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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  7 times in shop! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Scott R. - August 21 - 8:20 pm

  Beware, this car is very problematic. I have 7 trips to the shop already. I would tell people to wait and buy the 2007 model. This should allow Lexus adequate time to fix all problems. This is my second GS300. I wish I kept my 2003 GS300! The headlights, head rest, dome light, back up camera and other items have been replaced. I also want to ad some have been replaced two times! When one item needs to be fixed a third time, I will begin the Lemon Law process. I just want all serious buyers to beware. The 2006 GS300 has become my worst experience ever with any automobile. I have owned or leased approximately fifteen new vehicles in my life. I wish you luck if you decide to purchase a 2006 GS

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  Tire noise is horrible! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By RKB - May 6 - 10:56 am

  On our second set of tires and car has 47,000 miles on it. Tire noise is driving us crazy. Road noise inside car is worse than riding in my daughters Honda Civic. Happens after about 15,000 miles on tires. Dealer tells us its the high performance tires that are noisy. You would think a car of this value would drive quiet, but thats not the case with the tires.

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  Not like they used to be. - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By succeedinlife5 - August 3 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased this 2006 Lexus GS300 AWD in the 2008. It was a lease return with a clean record and was being offered as a CPO vehicle no accidents noted on the CarFax. Since purchasing the car, it has been recalled 6 times. Steering, brakes, gas line, bolts, carpet, floor mats. Since purchasing the car, I have had a great deal of issues with the quality. 1) Dash will not stop rattling. It has been into the dealer 5 times for this and the rattle comes back every time. 2) A/C system will smell like mold when it is starts. 3) Wheels bubbled. 4) Mirrors would not tilt up 5) Inside mirror rattles 6) Tires wore out VERY fast 7) Console rattles 8) Sunroof leaks and has wind noise

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  Bland for the Bucks, problems too - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Ira - December 5 - 7:06 pm

  I am so disappointed in this overpriced car. I received a replacement trans at 877 miles and continue to have trans trouble. Navigation cannot be programed while the car is in motion. You cannot dial out (cell phone) via bluetooth while the car is in motion. The bluetooth address book will not receive and store the information from some cell phones. When the car is in motion, voice commands are rarely recognized due to background road noise. I had to pay $300 for the XM module in order to receive XM and the display of track & artist info is cut off. I am truly dissapointed in the car.

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  Wishing Id Never Purchased It - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Dissatisfied - September 15 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this car and, prior to close, had to force them to give me new tires as my "certified" vehicle tires were badly worn. Nicks, chips, in excess of what one would expect for a car with 22k miles. Within a few months, the radio numbers were barely visible. Minor repairs still covered by warranty were required. Now at $83K, I would have spent $5K fixing items but for the fact that I deferred a $1400 service that would be a "nice to have" and the dealer will pay for the labor on a power steering column I have to replace after doing a $2700 service two weeks ago. I should have kept ES300; 208K miles without the problems Im having here at 82K. Terrible snow handling.

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  Disapointed - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By dissapointed300 - August 21 - 4:03 pm

  Bought my 2006 GS300 as a certified preowned in Feb of 2008. The exterior and interior of the car was great. What sealed the deal for me was the overall consumer ratings of the car. Unfortunately, my disappointment started 2 weeks after I bought the car, I was sold cupped tires. Ever since then, I have taken my GS300 back to the shop on a monthly basis for different problems. Customer Service is great but the quality of the car is not. As a matter of fact, car is in the shop now (June 2009). Time for another car!! Any suggestions for a quality, reliable, luxury car that I dont have to take into the shop every month except for maintenance? Does it even exist any more?