Lexus
GS
Toyota
Cressida
Lexus GS vs Toyota Cressida: 2018 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Lexus GS comes out ahead of the Toyota Cressida on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
GS
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, build quality, and overall ownership experience. The GS is consistently praised as a durable, comfortable, and well-built luxury sedan that delivers trouble-free service for many years and high mileage, with specific examples cited up to 350,000 miles. It is described as a perfect sports sedan for a broad number of use cases, offering a good balance of power, roomy comfort, and sportiness.
Best version to buy
The 2010-2011 model years for the third-generation (GS 350) are specifically highlighted as the best years. For the fourth generation, the AWD models equipped with the older 6-speed automatic transmission (over the later 8-speed) are preferred by some owners for their better drivetrain pairing.
Known issues
- ⚠Outdated technology/infotainment: Lack of Apple CarPlay, slow and unresponsive screen, missing features like birds-eye view camera and massaging seats compared to rivals. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Higher running costs: Requires premium fuel, expensive tires (especially F-Sport run-flats), and generally higher costs for parts and maintenance compared to non-luxury brands. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Underwhelming performance for segment: Naturally aspirated V6 (2GR-FKS) perceived as not fast, especially compared to turbocharged German competitors; 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) times around 5.9 seconds noted. Frequency: recurrent.
Cressida
Overall
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep nostalgia and a strong reputation for exceptional reliability, comfort, and longevity. The vehicle is consistently described as a durable, comfortable, and practical family sedan or wagon that provided trouble-free service for decades and high mileage. Many owners report vehicles lasting well over 200,000 miles with minimal issues, contributing to Toyota's legendary reliability reputation.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim as "best." Discussions involve multiple generations (e.g., 1978, 1986, 1991) with similar praise for reliability. The primary differentiator is the engine: models with the problematic 7M engine (late 80s/early 90s) are noted for their flaw, while those with other engines (e.g., 4M, 22R) or that have undergone an engine swap (commonly to a 1JZ or 2JZ) are viewed more favorably.
Known issues
- ⚠Head gasket failure on 7M-GE/GTE engines: Catastrophic and well-documented failure, particularly in 1987-1989 models, attributed to a factory error in head bolt torque specification after a material change. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠General age-related failures: "Nigging issues," material fatigue, and small problems due to owner neglect or the vehicle exceeding its engineered lifespan.
- ⚠Automatic transmission performance: Described as a "4-speed slushbox" with very slow response times, making the driving experience lethargic. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Lexus GS is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Toyota Cressida, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Lexus GS are a dealbreaker, the Toyota Cressida is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Lexus GS or the Toyota Cressida?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Lexus GS than the Toyota Cressida. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Lexus GS or the Toyota Cressida?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Lexus GS or the Toyota Cressida?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Lexus GS or the Toyota Cressida?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Lexus GS than the Toyota Cressida. See the known issues comparison above.