What is it?

Now nearing the end of its third generation, the GS slots in above the sporty IS and below the luxury-laden LS. It’s sized about like the tremendously popular ES 350, but the GS offers rear-wheel-drive and a much higher price tag – not to mention the optional V8 seen in our tester.

Its basic style is derivative of the original Giugiaro-penned 1991 GS300 (a rebadged Toyota Aristo), but the latest car was introduced for 2006. Smoother and suaver than the second-generation GS – notable for its Shakespearean “Something wicked this way comes” ad campaign – the S190-platform car retains the two-engine configuration of its predecessor.

As enthusiasts, we jumped at the range-topping GS 460 with its 342-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. A hybrid – dubbed GS 450h – was briefly on offer before sluggish sales forced its removal from the North American market.

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    Driving It
    Driving Impressions Across town or across country, the ES 350 is as luxurious as it is comfortable. Backed with enough power and agility to maneuver out of most unforeseen traffic challenges, th ...

    Interior lights and personal lights
    Interior lights 1. Front and rear interior lights ON/OFF. 2. Door position ON/OFF. The illuminated entry system is activated when the switch is in the locked position (the door position is on ...

    Checking and replacing fuses
    If any of the electrical components do not operate, a fuse may have blown. If this happens, check and replace the fuses as necessary. 1. Turn the “POWER” switch off. 2. Remove the engine compartmen ...