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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  GS 300 - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By TJ1 - April 26 - 10:00 am

  What can I say. Its a Lexus! I am not in the least bit disappointed. It handles like a dream and is quick, safe and comfortable.

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  Best of its Class - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ErnestN San Diego - April 3 - 3:06 pm

  What an outstanding car!!! Tested it straight up against a M35, and the GS 300 was a hands down winner. It has everything, I mean everything you could ask for in a car. Bought it lightly used, the ride is superb, the looks head-turning, the features off the charts. Gas mileage 25 on my first tank, compared to 17-9 for the M35. Had a laundry list of items I wanted for my post military retirement "new" car, and this GS hit every one. Its only been a month, but no road noise, smooth ride, and the engine barely makes a sound. But with keyless start, youll never grind the starter!! Money well spent!! One of these days Ill read the manual to find out what other features I have!

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  sporty luxury - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Sporty Luxury - March 21 - 10:23 pm

  fun to drive with the optional standard feature & extremely easy to handle! great feel of control on the road and yet smooth and quiet. sporty luxury!

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  Great Car - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Adrian - March 13 - 1:00 pm

  I have owned this car since it was new. It has been fun and very reliable. It is quick and stable. The brakes are excellent.

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  I like it, I love it, I want more of it. - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Zman - February 2 - 12:13 pm

  Great car. Nice to drive. I test drove other cars in its class and I loved this car.

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  Buy it now!! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By HHGSOwner - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my C-Class and am completely thrilled. GS-300 has plenty of power, dont listen to the nay sayers!! Smooth, quiet, touch of understeer which I happen to like. Test drove the A-6, new E-class, 5 series, and TL; this one beat them all out, and got an amazing deal with payments less than my 2002 C-Class!! Buy this car!

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  First time but not the last - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Tony Siegle - January 2 - 1:26 pm

  Graduating from an Infiniti J30 and an Audi A4, this car tops them all, clearly superior in comfort, dependability and class. In addition to a comfort upgrade, it has features the others omitted. The interface of the control panel takes some adjusting to but allows one into the 21st century. You have to check to see if it is running as the engine purrs flawlessly. It handles superbly allowing you a genuine feel of the road.

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  by much, the best car on the road - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By erick0277 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  A great combination of design, road maners, enogh power and safety features. Definily a quick car on the road with a great estability and smooth drivetrain without sacrifice the sport feeling. Fine style and comfort. Never been more happy with a car before. Excellent acceleration and braking, feels very handy, secure and awesome looking. best over all car.

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  Drives like a dream - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By BZimmermann - December 15 - 10:00 am

  AMAZING CAR! My dad owned one, and made the mistake of letting me drive it. :-P In a way, Im disappointed he ever let me drive it. My standards have risen to a new level. This car was the most amazing thing Ive ever driven. Fuel Economy great! Until you go wide open out of every light like I did (4 MPG) Good sound system. It brings tears to my eyes every time I see one on the road now because Im so disappointed that he sold it.

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  ITS A LEX - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By KANE - December 14 - 9:23 pm

  I have only had this car for 2.5 weeks but I love it so much. Even though the style for this car has been redesigned because it was seven years old, its still a headturner, its a good feeling. This car is marketed as a luxury sport sedan but I think its still more luxury than sport. I prefer luxury over sport anyway thats why I bought a Lexus, but the car might not be that appealing to people that want to feel the road. It feels like youre riding on a cloud when you drive this car, like youre separated from the rest of the world. The car is loaded with an abundance of features. Its a great car and I know it will last as long as I need it to.