2001LexusGSLexus GS2001 Lexus GS 430SedanSedanRWDJapanGS 430 gets a new ULEV-certified, 4.3-liter V8 good for 300 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs. of torque, resulting in sub-6-second acceleration times to 60 mph. GS 300 has new E-shift buttons on the steering wheel for manual control of the automatic transmission's shift points. On the safety front, standard side curtain airbags debut on both models, and a new sensor detects if the front passenger seat is unoccupied, deactivating the front passenger airbag if nobody is sitting in that seat. Additionally, a new child seat-tether restraint has been added, along with impact-detecting door locks and an emergency trunk release handle that glows in the dark inside the cargo area. Exterior changes include water-repellent front door glass, a new grille with a bigger "L" badge, revised taillights, larger exhaust pipes with stainless steel tips and new six-spoke alloy wheels. HID headlights are optional on GS 300 but standard on GS 430. Inside, steering wheel controls for the audio system comePowerful engines, plenty of safety technology on-board, available Mark Levinson audio system, great blend of luxury and sport.Overdone styling, gauges wash out in direct sunlight, no manual transmission, navigation system bundled with controls that work better with knobs and buttons.Looking to create the ultimate sport sedan in both price and performance, Lexus redesigned its GS series in 1998 and came up with a truly exceptional car that has aged extraordinarily well. Available in either GS 300 or new GS 430 format for 2001, this is one model that can hang with the best Europe has to offer. A distinctive quad-headlight design sweeps back into the hood and fenders in much the same manner as Mercedes' E-Class cars. Short front and rear overhangs give the GS a sporty look, and tidy hindquarters with creative rear taillights keep this car from blending in with the rest of today's high-line sport sedans. Appearances are supported by powerful drivetrains. The GS 300 uses a 3.0-liter inline six that develops 220 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 220 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. The GS 430 packs a new 4.3-liter V8 that develops 300 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 325 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. Both of these engines use Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to produce additional power and provide optimal fuel efficiency. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available. To take advantage of the transmission's five forward gears, the GS 300 features manual upshift and downshift buttons on the steering wheel spokes for 2001, controlled by the thumb and forefinger of either hand. A roomy cabin provides the driver and front passenger with space to stretch out. An impressive 44 inches of legroom and 58 inches of shoulder room accommodate the long-limbed and broad-shouldered in the front seats. Rear-seat passengers don't fare as well, however, and get only 34.3 inches of legroom. Luxury touches include a standard dual-zone climate control, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and the normal roster of power goodies typically found on luxury cars. Worthwhile options include a Mark Levinson premium sound system and a DVD-based navigation system that employs touch-screen controls to program routes. Unfortunately, Lexus has decided to bundle it with the audio and climate controls, which always work better with traditional buttons and knobs. Both models come standard with Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), which is a system that employs the sensors, actuators and computer electronics of the antilock braking and traction control systems to help reduce vehicle skids caused by understeer or oversteer conditions. VSC is teamed with Brake Assist ABS; front, side and curtain airbags; and traction control to provide top-notch occupant protection. As with other vehicles in the Lexus line, road feel and absolute performance take a backseat to pure luxury and refinement. BMW's 5 Series offers a bit more fun, and the Mercedes E-Class has, well, the Mercedes emblem on the hood. But for a reliable daily driver with more than a hint sporting capability, it's tough to beat the Lexus GS. Audi A6BMW 5-SeriesJaguar S-TypeMercedes-Benz E-Class450,000670,0004Unlimited6UnlimitedNANANA84.3 litersV8300 hp @ 5600 rpm325 ft-lbs. @ 3400 rpm189.2 in.70.9 in.55.9 in.3707 lbs.110.2 in.39 in.37.4 in.57.7 in.56.6 in.55 in.56.1 in.44.5 in.34.3 in.14.8 cu.ft.StandardStandardStandardStandardNot AvailableStandardStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested19.8 gal.18 mpg / 23 mpg356 mi. / 455 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$41,198$47,3557.35%$545N/A2% of the Base MSRPGS 300 (5A): 3L I6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine with variable valve timing, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 80 amp alternator; driver's selectable multi-mode auto-manual transmission; rear-wheel drive, traction control, 3.92 axle ratio; dual stainless steel exhaust with polished tailpipe finisher; electronic stability control control, front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering with vehicle-speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 19.8 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers with chrome insert; chrome bodyside insert, body-colored bodyside cladding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights,delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding auto-dimming outside mirrors; 16" x 7.5" silver alloy wheels; P215/60VR16 BSW performance tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; dual-zone front air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, digital signal processor, CD changer pre-wiring, 7 speakers, amplifier, theft deterrent, window grid diversity antenna, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote hatch release, power remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, garage door opener, smokers' package, first aid kit; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock,compass, exterior temp, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low oil level, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, door ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags, occupancy sensors, driver's and front passenger's seat-mounted side airbags, overhead airbag; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with front and rear 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest with storage, driver and passenger seats include 8-way power adjustment, power 2-way lumbar support; rear bench seat with tilt headrests, center armrest; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full color-keyed carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, genuine wooddoor panel insert, genuine wood console insert, chrome interior accents; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, 4 door curb lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light, cargo tie-downs; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
GS430 (5A): 4.3L V8 DOHC SMPI 32-valve engine with variable valve timing; HD battery; additional exterior lights include remote activated perimter lighting; 3.27 axle ratio and P225/55VR16 BSW performance tires.