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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  You know you want this car! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By lexi300 - April 30 - 12:23 pm

  This is a car you need to drive. Pure fun and driving enjoyment. The perforated and ventilated seats are top notch and make you feel great. Instrument panel is intelligently laid out and intuitive. All instruments are easy to find and automatically adjust to be read in all lighting conditions. The straightforward, bright-white numbers are elegant and simple. Interior and exterior design are cutting edge -- utility with a real flair. Car drives and accelerates like a dream. Engine purrs. Car is soundproofed so ride is quiet, but not so quiet that you dont get needed feedback. Brakes are sure and confident. Tires are right grip and size for the car. All-wheel drive is perfect.

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  lexus gs300 - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By ael77 - April 28 - 6:34 am

  i had a gs300 for a long time it has about 140,000 miles on it n it runs great built great good quality the interior is nice seats r comfortable n so is the ride performance is good i like sports cars but the peformance is good enough its an 11 year old car n i still drive it like a sports car so it can handle the abuse not that i do but sometimes i need to boogy the top speed i ever did on it is about 125mph n im not scared to boogy on it cuz i know it can handle it the snow option helps out alot in the snow with good tires for n rearwheel drive its pretty good doesnt need alot of maintenace n the sound system is pretty good on the platinum edition so its a good car still runs awesome

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  GS300 Sport - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By fs - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The GS300 is a pure delight to drive,the car is fun to drive,excellent ride with Sports design package. The interior is well laid out and very comfortable. If there is one area of improvement it would be to increase horsepower,that could be done by dropping in a twin turbo like the Toyota Supra or increasing the size of the engine. The car is very reliable with no problems to date.

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  The squeak that sank the Lexus - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By unhappy in dallas - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my second (and last) GS 300. The first one was incredible. It was 2.5 yr old when we sold it and bought the new one. Our new one, since day one, has had squeaks, creaks and groans from the dash that the dealership has been unable to fix. Thought I would trade it in for a new one (it is only 5 mo old). Was told the dealership would give me $33k. About $8k depreciation in 5 months. Finish out detail problems like what I am experiencing are amazing for a luxury car maker like Lexus. Learned my lesson. Next time- BMW here I come.

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  No longer fun to browse for cars - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Dustin - March 14 - 9:43 pm

  My GS 300 spoiled me, but I didnt realize it until I started looking at other cars online. I used to do it for fun, just to fantasize about what I might enjoy. I was lucky enough to find my 04 model with the Nav/Lev package, which has more than proven itself. Now I dont even have fun looking at other cars. I just cant imagine that it would get any better than the reliability, extreme level of comfort, and total owner satisfaction that I have experienced over the past year and a half. My first lexus was a 96 ES 300, which was replaced with this one. As long as I am able, I will never purchase another vehicle.

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  Never Again - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Don - March 13 - 7:43 am

  I have had 4 Lexus models, LS 400, SC 430, GS 470 and most recently GS 300. Have to say this is the last Lexus I will ever drive. Have had an annoying clunk in the front end when backing out of a parking spot. Although everyone I have had in the car asks what the clunking sound is, mysteriously, it never occurs at the dealership. They have been unable to fix this ongoing problem. Also, tires had to be replaced at 24,000 kms approximately 15,000. Tires are rated as all season. Do not attempt to drive this car in snow conditions without snow tires. 10 months left on lease, cannot wait till end of term.

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  Big Guys Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By George - March 11 - 8:26 pm

  Everything about it is absolutely great except for one thing. Its really hard for a big guy to get in and out of and theres not enough headroom. Its worth it though!

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  The Best! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Long Tran - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great nothing but a great car ever built!

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  sexy lexy - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By hiyo silver - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely an amazing car, everything Ive always looked for. Great stereo, Nav System, zenon lights, cd changer in dash, heated seats, memory package, graet interior (second to none much better than mbz,bmw)-- why get anything upgraded? Great service from dealership always with a smile.

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  Great sedan - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Tom - February 16 - 7:06 am

  I am very happy with my new GS 300. It preforms great. Not to mention great interior design. The only one thing that I would upgrade in my car is the engine. I would put 3.5 L engine.