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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  Dream Car! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By SZ - September 12 - 10:23 am

  Great options, nice styling inside and out. Awesome sound system, comfortable ride. Outstanding interior design - aesthetically pleasing. Comfortable, yet fast enough, gas mileage almost like a 4 cylinder Camry. Build with materials of high quality. Bought certified used - peace of mind!

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  GS 300 - One hell of a car!! - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Ajay - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a couple of months ago and i love it. I was highly debating between the Infinity I30 and the GS300. The design, styiling and power is excellent VS the Infinity. I would highly recommend this car to anyone. It is a little pricy but worth every single dime. You feel good evertime you see it in your garage.

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  14 yrs later.... this car still rocks! - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By zoilus - September 10 - 9:00 am

  I picked up this car 8/2011 with 103K miles. I got for $9k out the door! clean 1 owner carfax with great service record! It was a steal!! Its in virtual mint condition. It has 130k miles now and no issues what so ever on many long trips, day to day city driving. Its comfortable, built like a tank, but ride is so quiet & smooth! Its not for racing! Not even the V8 is for that, but this cars power is enough to do what you needed to. It has classic & timeless good looks and I get compliments on it all the time. This car is durable reliable car that I can recommend to anyone. This model stopped in 2005 as in 06 a new style came out, but I like this one better!

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  GS300 in Kuwait - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By asanders - September 8 - 9:13 am

  Ive driven a lot of cars in my time and when you spend a lot of money on a car, its really important how the car makes you feel. Auto-journalist reviews can be misleading as they focus on things that just dont matter when you have to live with a car for 50,000 miles - for example on-the-limit road handling and 0-60 acceleration. My decision to buy this car was purely based on how I felt during the test drive, having already sampled the bmw 525 (irritating to live with & expensive), the merc e280 (lacks flair & very expensive), the Audi A6 (more special than the other two and very nearly my choice)...The lexus is gorgeous, relaxing to drive, feels really up-market and way better value..

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  GS 300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By first Lexus - September 4 - 9:53 am

  Had dealer add the 18" wheels with Dunlop run flat tires that makes the ride a little more stiff but far less sway that 17" stock. Excellent quiet ride with good visibility. First Lexus after extended trial and consideration of BMW 530, Infiniti M45, Audi A6 3.0 and Jaguar S V8. Best combination of the "good" things from the others such as AWD, acceptable power but not at loss of MPG or paying exorbitant price. Avoids the "bad" traits like goofy BMW iDrive, Infiniti noise, Audi initial acceleration hesitation and Jag smallish interior. Almost looking forward to Minnesota winters.

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  4 Great Years - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Brooksie - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my GS300 since July 99 and have thouroughly enjoyed the car.

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  GS300 - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By tie - August 13 - 10:00 am

  great car, really reliable. Especially for those that have long commutes.

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  Smart Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Lexus Man - July 26 - 3:23 am

  As with any Lexus, the cars are made to last. However, the Lexus GS 300 is the smartest car on the market. It can fly down the highway and it is easy to drive. The car can tame the road with its impressive power. It is quiet, comfortable and the best deal on any luxury car.

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  Very nice looking car - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By spike - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Well built car and it turns head! Took a test drive and love it. Its like gliding on ice, very smooth.

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  Fantastic Automobile - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Ron - July 20 - 2:43 pm

  I looked at the BMW-5, Benz, Infiniti M, Acura, Audi S4, Jaguar, etc etc... none met what I was looking for until I found the new GS 300. With the redesign of the Lexus GS 300 AWD, I finally have found a car that is a perfect blend of form and function. It feels like a luxurious sedan but doesnt look like an old 4-door family car. While some prefer the stiff ride of the BMW 5-series as several like to feel the road, I like the feeling of comfort. AWD is a huge plus as well (unlike my BMW aka "silver sled". While it does not have as much HP as the Infiniti M, it feels better put together (the M felt like a boat w/its strange wooden trim). The screen +key + bluetooth are great as well!!