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 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By first Lexus - September 4 - 9:53 am

  Had dealer add the 18" wheels with Dunlop run flat tires that makes the ride a little more stiff but far less sway that 17" stock. Excellent quiet ride with good visibility. First Lexus after extended trial and consideration of BMW 530, Infiniti M45, Audi A6 3.0 and Jaguar S V8. Best combination of the "good" things from the others such as AWD, acceptable power but not at loss of MPG or paying exorbitant price. Avoids the "bad" traits like goofy BMW iDrive, Infiniti noise, Audi initial acceleration hesitation and Jag smallish interior. Almost looking forward to Minnesota winters.

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  4 Great Years - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Brooksie - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my GS300 since July 99 and have thouroughly enjoyed the car.

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  GS300 - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By tie - August 13 - 10:00 am

  great car, really reliable. Especially for those that have long commutes.

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  Smart Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Lexus Man - July 26 - 3:23 am

  As with any Lexus, the cars are made to last. However, the Lexus GS 300 is the smartest car on the market. It can fly down the highway and it is easy to drive. The car can tame the road with its impressive power. It is quiet, comfortable and the best deal on any luxury car.

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  Very nice looking car - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By spike - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Well built car and it turns head! Took a test drive and love it. Its like gliding on ice, very smooth.

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  Fantastic Automobile - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Ron - July 20 - 2:43 pm

  I looked at the BMW-5, Benz, Infiniti M, Acura, Audi S4, Jaguar, etc etc... none met what I was looking for until I found the new GS 300. With the redesign of the Lexus GS 300 AWD, I finally have found a car that is a perfect blend of form and function. It feels like a luxurious sedan but doesnt look like an old 4-door family car. While some prefer the stiff ride of the BMW 5-series as several like to feel the road, I like the feeling of comfort. AWD is a huge plus as well (unlike my BMW aka "silver sled". While it does not have as much HP as the Infiniti M, it feels better put together (the M felt like a boat w/its strange wooden trim). The screen +key + bluetooth are great as well!!

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  this is a good car! - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Paco - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have a gs300 with a body kit and some 21" inch rims and it looks tight!

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  this is a good car! - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By paco - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have a gs300 with a body kit and some 21" inch rims and it looks tight!

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  Ride of my dreams - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Carol - July 6 - 6:20 am

  From the minute I got in to this car, I fell in love. This is the ride of my dreams. The luxury features make me feel pampered. I love to drive, but I have never had this much fun on four wheels. The color is the most perfect shade of metalic red, which accentuates the stylish lines. I was too excited to catch everything from the salesman the night I bought the car, so I keep finding neat things that make me fall more in love. The best part is that I dont have to hunt for my keys anymore, because Im such a scatterbrain. What a ride!

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  i love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By i love it !!!!!!!!!! - July 5 - 11:33 am

  When I bought this car it had 80000 miles I didnt do anything to the car until it reached 100000 miles nothing major and had to change the starter at about 105000 miles now at 110000 miles no problems so far an I hope it stays that way. Overall the car is great compare to what’s out there dont think twice and buy it...........