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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  Still loving it - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By zeeshan - December 18 - 10:00 am

  It takes me 6 months to get bored of a new car. I have owned my GS (Sports Design) for over 2 years now and I am still enjoying it. That should say a lot about this car. No car is perfect. GS300 is very slow from 0 to 60 (over 8 seconds)by todays standards. I have the regular (not Mark Levinson) stereo which is so so, it has a small trunk size and the gas mileage is really bad. On the plus side, it has a very comfortable plush ride and build quality is great. Dealership (Stevens Creek Lexus) and after sales service is superb. For performance, BMW 530i might be a better choice. For reliability and comfort, GS is ahead.

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  My GS - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By jblexgs - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Flawless, solid. Feels and performs like a new car after 48,000 miles. Build quality is beyond anything in its class. I know why the doemstics are dying.

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  Its a Lexus - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By wp2ztrs - November 21 - 5:50 pm

  Overall I thought it has a very smooth ride, very comfortable seats that will go into every position. I noticed the brakes were a little catchy if you want to make a quick stop. I think in time I will get use to them, probably because of the all wheel drive.

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  Phenomenal Used Car - Exceeds Expectations - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By cardrivinman - September 26 - 9:27 pm

  Just bought the 2006 Lexus GS300 used. This 9 year old car feels new, is ultra comfortable and quiet, and has technology that is still cutting edge. This car hugs the road, smooths out bumps, and feels smooth as silk. Despite being a 2006 model it has power everything, touch start, backup camera, and Bluetooth! Yes, even though this car predates iPhones and Androids and it still has Bluetooth and pairs w/ my iPhone. It has all the technology that a brand new 2015 car would have, except for blindspot warning...which isnt necessary because visibility is excellent in the GS300. This 9 year old Lexus is better than some respectable 2015 cars I tested. The GS300 exceeds my expectations.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By LATTE - September 20 - 11:43 pm

  This car is unbelievable. They really did a great job. It has so many tech things to operate. Very quick in the 6 speed manual mode. The interior lights need to be brighter. So far so good. We have only had the car for three weeks.

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  Love my Lexus! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By missy - July 23 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased my car used in June of 2009 with about 123k miles. The previous owner already changed the timing belt and water pump. The dealer gave me an old change and new front brakes. I had to replace the contacts on the starter (about $85 including labor), flushed the transmission, new spark plugs & replaced some engine seals. I didnt do all this work at once though. I expected to do a little maintenance since it was a used car.

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  almost perfect - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By djlink - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Even though this model has been around since 98 I still get nice comments quite often. The ride is fine for me, Im not throwing it around corners so the luxury is my priority. Switched to michelin pilots after 500 miles, goodyear tires were inferior. Only changes I would suggest are quite minor; 4-spoke wheel with radio controls and improved trunk hinges to avoid crushing luggage. Pretty minor items. Dealer service is just what you expect and more, Id be hard pressed to ever consider another make of car.

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  another lexus joy - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By mamasita - June 30 - 1:20 pm

  i have owned the rx300, the new es300, the is300 sportcross. i loved the reliability of all of them. i did not care for the es styling. i loved the is 300 sport cross for city living. but the gs 300 is the best.. combo of luxury, space, safety, and lexus quality. ac is perfect. and it drives like a dream

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  I fell in love!!! - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By eoh - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2000 GS300 two weeks ago with 36K miles on it. I was trying to decide between a new Beetle converible and a used RX300... and then I saw this. I knew right away it was exactly what I wanted. I spent a little more than I had originally planned, but it is worth every penny. In one week, I have absolutely fallen in love with this car. As long as I live, as much money as I ever make, I will never need more car than this. Its stylish, luxurious and powerful. Its one of the best decisions Ive ever made in my life. I commute 1-1/2 hours to work and this car puts a smile on my face every day. Makes a great first impression but is not overdone.

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  My new GS - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Daniel H Kline - June 9 - 5:40 pm

  Probably the best and most expensive car I have ever owned, I read a review while at the gym on 3/17 and went to dealer on 3/18 purchasing the beautiful new style it is a pleasure to drive and love getting all the stares of people in other cars.