The 2009 Lexus GS manages to capture a bit of the classic and a bit of the new at the same time. It may not pop your eyes out the first time you look at it, but somehow it makes you look again. The GS is a midsize luxury car competing with such American vehicles as the Cadillac DTS and STS, Chrysler 300 (top end) and Lincoln MKS. Overseas competitors include the Acura RL, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Infiniti M and Volvo S80, among others.

There are two engines available in the GS. The first is a 3.5 liter, 303 horsepower V6 and the other a 4.6 liter, 332 horsepower V8. There really are no trim lines, as such. The names of the models are based on their engines, being respectively the GS 350 and the GS 460. Among the main complaints against the GS, even with the V8 the GS is that it's a little light on horsepower.

The 350 has a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and gets 19 miles per gallon city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. The 460 has an eight-speed automatic transmission, also with overdrive, and get a very respectable 17 miles per gallon city and 24 miles per gallon highway.

NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for the 2009 GS. Safety features include antilock brakes, traction control, an antiskid system, tire pressure monitor and airbags all around.

Changes in looks between the 2008 and 2009 body styles are small and cosmetic, only.

When you think of Lexus you automatically think of the extras - the little touches that set them apart from the crowd. One of those is the driver adjustable suspension, giving the driver options in three areas.

Is the car a little too high for you to step into comfortably? Do you happen to live on a bumpy street or have a sharp break in your driveway where you scrape the bottom of your car. No problem, the GS allows you to adjust the height of the car to suit your needs. At the same time, it automatically levels your load, giving you a safer driving experience.

Finally, you can adjust the firmness of the ride with four different settings which can be set for extra cushiness or a firmer, sports car feel.

The 2009 Lexus GS is a luxury car and of course it has a luxury price. The 350 starts at $44,850 or with all-wheel drive $46,800. The 460 opens at a cool $53,320. Still, it is a Lexus, pretty much the king of Japanese luxury cars.