Overview & Reviews

A refined and elegant car since its early-1990s inception, the midsize Lexus GS 300 sedan always came up short in the personality department. Partly, this was a problem of perception. Lexus initially promoted the rear-wheel-drive GS as a legitimate competitor to the elite European sport sedans, but the car's soft suspension, over-assisted steering and sluggish powertrain said otherwise. The fact that it cost just as much as its German rivals certainly didn't do it any favors either.

As a luxury sedan, the Lexus GS 300 was more convincing, particularly the third-generation model, which could be loaded with all the latest technology and upscale amenities. Cabin materials were typically of high quality, and everything was put together with exacting precision. Add in an outstanding reliability record and it's no surprise all three generations of the GS 300 proved popular with consumers, despite the fact that the automotive press never fully warmed to it.

Most recent Lexus GS 300

Last redesigned for 2006, the third-generation Lexus GS 300 lasted only one year, as Lexus installed a powerful new 3.5-liter V6 in its rear-drive midsize sedan the following year, prompting a name change to GS 350. With the exception of their engines, the GS 300 and 350 are identical.

Upon its debut, there was nothing radical about the third-gen GS 300. Its bodywork was fresh and modern, but followed the same basic lines as the previous model. It was motivated by a new, all-aluminum 3.0-liter V6 capable of 245 horsepower, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the default rear-drive setup, buyers were given the option of all-wheel drive. With either drivetrain, acceleration was acceptably brisk (with 60 mph coming up in the 7-second range), though the heavier GS 300 AWD model felt soft off the line. Power delivery was undeniably smooth.

Lacking the adaptive suspension of the V8-powered GS 430, the Lexus GS 300 offered little inspiration when pushed around corners. Instead, it excelled as a highway cruiser, carrying itself with grace over most road irregularities while shielding its occupants from most outside noise. This made it easy for the GS 300 driver and passenger to settle back into its plush seats and enjoy the optional Mark Levinson sound system. An intuitive control layout contributed to the GS 300's relaxing nature.

Major standard equipment on the GS 300 included HID headlights, leather upholstery, wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, stability control and a complete menu of side, head and knee airbags. Options included DVD navigation, a rear backup camera, adaptive cruise control and the PreSafe accident preparedness system.

In a 2006 comparison test of all-wheel-drive luxury sport sedans, a Lexus GS 300 AWD brought up the rear in a field of five. "With a V8 and the right options, the 2006 Lexus GS is a good sport sedan," our author wrote. "Give it a V6 and a softer suspension with all-season tires and there's less to get excited about. Luxurious and capable, the Lexus didn't have enough personality to stand out in this crowd."

Past Lexus GS 300 Models

Consumers shopping for a used Lexus GS 300 will come across plenty of examples from the second generation, sold from 1998-2005. Like the later version, it was a luxury sedan at heart and really wasn't tuned for aggressive, back-road driving.

It came with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine throughout its model run. The engine was actually a carryover from the first-generation GS 300, but now aided by variable valve timing, it offered a bit more usable torque. Horsepower came in at 225 or 220, depending on the model year. A five-speed automatic transmission drove the rear wheels. Power delivery was quite smooth, and acceleration was average among six-cylinder midsize luxury sedans.

Cloth upholstery was technically standard on GS 300s of this generation, but you'll be hard-pressed to find one on the used market that doesn't have the optional leather package. Features like 10-way power seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, stability control and front-seat side airbags were standard throughout the model run; side curtain airbags were included from 2001 onward. An excellent Nakamichi sound system was optional from 1998-2000; an equally good Mark Levinson system replaced it in 2001. Another new option for '01 was a DVD-based navigation system.

The original Lexus GS 300 was introduced for 1993 and sold through 1997. At the time, its sleek styling set it apart from other luxury sedans, both import and domestic. Interior accommodations were luxurious and roomy enough to accommodate occupants of all sizes. Tepid performance and high pricing were the big letdowns on this midsize luxury sedan, though the latter is obviously not an issue for used GS shoppers. All GS 300s of this generation had a 220-hp 3.0-liter inline-6. The best years to look at are 1996 and '97, as these models had a five-speed automatic transmission; earlier models had a four-speed automatic.

User Reviews:

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  Elaishun - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Atheer - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable, secure, quiet and reliable.

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  GS 300 Just as good the second time - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By ggwes - August 31 - 10:00 am

  This is teh second GS 300 Lexus we have owned, and it is just as wonderful as the first one. (The first one was a 1998)

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  The BEST Lexus EVER! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By JERRY - August 3 - 8:23 pm

  I really researched everything out there before I bought this time. Its so quiet I can hardly tell its running. The gas mileage Im getting is even better than expected.

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  Great ownership experience - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Lexus owner Jim - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This car was great. Very comfortable ride and most important to me, NO HASSLES! During 4 years of ownership, I had no mechanical or other problems. I just changed the oil and filled up the gas tank.

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  Dependable, But Front Panel Rattle Issue - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Geenz - July 27 - 12:03 pm

  While my Lexus 2006 GS 300 AWD is very reliable, I do have an issue with it. The radio console and front dashboard panel on occasion will have rattling issues. Extremely annoying when the rattle starts. I cant understand why Lexus would put in a radio console that has multiple plastic part assembly in the radio panel, and poor padding in the front dashboard panel. Very poor radio/console design. They missed this in there quality control. Ive brought my car in to the dealer twice, theyve resolved most rattles in the front dashboard panel area, but not the radio console front panel. For a higher end luxury car, this is unacceptable.

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  a "sure thing" / "safe bet" - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By jersey owner - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I found that the car tends to get really boring really quickly. The steering feel is isolated from the road, and acceleration is VERY poor at low speeds. After about 30mph though, the car has some decent pickup. There is alot of lightweight material in the dash, the moonroof cover is loose and rattles at high speeds. There is alot more wind noise on the highway than i would have expected. For a blah 6 cylander engine, fuel economy on this car is pretty disappointing. Especially for a Toyota product. Lastly, with the standard issue tires, this car is utterly useless in the rain. Im going to replace them soon.

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  NICE CAR BUT - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By RHPCPA - July 21 - 2:00 am

  REALLY LIKED THE CAR AFTER DRIVING LINCOLNS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. BUT I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SH0P FOR FOUR PROBLEMS. NONE SERIOUS(I.E. RADIO WENT OUT, DIMMING SWITCH WENT OUT, BATTERY DIED. REAR VIEW MIRROR BROKE. DEALERSHIP FIXED ALL BUT DISAPPOINTED THAT I HAD TO TAKE IT IN SEVERAL TIMES.

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  OH MY GOD - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By tomGS300 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a GS300 Sport Edition and I love it. I test drove the A6 and the BMW 530I and while the 530 was fun to drive. The GS300 is equally as fun and has the extra cumfort and the Lexus interior. I LOVE the Navigation System and the Sterio is the best you can buy. Go get one today!

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  Lots of power - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Nick - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in September of 2002, and I love it, but it is almost impossible to drive in the snow. There is a traction control button, but it is basically worthless when you drive over 10 mph. I will probably sell it before next winter, but for those of you who have the fotune not to deal with snow, I highly recommend this car.

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  A good near luxury car - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By J J - May 14 - 10:00 am

  My lexus is a very beautiful car. It is so comfortable and so quite. The 4 exhaust give it a sporty look. The drivetrain is smooth and excellent. It has very big back doors for easy entrance. I wish there was a little more leg room because my friends and family are all kind of tall but besides that it is a superb car and i would definintly recomend it.