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:
Showing 81 through 90 of 367.00-
GREAT CAR TO HAVE - 1998 Lexus GS 300
By TOMAX - August 28 - 10:00 amI bought this car because i always wanted a nice whip to drive. But this car was better than i expected and it is one of the best if no the best car i have ever owned !! The reliability is a plus. It feels and looks good on the road. I will definatly buy another i dont think i will purchase another car other than the GS. I also own a RX so i guess im a lexus man 4 life !!!
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Matador Red....G Spiders....Run Flats - 2006 Lexus GS 300
By GS Driver - August 22 - 7:10 pm99 GS 300 owner no more. Lexus nailed it with this one. Corners very well, no give or roll during high speed cornering. Run flats did not interest me, but I liked the look and drive of the car, sprung for the 5 year tire road hazard for $385. Car has 900 miles on it, already had a flat. Tire was not defective, so the $385 warranty already paid for itself ($381 to replace/mount the tire). Overall a great car, Lexus service and quality has always impressed me. Compared to my 99, the 06 mpg is impressive. seeing a 4mpg improvement.The G Spiders make this car.We get many WOWS when showing it off. also, RWD has spare tire std since run flats are an option (AWD has std run flats).
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LOVE This Car!!!! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
By Brian - August 22 - 6:46 amThis is by far the best automobile Ive purchased. Extremely reliable and has 115k miles on it... only minor standard maintenance required. Engine performance is very good, firm acceleration, but a few more horses under the hood, I wouldnt turn down. The car is almost 10 years old and the only thing that has needed fixing (above regular minor maintenance) is the rear drivers-side electric door-lock motor. $375 to fix, but was getting very annoying because it was affecting the car alarm when using the keyless entry. Overall; I rate this car an easy 9 outta 10. LOVE IT !!!
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02 Lexus GS 300 Soldiers On - 2002 Lexus GS 300
By 2002 gs 300 - August 16 - 2:36 pmThis has been a very good car for me, a salesman traveling around Ohio, Ky and Indiana. At 191,000 miles, it runs exactly as it did when I bought it new. I have one complaint-it uses a qt of oil abt every 1,400 miles in the last year, using full synthetic. I still get compliments on the millennium silver color and the light grey leather interior. The handling and acceleration are crisp, for the size of the car. A good value!
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GS rocket - 2002 Lexus GS 300
By MY GS300 - August 13 - 1:33 amThis, car is really a piece of art. Everything fits so well together, the only thing i wish i would have gotten is the 430 engine, it needs more powerrrr.
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What a combination of luxury and fun! - 2002 Lexus GS 300
By mrd1 - August 8 - 10:00 amI bought a Lexus GS 300 Sport Design. What a wonderful car! I needed something larger and more civilized than the Corvette I previously drove, but also wanted a car that was tight and handled well. Although I wouldnt say the car was quick, the power is perfectly acceptable and top speed (140mph) demonstrates the car can move. Absolutely great on the highway. Youll feel great starting this car everyday. Features are excellent for the money, dealer experience was truly painless and like none I had previously experienced. I was considering a BMW but tired of the attitudes of sales staff. Lexus quality is also obvious.
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My Wonderful GS - 2000 Lexus GS 300
By Ivana - August 8 - 10:00 amI havent had one single solitary problem with this car...its uncanny! Id recommend it to anyone
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Awesome Auto - 2006 Lexus GS 300
By Denise - August 6 - 8:33 amThis car has it all, not only is it fun to drive but the performance and ride quality are exceptional. The push button start and the ability to open the doors and trunk without fumbling for keys is great. The controls on the car were easy to figure out without having to study the owners manual. The adaptive front headlights and bright headlamps make it easy on the eyes when driving at night. The interior spot lighting is bright enough for passengers to read by without interfering with the drivers vision.
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I love this car!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
By Coonbr - July 30 - 8:00 pmI just purchased a 2006 GS 300 CPO with 16K miles and I love it! The car is awesome! People actually stare at the car when you drive! I traded in my 2002 ES 300 and Im sure glad I did. The GS comes with so many nice features - smooth ride, halogen lights, heat/cool seats, 3 person memory driver and passenger seats, bluetooth phone. A month later I am still noticing cool features I didnt notice before. The car offers you a sporty feel with total luxury & durability.
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lexus - 2003 Lexus GS 300
By tjuris - July 27 - 2:00 amNot a real sporty car
