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I know it's no GS350 but for everyday driving I find the power more than adequate. We recently took her to the mountains and while she's certainly not my Miata in the handling department, the big girl did pretty good. I was impressed by the handling and power when in manual shift mode. Everyday driving I can get 33mpg. Plus the discounts available when I leased it were incredible especially compared to the discounts on the GS350.
I have a 2016 GS 200t with Premium Package (non F-Sport). In my opinion, it is a wonderful car with more than enough power and torque for everyday driving (I am coming from a 290 hp Maxima). I am averaging over 31 mpg in everyday driving (50/50 city/hwy) which easily competes with the mpg you can get from a 4-cyl Camry and a hybrid GS.
IMHO, there are two improvements that Lexus can make to this 200t:
1. Improve handling by reducing body roll. This applies to all non-F-Sport GS models. I cannot comment on the F-Sport because I haven't driven one extensively. Having said that, my 200t as it is drives very comfortably and smoothly over imperfect roads and I do not want to give that up.
2. Improve take off from dead stop. Though the entire torque is available at a low 1650 rpm, the car takes a while to take off, perhaps because of the turbo lag or the operation of the 8-speed transmission or the weight of the car (over 3800 lbs).
Here is the Youtube video that made me test drive the GS 200t (review of the driving experience starts at 15:05 mins) and I loved it on my test drive:
the slow take off is because cars today usually take off in 2nd and not 1st gear
Originally Posted by bb700092
I have a 2016 GS 200t with Premium Package (non F-Sport). In my opinion, it is a wonderful car with more than enough power and torque for everyday driving (I am coming from a 290 hp Maxima). I am averaging over 31 mpg in everyday driving (50/50 city/hwy) which easily competes with the mpg you can get from a 4-cyl Camry and a hybrid GS.
IMHO, there are two improvements that Lexus can make to this 200t:
1. Improve handling by reducing body roll. This applies to all non-F-Sport GS models. I cannot comment on the F-Sport because I haven't driven one extensively.
2. Improve take off from dead stop. Though the entire torque is available at a low 1650 rpm, the car takes a while to take off, perhaps because of the turbo lag or the operation of the 8-speed transmission.
Here is the Youtube video that made me test drive the GS 200t (review of the driving experience starts at 15:05 mins) and I loved it on my test drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_4qELUIwco
The slow take off is definitely a down side. You mash the pedal to the floor and it has to think about moving for a few seconds. The girlfriend normally drives the car but I'll have to try using M1 next time I get going from a stop and see if that helps. Yes I noticed the body roll but it really wasn't that bad all things considered (non F-sport, weight, comfort, etc.).
For the same payment, I could have gotten an IS350 F Sport. I really really considered it. But decided it was too cramped feeling for me. And felt on longer trips it would have been a little too small.
When I went to test drive a GS, a salesman at the Lexus dealership put down the cost of an equally-equipped GS vs. ES side-by-side and showed me that the ES offers a much higher value than the GS for the money because you get more bells and whistles in the ES, no need for premium fuel, quieter ride, more rear legroom, etc. I still purchased the GS 200t because it handled much better than the ES. And I don't regret it!
When I went to test drive a GS, a salesman at the Lexus dealership put down the cost of an equally-equipped GS vs. ES side-by-side and showed me that the ES offers a much higher value than the GS for the money because you get more bells and whistles in the ES, no need for premium fuel, quieter ride, more rear legroom, etc. I still purchased the GS 200t because it handled much better than the ES. And I don't regret it!
You asked in another thread why the GS doesn't sell very well, this is why lol. Salespeople just assume nobody who walks in the door cares about handling.
You asked in another thread why the GS doesn't sell very well, this is why lol. Salespeople just assume nobody who walks in the door cares about handling.
I had never driven the ES350 before I started looking for my GS. I had only appreciated the ES for its elegant looks. I was very unpleasantly surprised when I test drove the ES and then again as a loaner due to its handling. It made me realize that the Maximas I have been driving for the last 10 years were damn good cars for the money. I do not understand how the ES sells so well. Perhaps I am not the typical Lexus customer.
The ES sells so well because a LOT of people like that soft ride. Many people would happily trade sporty handling/agility to feel isolated. Nothing wrong with that, just different. Throw in Lexus quality, a great price, tons of interior room, and the ES is a hit. If you look at the ES forum on here, you'll see people on occasion that traded their GS for an ES because the GS "was too stiff" or "it's harsh" and "not Lexus like at all".
I would most likely choose a GS200t over an ES350, as I prefer the sportier handling of the GS.
I had never driven the ES350 before I started looking for my GS. I had only appreciated the ES for its elegant looks. I was very unpleasantly surprised when I test drove the ES and then again as a loaner due to its handling. It made me realize that the Maximas I have been driving for the last 10 years were damn good cars for the money. I do not understand how the ES sells so well. Perhaps I am not the typical Lexus customer.
The ES is a good value, spacious, rides well. It appeals to that segment of Lexus customer that wants those things over handling. Part of the reason why Lexus can offer the GS and IS and have them be as sporty as they are is because they have the ES to offer to that consumer.
Nah man we got love for any GS! But I think its just that the enthusiast and fans of the GS line were looking forward to something more "significant' with the introduction of a GS turbo by means of more power with the efficiency. We know that Toyota can make a great luxury ride...but maybe the love wasn't there initially because we have such high expectations. Glad to hear such positive vibes for the 200t.
It certainly shares the good looks of the entire GS line and i'm not surprised it has more than enough power for around town driving. I know if i ever had to rent a car and somehow hertz, avis or national had a GS 200t on the lot - i'd definitely be lookin' to get into it
She also looked at the ES (was never a consideration in my mind) and it did have a lot more equipment for the money. I've always been a fan on the RWD sedan format, just wish it came in a manual transmission . The only option I have on my GS is the 18" wheels and navigation. No Lexus Safety System, heated seats, etc. But those weren't deal breakers to me. Honestly I don't care for the Nebula Gray, but at the end of the day it's just a lease and the color didn't matter that much to me. I test drove an IS200t as well. I don't know if it's the gearing, ECU programming, etc., but the GS200t "feels" quicker.
03-14-17, 08:01 AM
No love for the GS200t on CL?
The girlfriend normally drives the car but I'll have to try using M1 next time I get going from a stop and see if that helps. Yes I noticed the body roll but it really wasn't that bad all things considered (non F-sport, weight, comfort, etc.).
. The only option I have on my GS is the 18" wheels and navigation. No Lexus Safety System, heated seats, etc. But those weren't deal breakers to me. Honestly I don't care for the Nebula Gray, but at the end of the day it's just a lease and the color didn't matter that much to me. I test drove an IS200t as well. I don't know if it's the gearing, ECU programming, etc., but the GS200t "feels" quicker.
