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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  Luxury at a bargain price! - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By DrMFT - September 14 - 6:40 pm

  Just purchased this 2001 GS 300 with 108k miles. Got it for a great price but am settling in for the higher maintenance costs. Just ordered a new key fob to the tune of $290. Ouch! Every 15k mile service is BIG bucks! Other than this, I am blessed to have such a great car!

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  Making an old trip New. - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Herman Goldberg - September 8 - 4:43 am

  When I purchased the first 4wd Sedan in Florida every one said I was wasting my money. On the trip back to New York we hit a hail storm outside Tallahassee. Trucks had overturned but the little Lexus held the road like there were magnets in the tires. It truly exceeded my expectations. Quieter and peppier than expected for a 6 cylinder. It got on the Turnpike and passed trucks with ease. No complaints on performance or dealer contact (the best in my 50 years of driving luxury cars). On the down side the trunk is too small for all the luggage my wife and I take on a vacation, the fold down auxillary access to controls cannot be used when driving and the GPS sometimes gives bizarre directions.

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  Bought 2000 GS in 2010! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By boinz - September 7 - 8:30 pm

  I have never bought a 10 year old car before. But it was roomy for my 63" frame and 275 lbs! I found a 1 owner Car Fax certified model with 94,000 miles. Beside routine maintenance, I had work down on memory front seat and upper and lower control arms in the front. I have not regretted buying it.

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  Totally impessive - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By ScB - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I waited quite a while to finally purchase a luxury sports sedan. This time allowed for me to compare head to head several compting models from BMW, Audi, and Infiniti. They all were nice but only the Lexus GS300 was exceptional. I purchased the sports edition and have not looked backed. Beautiful to look at and to drive. Drives with power and authority and has the most solid feel in its class. It is difficult to describe the experience without being behind he wheel, but my guess is this is the best of both performance and luxury out there. I without hesitation recommend this car.

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  A GREAT CAR WITH THE RIGHT TIRES - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By jedi - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Had my GS 300 (premium pkg.) for a little over a year now and I love this car ! Quietest, smoothest ride Ive experienced. No problems after 21,000 miles EXCEPT problems with the Bridegestone tires the car originally came with. One tire ran flat first 1000 miles; had fixed at dealer. Dealer could NOT balance these tires on the chrome wheels. Car shimmied at highway speeds (65mph+). Dealer finally replaced Bridgestones with Michelin Pilots AND WHAT A DIFFERNCE ! No problems AT ALL other than Bridgestone tires. Dealer experience the best.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Bill Ayotte - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car a lot and would recommend it to anyone. We now own the Lexus SUV as well.

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  Joyride! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By LexCess - July 8 - 11:33 pm

  This is an awesome car. It is so much fun to drive that I volunteer to go grocery shopping. We wanted to get the RWD, but got the AWD because we wanted a specific color that is not easily available. The slight drop in the fuel efficiency bothers me, but I forget all about it when I start the car.

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  GS 300 Platinum - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By DanO - June 14 - 3:53 am

  Drives smooth and like its on a rail. Low and wide and stable - it looks lowered, but its not. Pearl color is beautiful. Moonroof is real quiet when open, whereas the Acura RL we tested was noisy. Leather is real soft and comfy, even tho I was not a leather guy when buying. The sound system is the best I have ever heard in an uncustomized setup. WOW! My wife had to have this car, and now Im glad we got it. Trouble free, quiet, dependable, sporty and luxury.

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  Best car ever - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By rpin - May 26 - 10:40 am

  Im writing this to help all that are looking to purchase this car, I have a gs with 183.000 miles and still feels like a car with at least 70.000, this car has never giving me problems is extremely reliable and possibly the best car I have ever own, fun to drive, and with the aftermarket suspension that I put on it, it feels more sporty than ever.

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  Sweet wheels - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Pearl - May 19 - 6:26 pm

  Great car: elegant and refined styling, super amenities combined with real road muscle, fast off the start power, great gear shift ratios, excellent handling. The Bluetooth-enabled hands-free phone could be improved (wont load your telephone book) and the rear view mirrors that tip down during backup are just plain annoying. Other than that, absolutely no complaints - very happy with the quality.