The instrument panel is a refreshing departure from other designs from Japan. Turn on the ignition, and a black panel illuminates to reveal gauges with black markings on white faces, all lit from the rear. The intensity of the backlighting automatically varies with ambient light. The gauges are handsome, creatively designed and easy to read. There's a useful compass in the rear-view mirror.

Audio and climate controls are logically laid out and easy to use, with separate heating and cooling settings for driver and passenger. A smog sensor automatically switches the system to recirculation mode to keep contaminated air from entering the cabin. An air filtration and deodorization system takes care of the rest, nice when pulling up behind a city bus or when suffering from hay fever. The remote releases for the fuel tank and trunk, located low on the left side of the dash, are initially hard to find, and the center armrest obscures the seat-heater buttons.

An optional touch-screen DVD-based navigation system calculates routes quickly. The LCD fills the center of the dash and handles audio and climate control functions as well as the trip computer.

The standard audio setup in the GS is very good. But if you love music, you owe it to yourself to order the Mark Levinson stereo, a 10-speaker system with a discrete amplifier with ultra-low crossover distortion that delivers outstanding audio quality no matter where you're sitting.

Opening and closing the power windows and moonroof is accomplished with one-touch operation. A sensor stops the window or roof panel and warns the driver when anything is blocking its path. The supplied keyless remote can be used to operate the windows and/or moonroof automatically. A hidden electric garage-door opener can be programmed for nearly all frequencies.

The trunk lid raises a full 90 degrees, and the lift-over height is low for easy loading and unloading. At 14.8 cubic feet, cargo capacity is comparable to that of other cars its size.