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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  Luxury & Excitement - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By J Rok - January 9 - 8:53 pm

  This vehicle is absolutely phenomenal. The AWD system is excellent, I never had any concerns this winter driving the vehicle. The interior decor is top- notch, beautiful leather, wood-grain, I really like the simple layout of all the buttons and controls for the vehicle. The standard sound system is of good quality. It has good acceleration combined with a silky smooth ride. It doesnt handle like a 5 series Bimmer but it certainly makes up for it with a phenomenal exterior design, great build quality and more importantly, overall reliabilty. Definitely a 10 in my book.

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  Lexus Nailed This one!!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By BigAl - January 9 - 8:36 pm

  What a car! It rides smooth and it has a very slick design. The cops pull me over at 90 mph and I didnt even know that I was speeding. The engine is powerful, but they say the V8 is even better.

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  Great purchase - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Mohammed J - January 5 - 12:23 am

  Just traded in my 2001 GS300 for 2006 GS300. All in all it was a great purchase and good value. Surprisingly, I posted 29.8 mpg on highway from DE to NY and back for a total of 220 miles trip. But I do not get anything better than 19 mpg in the city.

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  Pleasant, reliable ride - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By bflobk - January 3 - 6:00 pm

  After owning several German cars (Audi, Mercedes, BMW) we purchased a used GS. The styling is very sporty. Powertrain is silky smooth, however the mileage as not that good for the 6 cylinder. Aside from oil changes and brakes, no service problems. Thats a relief.

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  GS300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Kitzler - November 13 - 6:06 pm

  The car can be personalized to a tee, however, this is not very easy to do. What I did not like is that when the outside temperature is cold, the transmission takes forever to reach top gear; the manual states it does so on purpose, but I dont like it. Also, while the car is powerful, it has a tendency not to downshift on hills, and thus loses some speed. Of course, stepping on the pedal remedies all that, but to me, it indicates the cars final gear ratio is too high. The gas mileage is unbelievable, but actually a couple of miles less per gallon than indicated on the trip computer. Inside it is a marvel of simplicity and access. Auto Windshield wipers are too fast for me.

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  Best Car Ever - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By bill - October 24 - 4:36 am

  Im a salesmanager and travel extensively. I trade cars every 2 years until now. My GS is the finest most trouble-free vehicle Ive ever owned. And my Lexus dealer is more than terrific. Comfort, handling, looks, are all top notch. The ONLY complaints would be lack of steering wheel controls for sound system and the requirement of premium fuel for a car with modest (200) horespower. A more accurate quote would be,"Lexus, there really isnt any substitute"

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  Unbelievable Ride - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Brandon - October 16 - 3:00 pm

  I wasnt really looking for a Lexus. I happened to be driving by the Lexus dealership and test drove the GS and was amazed. Great handling and smooth acceleration. I went back the next morning and purchased it. I love the color Quartz shadow Metallic. Loving it ever since.

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  Whoa! Thats a CAR! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Lexxxx - October 13 - 8:33 am

  This is one beautiful car. Second Lexus and could not be happier with design, and got a great deal. 300 has plenty of HP! Smooth ride and Lexus quality. BUY IT--if you can. Looked at BMW, MB, Infiniti--for me the Lexus had exactly what I was looking for in a car.

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  1 Happy Repeat Customer - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By DJ - October 6 - 3:43 pm

  Traded in my 2004 GS300 for the 2006 model and the new one blows the old one away. Handles much better, better fuel economy, and much quicker. By far the best performing car I have ever owned and the best car on the market for under $50K!!! Very satisfied customer!!!

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  Not all it should be - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Steve - September 23 - 10:26 am

  We purchased this vehicle primarily for my wife to drive. However, when we are going somewhere together I generally drive. At 63", I find the leg room in the drivers cabin to be sorely lacking. Within a week of ownership it developed a rattle inside the dash that required disassembly, including removing the windshield. Now, at 14000 miles the OEM Yokahamas are so noisy I will not drive/ride in the car until we replace the tires. Lexus claims some tires become "defective" at low mileage; however, the tires are not warranted for noise.