgraded leather, an 18-way power driver seat, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and rear climate and audio controls. The Premium package builds on those features with heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and a power rear sunshade. A Cold Weather package includes a heated steering wheel, headlamp washers and a wiper de-icer.
The F Sport package offers the most performance bite, adding 19-inch wheels, special steering and suspension tuning, larger front brakes, a rear spoiler, a 16-way power sport driver seat and unique interior and exterior styling treatments.
Stand-alone options include 18-inch wheels, blind-spot detection, a head-up display, heated rear seats, parking assist, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, dynamic rear steering, a night vision camera, adaptive cruise control (with a pre-collision mitigation system), a premium Mark Levinson 17-speaker surround-sound audio system, and a hard-drive navigation system with a 12.3-inch display, voice recognition, real-time traffic and Lexus Enform smartphone-connected apps and services.
The Toyota Tacoma's In-Dash Speaker Is an Industry First
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#2 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus GS 350 from 2008-2022.$429/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.96x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).7.3%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Lexus GS 350.
5 star(87%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
38 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
2013 GS 350 F Sport - Most fun to drive!
dyeyk, 08/24/2013
2013 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I took my time buying in December 2012, actually spending 4 weekends test-driving the A6, 535i, E350, and GS 350 F Sport.
I bought the GS 350 F Sport ... it's just simply the most fun to drive.
To top it off, it had all the luxury-sports styling & character, & options & features that mattered most to me.
8 months and 6,000+ miles after, it is still exhilarating to drive this car, and it … continues to get comps from kins, friends, and colleagues.
Only reason it has relatively low mileage is that I have 2 other cars that also need to be driven.
I look forward to many years of reliable use, minimal maintenance cost (for oil and filters, tires, break pads) & excellent Lexus center services.
4.88 out of 5 stars
NEW 2013 GS350 - DEFINITELY A VAST IMPROVEMENT
abacomike, 04/30/2012
2013 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Took delivery of my new GS350 yesterday with NAV, Blind Spot Alert, Park Assist Sensors, Mark Levinson Audio, Luxury Package, etc.
Test drove the sport model but did not like the metallic interior or tires that could not be rotated.
Traded my Mercedes E350 and find this new GS more refined, higher tech features, less harsh ride and reduced road noise, higher quality interior, more … comfortable seating, and handling and responsiveness far superior to Mercedes and BMW's I have owned.
Had a 2001 GS300, but the only similarity to that 2001 is the GS insignia.
Technology is unbelievable and the interior resembles the cockpit of of a Gulfsteam Jet.
Worth every penny I spent on it!
4.75 out of 5 stars
F-Sport is the best 5-Series competitor ever...
hockyguy4u, 03/10/2013
2013 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The GS350 F-Sport is, in reality, the best "5-Series" ever built. It is very tight, has precise weighted steering, and handles like a BMW--or even better-- in every way. It is the ultimate sports luxury sedan...but you need to get the F-Sport version and drive it in Sport+ mode (the most aggressive mode), which decrease gas milage somewhat.
However, unlike the 5-series, the GS350 has the … interior quality and fine leather of a $100K+ car (I'm not exaggerating--especially with the cabernet interior), and the build quality and long-term reliability and service that BMW or Audi can't match.
Btw, I've been been driving German sports sedans for years, and this Lexus beats them all.
5 out of 5 stars
Quite a different GS!
bob446, 05/03/2012
2013 Lexus GS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Having just retired, I no longer will have to make extended road trips.
So I decided to trade my LS460 for a new GS, and save a little money in the bargain.
What a good idea!!
This new GS is beautifully styled on the exterior and features a roomy and comfortable interior.
The redesigned dashboard is a masterpiece, including the giant infotainment screen.
Eighteen-way power seats are … supremely adjustable and comfortable--I love the thigh support extender and side bolster adjustments.
Performance is peppy, cornering secure, and gas mileage reasonable.
2013 GS 350 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $47,250 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $234/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the GS 350 include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
Starting at $85,010 |
4.5 average Rating out of 13 reviews. |
Starting at $41,940 |
3.3 average Rating out of 6 reviews. |
Starting at $48,750 |
Related Used 2013 Lexus GS 350 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used MINI Clubman 2011
- Used Volvo XC90 2012
- Used Toyota RAV4 EV 2013
- Used Suzuki Grand Vitara 2012 For Sale
- Used Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 2013
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Jeep Compass2023
- Genesis G V80
- Chevrolet Trax SUV
- Infiniti Cars Q50
- 2023 Honda Civic
- Nissan Nissan Pathfinder
- 08 Escape
- Kia Stinger Automatic
- 2024 F-150
- Durangos
Research other models of Lexus
- 2023Lexus RX 350
- Lexus Ux
- Lexus LC 500H
- Lexus Ux 250H
- Lexus RX
- Lexus Is 350 F Sport
- Lexus TX
- Lexus Es 300 H For Sale
- Lexus Is Is 300
- Lexus LC 500
Research similar vehicles
- Polestar 2 2024
- Genesis G80 Sedan
- Nissan Sedan Maxima
- Genesis G70 Sedan
- 13 Subaru Legacy
- Benz Mercedes S Class
- Dodge Challenger 2023
- 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
- Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Giulia
Other models
- Used Mazda Mx-5-Miata-Rf in North Las Vegas, NV
- Used Ferrari Gtc4Lusso in Redford, MI
- Used Porsche Cayenne-Coupe in San Dimas, CA
- Used Jaguar F-Pace in Easton, MD
- Used Volkswagen Golf-R in Fort Smith, AR
- Used Kia Soul-Ev in Buena Park, CA
- New Porsche Cayenne for Sale in Morgan Hill, CA
- Used Hyundai Sonata-Plug-In-Hybrid in Leominster, MA
- New BMW X7 for Sale in West Jordan, UT
- New Jaguar XF for Sale in Los Gatos, CA