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 Lexus set the standard for me - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By haultj - February 3 - 1:39 pm

  I bought this car for my wife new in late 2002. We loaded it with every option including the Mark Levison audio and the Navigation. We also looked at the Audi A6 and the Lincoln LS-E. The GS300 was hands down the winner. There was no comparison. The fit and finish of this car is amazing. The styling of the exterior was what really made the decision for us. The interior is so amazingly comfortable and everything just fits well and works well. The Lexus navigation was so much better than the Audi and Lincoln. We both love this car and bought a second Lexus when I was ready to replace my SUV.

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  This is my 2nd lexus gs300 - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By chasjr. - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I leased gs300 in 12/99. I loved the car so much i leased a 03 gs300 when returned the 00. This time the car has mark lev audio and nav. hid headlights. This has to be the best car i ever leased.

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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 experience - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Canton MI - December 24 - 1:26 pm

  Residents of south east Michigan (Motown)are not supposed to drive foreign cars. And until my Lexus, I only drove domestic. What a great experience. The powertrain and build quality are fantastic. Dealership service is only marginally better however.

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  GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Jerry - December 7 - 4:00 am

  I initially bought this car over the Infiniti M35 because of a higher resale value down the road. However, since owning it for 6 months I now appreciate it more than I ever thought I would. Besides, until Infiniti, or anyone else puts out a color to beat Matador Red, Ill just keep putting miles on this one!

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  The best of the best - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By adam - December 1 - 11:00 pm

  This car is awesome and it handles so gently yet still very powerful and has a lot of standard features. The all wheel drive handles great in a lot of snow something that i need in the windy city and the fuel econmy is great. Lexus really did it up with the third generation GS.

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  GS300 - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Ronie Ling - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Smooth drive. It feels good when you drive this car. One of the best model and I like the style both exterior and interior

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  GS 300 Review - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By csrb7007 - October 20 - 2:23 am

  Very enjoyable car, this vehicle exudes quality and craftsmanship. Everyone who has ridden in this vehicle loves it. I wish Id bought a Lexus sooner!

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  My Wifes Car 2003 - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By rtherrie - October 13 - 2:00 am

  We leased this Lexus GS 300 and I found as many cars as I have bought for my wife I should have just got the best Lexus, I like the 2002 so much I gave it to my son and we Leased a 2003 they are a great Car.

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  Like-a-Rock - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By RedBaron - September 30 - 5:10 pm

  Previous sedan was Jaguar xj-40. This GS 300 is much better, more reliable, and far fewer maintenance issues. Running 17" wheels w/Toyo Proxes. May go to 18" wheels next. Yes, could use more back-seat legroom. Off like a shot with a tap of the accelerator. Corners great and tracks steady. Have 130,000 miles and still get 26-28 highway mpg. Will buy a GS 350 next. Gotta love em.