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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  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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  I want my BMW 5 series back - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By ParkPlaceBAD-TX - December 26 - 10:00 am

  My GS has been in the shop 10+ times. Sounds like a friggin alian spaceship landing in the FR at 40-55, Lexus says "its normal" but they cant reproduce on another car. Replaced the rack, tires & other parts with no results. Slight presure on the brakes & the noise goes away but they wont replace the caliper - too logical maybe? First 8mo they said "absolutly, theres a problem", now they claim its fixed & its normal noise. Also, the car wanders horribly on the highway, thats why they replaced the rack - no change. They took the front end out of spec & did help the drift but its still miserable. A bit of wind on the road pushes me around, bummer huh?

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  Great car, missed important protection - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Kaye - January 21 - 9:23 am

  Car has a great drive and is fun to be in..

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  Smooth Ride but Some Issues - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By niteflite - November 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 15 months now and have put around 15,000 miles on it. I replaced the stock run-flats with bridgestone turanza serenity after a blow-out. The car feels great on these tires. However, the car has been at the dealer several times. Grinding noise at cold start-up. Theres a TSB out for this but the dealer turned me away the first time. Called lexus corporate then the dealer invited me back and fixed it without questions. Now theres a recall on the brakes.

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  GS300 in Georgia - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Paige - September 12 - 10:00 am

  The GS300 caught my attention due to Lexus reputation for perfection plus this car has a sporty element to the styling and handling. My only major dislike about the car is the method the climate control system uses in the winter to establish the cabin temperature that results in blowing cold air on the driver. This is by design and unfixable by the dealer. It makes driving in the 30 degree temps sometimes frustrating if you do not like cold air in the winter even in the manual mode setting.

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  Totally Satisfied - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By suxelgs300 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my third GS 300. Each one has been better than the last. My current model is the special edition "Sport Design" that has a Euro-tuned suspension, larger tires and some cosmetic enhancements. Now there is no sogginess in the ride. Reliability has always been great and so has the overall buying experience.

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  2006 GS300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By mspence - August 3 - 4:06 am

  the car had two major flaws : low headroom . I am only 59" and my head almost scrapes the roof . The second flaw it the run flat tires . They do not take any abuse . They puncture easily and are very expensive. The dealer was not very clear about the option to put regular tires on the car .

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  Amazing Luxo-Sports Sedan - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Dave - November 21 - 2:00 pm

  Amazing looking car with sporty optional wheels and luxurious interior. Smooth and refine yet sporty to drive. Touchscreen system beats iDrive in the bimmer and is more reliable. It is faster than the BMW 530xi which felt heavy and slow and too pricey for its standard equipment. I love the bluetooth, smart access keyless entry system, etc.

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  01 GS 300 Florida - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By abockstein - January 16 - 2:00 am

  best car ever owned...beautiful, still looks brand new, people still comment on it everyday, no mech problems in 2.5years...However, it is NOT a german car. After owning three Audis before, my next car definitely will be a 5 series BMW, I need more firmness and better handling...Too sum it up, great car, but MUSH!!!!

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  Great Car - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By R. H. Jackson - November 13 - 3:20 pm

  I purchased this car new and have been very pleased. The Homelink malfunctioned during the warranty period and was replaced. The only other problem was the radio display which was replaced recently when the car was nine years old. The car runs and drives like new. It is by far the best car I have ever owned.