Lexus Wraps Mom, Kids in Luxury

2009 Lexus GS 350 AWD

model as tested $52,214

Test Drove 9/17/09 – 9/24/09
reviewed by Courtney Messenbaugh

From a distance, the 2009 Lexus GS 350 looks similar to my car, and I mistakenly thought it’d drive just like my car. I quickly realized the error of my thinking as I neared the GS 350. My black Volkswagen Jetta is like a prepubescent Dakota Fanning compared to the GS 350’s Charlize Theron.  Where my Jetta is cute with a charmingly ungraceful pep, the Lexus is beautiful, mature and capable of a powerful, award-winning performance. 

When I got inside the GS 350, the contrast between it and my car became even more glaring.  The GS 350’s supple leather seats cradled my tired thighs and adjusted to the perfect angle for my body.  The car felt sturdy but accelerated so easily and lightly that it seemed like I was simply gliding over the streets. Maybe I’d had a few rough days and needed some pampering, but boy, oh boy, did this car feel good to me.

Even the GS’ gas mileage was better than expected.  It gets an EPA-estimated 18/25 mpg city/highway, but I averaged about 23 mpg.

It has a V-6 engine that makes 303 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.  That will get you through your errands quickly, trust me!  In fact, this car was fast enough that my son instructed me to “dust” people — effortlessly fly past them and leave them in our dust — while we were driving. 

The GS 350 is offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.  My test vehicle had all-wheel drive, and I’d take it no other way with Colorado as my home. While it didn’t snow during my test drive, it did rain quite a bit. I barely noticed the rain because of this car’s sturdy handling, smooth ride and rain-sensing windshield wipers. 

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