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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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By fars - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I had just finished a bad experience with Jaguar and was looking for a sporty and fun to drive car that had that European flair.Looked at BMW but went back to Lexus only this time the GS 300 sportdesign model. I thought about the GS430 but figured the speeding tickets were not worth it. The GS300 is a great car,fast enough on the highway with a great ride and finish,if you can buy one.

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  Great value for the buck - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Johnny - October 22 - 9:43 pm

  Been driving GS for about a week. Got a great price - $3K below invoice w/ all sorts of options including nav. Ride is smooth. Been getting 34.9 MPG average! Thats not a typo! Im picky about noise and thus far road/wind noise is relatively mute. Tire noise is minimal on most surfaces. No squeaks and rattles so far. Researched my purchase up the ying-yang. I compared M35 and RL but always came back to the GS b/c of its sporty looks, quality, and overall value.

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  Love, love - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By carrie - October 19 - 7:50 pm

  Have really enjoyed my GS 300. smooth, quiet,comfortable and beautiful. Have been stopped in store parking lots and asked all about my vehicle. I love the sportier look also. The only negative items I can mention are the truck configurations and that the owners manual does not fit in the glove compartment (for petes sake). The lip spoiler also makes the vehicle look even prettier.

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  2 months and counting - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Jimmy - September 28 - 8:00 am

  This is now my 3rd Lexus. Prior vehicles were the ES and IS 300s. The GS is by far the most refined of the trio. Before purchasing the GS I test drove both the IS 250 AWD and the ES 350 and although I was impressed with both cars, once I got into and began driving the GS it was then easy to decide this was the car I wanted.

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  Amazing... leaves you speechless - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By John - September 16 - 7:16 am

  This car is amazing. Besides its sleek design, in and out, it has great handling capabilities and drives as smooth as glass. This car is amazing compared to its price. It is totally worth considering. I think the 06 GS is the best in its class. I just got one and I couldnt be any happier.

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  GS300 in Georgia - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Paige - September 12 - 10:00 am

  The GS300 caught my attention due to Lexus reputation for perfection plus this car has a sporty element to the styling and handling. My only major dislike about the car is the method the climate control system uses in the winter to establish the cabin temperature that results in blowing cold air on the driver. This is by design and unfixable by the dealer. It makes driving in the 30 degree temps sometimes frustrating if you do not like cold air in the winter even in the manual mode setting.

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  Totally Satisfied - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By suxelgs300 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my third GS 300. Each one has been better than the last. My current model is the special edition "Sport Design" that has a Euro-tuned suspension, larger tires and some cosmetic enhancements. Now there is no sogginess in the ride. Reliability has always been great and so has the overall buying experience.

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  I will never own anything but a Lexus. - 2005 Lexus GS 300
  By David DeAssis - August 8 - 7:20 am

  This is my first foreign car. I will never buy another brand of car again. As a former Lincoln owner, this car far exceeds my expectations of an automobile. The ride is great, I have never had to take my car in for what Lincoln always called "expected problems with new cars", all I have to do is regular maintenance. I highly recommend this car to anyone who doesnt want to lose all there investment when they drive off the lot. This vehicle will retain over 50% of its value after 5 years.

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  2006 GS300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By mspence - August 3 - 4:06 am

  the car had two major flaws : low headroom . I am only 59" and my head almost scrapes the roof . The second flaw it the run flat tires . They do not take any abuse . They puncture easily and are very expensive. The dealer was not very clear about the option to put regular tires on the car .

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  Best Lexus yet! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Arthur Davis - July 28 - 3:26 pm

  Have mainly used GS 300 belonging to a friend as ours was just delivered today. I find this vehicle very light on its feet, quiet, comfortable and assembled (if possible) with even more precision than any of our previous Lexus models. Available options make the GS 300 a very real mid-luxury all-star.