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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  My First Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Dr. Sud - May 10 - 10:10 am

  Very Impressed with the new Lexus GS 300 AWD from the handling to interior design and the lastest technology incorporated into the vehicle. Would recommend the car to anyone looking for an entry level luxury sedan.

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  Superb Ride - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By sivadiel - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, superb ride and comfort. Build quality is better than any other vehicle I have owned. Dealership experience is actually worthy of the vehicle. Only complaint, and its minor, is the amount of power available. Could use 25 more HP and 25+ft/lbs of tourque

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  I LOVE IT!!!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By mmrpharmd - March 14 - 1:46 am

  I have owned many luxury cars in the past including the CTS, BMW 330i, and Lexus RX330; however, this one far surpasses any of those vehicles. First of all, look at it! Its the prettiest car on the road! Second, its a good buy. LOVE this car! Third, it is so roomy inside the cabin. Fourth, the Nav is easy to use. Fifth, its a Lexus

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  Best car to date. - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By dav68 - March 11 - 11:26 pm

  This is the best car we have ever owned. Beautiful, reliable fast and solid. Incredible build quality. You may see one GS on the road for every ten ESes. I like that. We have had for 3 years with no problems. No squeaks or rattles. Drives like a new one with 76000m. Hate to wait until 06 for a new one but it will be worth it. Xenon headlamps are phenomenal. Oil changes and tires and thats it.

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  Very Satisfied in SoCal - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Mark Flannery - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car via the Internet from Lexus of Westminster, CA for their cost. The transaction was fast, businesslike and pain-free. After looking at the competition (Acura, Infiniti, BMW et al) I decided on the Lexus for its combination of style, reliability, performance, comfort and price. Although theres a few things Id change, Im quite satisfied with this car and expect to be even more so as time goes by. There have been no problems whatever during the first 8,000 miles.

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  Awesome - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By JGH - February 3 - 9:40 pm

  Excellent vehicle -- quality is hard to beat. A great looking car that is very enjoyable to drive.

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  GS is outstanding - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By jimyboy - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Lexus in 10 years, and my favorite. I traded in my LS 400 for the GS simpy bacause it is fun to drive, and in my opinion a better "in town" driving car then the LS. I have never had a single repair on any of my Lexus, outstanding cars.

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  Fun Car! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Agent Ron - January 30 - 6:33 am

  What a car. After test driving others, hands down the winner was the GS 300. The ride is incredible. The looks, the feel is second to none. Great interior with incredible accessories.

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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By clublexusgs300 - January 27 - 11:37 pm

  i bought this car a year ago with 150k on it. i did a royal purple synthetic oil change along with royal purple trans fluid. This CAR IS AMAZING. The 3.0 v6 will get up pretty quick if you have it switched to the power mode. The car is extremely comfortable with plenty of space to put stuff. For as big and roomy as the car is you wouldnt know while driving, it feels like a fun little sports car, and the shift in the transmission is almost not even noticeable. i now have almost 200k and it looks and feels like it has under 100kI put someHID headlights& led tail lights and put some nice wheels and tires on it and it turns heads. This is the best car that i have ever owned.

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  2006 Lexus GS300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By airlinephoto - January 10 - 9:20 pm

  This is one fine car. I looked at the M35 first, I didnt walk, I ran out of the dealership, it was too loud, not refined. When I testdrove the GS3 I did not have to go on to see the 535i, I was sold on the Lexus, it rides like a dream, it looks killer, its just such a beautiful machine- true luxury unlike the competition- in my opinion.