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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  sporty and reliable - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By jarrett - April 2 - 10:00 am

  my experience with this vechile has been very fun. Style Power And sport all names this performance sedan. I also have to say that the trunk has made bigger improvments in space leather is more rich. And the vsc is wonderful in the winter time. Its pricing is very good to because its not as high as bmws 5 series and not as high as mercedes benz E Class.

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  GS 300 - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By RAL - March 19 - 10:00 am

  GS 300s in-line 6 is a clone of the BMW. We got BMW type acceleration and Lexus quality. The car has more of a luxury ride than the 5 series and the steering is more relaxed but the GS has more luxury, features and realiability than the Bimmers. One other note, our Lexus dealer treated us right from the get go. Every BMW dealer in town that we visited acted as though they were heirs to the English crown. Over the top arrogant attitudes and some salesmen had less than acceptable level of knowledge of their own products 3 and 5 series. BTW- the 325 are made in S. Africa not Germany.

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  Lovin it (so far) - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Delta Diva - March 11 - 1:30 am

  I bought my car used this week and it was in excellent condition. Not too many miles for a used car. It is fully loaded, great sound system, wonderful AC, smooth ride, and so far no problems. I also got it at the blue book value (not overpriced).

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  Engineered to Perfection - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By reviewer from NY - March 1 - 5:53 pm

  This is my second GS 300 and Lexus has taken the best of the older generations and infused the latest technology into one great package. It offers much more equipment than comparably equipped BMW 5 series and the MB E class. Combined with Lexus reliability, the GS comes out superior in every way. The GS is the class leader because it is assembled in the best robotic assembly plant in the world (Tahara Japan, the same line as used for the LS 430). In this plant Lexus has achieved the highest level of automation in the build cycle, and the lowest defect rate as compared to any other auto manufacturer. BMW and Mercedes do not even come close.

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  Feels so good - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Steve - February 26 - 1:53 pm

  I have had the 2006 GS 300 for about 2 months now. I was bouncing all over on what to get and what sold me on it was the luxury and fuel milage. I drive about 35 miles to work each day and average over 30mpg on the highway cruising at about 75mph. (One tankful, I got 33mpg on a trip.) Im getting about 24mpg in the city. All this with absolute quality and luxury that you get with Lexus. The performance is solid - its no rocket, but I didnt buy it for that. One of my friends just got a new BMW 525i at the same time and dollar for dollar he will even tell you I got the better value.

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  Safe, reliable, comfortable and looks good - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By frugalshopper - February 8 - 3:50 pm

  Bought as a commute car--most comfortable car I have ever ridden in. Looked at BMWs but reports of repair issues nixed that thought. So far, I have driven 48M trouble free miles, get good mileage on my commute--30 MPG on freeways and 26-28 on combination city/country roads. Love the navigation system.

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  Great Car!!!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By JR - February 4 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased my car in 2005. I enjoy driving it. Brighter interior light needed when you open the doors since my car has black interior. Display panel is easy to operate. I have run-flat tires and after two weeks of driving my car, I had a flat. I had to purchase a new tire. Didnt like that at all. Overall, great car, comfort and appearance. Ive never owned a Lexus before but I would recommend the Lexus to my friends. The ride is superb!!! No wind sound when all windows are rolled up.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ray - February 1 - 9:00 pm

  This vehicle is pure joy to drive. It is very quiet, handles very well on the open road. Recently took a 1000 mile road trip and averaged approx 32 mpg.

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  Whats not to like - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By statman - January 30 - 3:23 pm

  The Lexus GS 300 AWD is a high quality car that is as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at. Compared with todays complicated iDrive systems in competing cars, the Lexuss touch screen is incredibly easy to use and wonderful to look at. The push button start is convenient and fit and finish are outstanding. The ride is quiet and there is just enough road feel to make it enjoyable. There is plenty of power for every day driving and even a power mode for those who want to push the car harder. Visiblity is great, seats are comfortible, even the rain sensing wipers work well. The navigation screen is slightly over complicated and takes a little getting used to but is packed with features.

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  Lexus - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Bill Murray - January 17 - 10:00 am

  It is obvious that quality means everything to the people at Lexus. My car is without a doubt, the best built automobile that I have ever owned. I own the GS 300 and the six cylinder engine in this car is surprisingly responsive and you have to drive it to appreciate how quit it is on the road. When you put the "pedal to the metal", you feel the acceleration, but you dont hear it.! I look forward to getting behind the wheel and putting it through the paces. I am sure that I will enjoy this car for many, many years.