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Saloon

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

It's the most refined car in its class

Used Lexus GS Saloon 2005 - 2012

Measured against other executive rivals, the GS is no bargain to buy or run. It loses more of its resale value early on than a similar BMW or Merc, making nearly-new purchases a potentially expensive long-term investment, although older cars seem good value.

Servicing costs are expensive at main dealers and there are few independent specialists you can turn to as an alternative. Most spare parts are also highly-priced and, as with servicing, there's little scope for saving by buying non-Lexus parts.

On the other hand, insurance costs are average: group 16 for the 3.0-litre models, group 18 for the 430 and the hybrid. And, fuel economy is reasonable, ranging up to 35.8mpg overall for the hybrid through 28.8mpg for the 3.0 and 24.8mpg for the 4.3. However, you won't get any better than these figures, as there's no diesel option.

Go for the cheapest model. There's not as much of a difference as you'd think between the 3.0 V6 and the 4.3 V8, and the smaller engine suits the car's relaxed nature best.

Alternatively, the petrol-electric hybrid GS450h teams a 286bhp petrol engine with a 190bhp electric one. It's a clever device and amazingly rapid, but its 35.8mpg overall isn't frugal enough to make it sensibly eco-friendly, or even sensible.

There are two trim levels - standard and SE - but even the basic models hardly short-change you, with electric front seats, headlamps that swivel with the steering and touch-screen controls as standard. Moving up to the SE brings standard sat-nav, a rear parking camera and heated and cooled front seats.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes.

Executive

Lexus claims a regular top 10 position in the What Car? Reliability Index. However, in contrast to the peerless performance of its big brother, the LS, the GS is only average; it's less reliable than a BMW 5-series or a Mercedes E-class.

According to the index, its brakes and suspension were the areas most likely to need work, although the bills when they come are modest for an executive car. Engines and transmissions are pretty near faultless, provided that servicing is kept up.

It's an accomplished and comfortable cruiser, wafted along by a 3.0 V6 or 4.3 V8 linked to a six-speed auto gearbox. It feels serene, albeit with so little feedback you feel detached.

There's no wind noise up to the national speed limit, but you will hear a bit too much road noise. All the while, the gearchanges are fantastically smooth and the engines do little more than whisper, even when they're working hard.

Green-minded drivers may be attracted to the the petrol-electric hybrid GS450h, but with 35.8mpg overall, it's unlikely to find fans among environmentalists.

Inside, the cabin is roomy, but the shape of the driver's seat won't suit everyone and the siting of a few minor controls can prove confusing - not least because some are hidden in a panel that drops down from the dash. The boot is enormous but, to reach its farthest corners, you need to be tall.

Used Lexus GS Saloon 2005 - 2012 reliability

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Used Lexus GS Saloon 2005 - 2012 review

Lexus claims a regular top 10 position in the What Car? Reliability Index. However, in contrast to the peerless performance of its big brother, the LS, the GS is only average; it's less reliable than a BMW 5-series or a Mercedes E-class.,According to the index, its brakes and suspension were the areas most likely to need work, although the bills when they come are modest for an executive car. Engines and transmissions are pretty near faultless, provided that servicing is kept up.,

What to look for when buying a Lexus GS 2005 - 2012, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Lexus GS Saloon 2005 - 2012 reliability

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