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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  sport design - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By audit - January 18 - 10:00 am

  The GS 300 sport edition is a fun car to drive. The cabin is roomy and I can put all three car seats in the back row. The titanium accents and unique color (graphite gray) are some of its special features

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  Lots of Fun to Drive - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By mstoys - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The interior of the GS 300 is very stylish and controls are within easy reach to the driver. I bought the navigation system and am very happy with its overall performance. System is run off of GPS and keeps the car on the map. The 6 cyl engine is very zippy. I toyed with the idea of getting the GS 430 to get the bigger engine but after driving both found that the GS 300 had plenty of power. Service from Lexus has been a very pleasant experience. I highly recommend this car.

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  The ultimate in driving - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Jane - January 4 - 7:20 pm

  I love this car! I had a 2001 GS 300 and thought it was great but this one beats it by miles. It is great fun to drive and with AWD the steering is beautiful. It almost drives itself!

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  2006 Lexus GS300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By masih - December 29 - 8:06 pm

  We bought this car about a month ago and absolutely love it. The shape is wonderful. It is very quiet and powerful and drives very well. The drivers seat is very comfortable. I think that Consumer Report is way off on their review of this car. The paint job is fabulous. This is our fourth Lexus and we have always had very good reliability from these cars.

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  Love my car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Jolie Fleming - December 23 - 9:53 pm

  Overall, I really enjoy the car. It offers luxury, durability and flexibility for both a family as well as a night out on the time. I can not say enough good things about Lexus in general-- and our dealership is top notch!

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  WOW - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Philips - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Just a beautifully designed vehicle. Sales experience was excellent, not pushy. Service is unbelievable. For a bigger car handles very well. Features are well thought out and very intuitive Lots of space for passengers and great sound system. Highly recommend this car

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  Love my GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Kathay - November 27 - 4:13 pm

  This is my fifth Lexus and by far the best of the best. Comfortable luxury with a sports car feel. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Smooth Ride but Some Issues - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By niteflite - November 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 15 months now and have put around 15,000 miles on it. I replaced the stock run-flats with bridgestone turanza serenity after a blow-out. The car feels great on these tires. However, the car has been at the dealer several times. Grinding noise at cold start-up. Theres a TSB out for this but the dealer turned me away the first time. Called lexus corporate then the dealer invited me back and fixed it without questions. Now theres a recall on the brakes.

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  A car thats worth spending the money - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By anna meyers - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I love the car!!!

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  6 months in, very happy - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By mrljacobs - November 11 - 5:35 pm

  I purchased my GS300 with 92,000 miles on it 6 months ago. So far I am very happy. Car is very nice, has great features, and has been problem free. When I purchased there was some rattling coming from near the right front tire. Took to mechanic, replaced front strut mounts, and rattle was taken care of. Cost me $350, but now I enjoy a smooth quiet ride. Average 22mpg, and get much better on long freeway drives. Will upgrade to LS430 in a few years.