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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  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.

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  Body integrity is the issue - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By used2lovelexo - December 29 - 8:16 pm

  The new GS 430 2006 has plenty of technical features, unfortunately this was my third lexus purchase but the worst. The body integrity is very poor I had a 18mph accident and the car damages $10,000, the other car had a minor fender bend.

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  Lexus Does It Again-GS 300 AWD Rolls! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By bmoorw 950 - December 29 - 2:03 pm

  I have been looking for an AWD sedan that fits my needs and especially my desires - I wanted an automobile that has it all. Lexus once again gave it to me with room to spare.

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  GS 300 - RWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By TinCup - December 27 - 7:53 am

  Lexus nailed it with this one. Great exterior design. It looks both sporty and elegant. The interior is typical lexus - well appointed and comfortable. I just felt at home the first time I took it for a test drive and the experience has gotten better each time. The engine is silky smooth and responsive when you need it. I look forward to getting behind the wheel.

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  Love this car!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By MEA Lexus - December 13 - 3:50 am

  I have had this car since 06 as a lease, a second car if you will, then I lost my job and the car that went with it. This became my everyday car. There were many times I had an empty refrigerator because it was raining and I didnt want to take it out of the garage! I can say in the 3 years I have owned it, it has never been through a car wash, I know every line, scratch, slight dent from a road stone and I love washing and detailing it and listening to the accolades from others there washing their cars. This car even though a lease, was treated like the baby it was intended to be. I had the dealership tint the windows because I found it to look nicer and stay cooler in the summer.

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  A change - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By dande246 - December 10 - 12:20 am

  We traded a Cadillac STS for the new GS300, and while we had some initial problem with warning lights on the dashboard, they took well care of us and corrected the problem and gave us a couple of freebees to offset the inconvience we were caused. We are very pleased with the vehilce and the service and attention and professionalism of all the people involved. While this is our first Lexus, our son has had several and still has one and his experience has been the same. We would sure consider another one in the future.

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  After 20000 miles - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Joseph R. Barrie - December 8 - 2:20 pm

  Very nice ride, both on winding roads and on the highway, both from the standpoint of the driver and the passengers. The trunk and interior room are fine, the acceleration is excellent and the appearance turns heads. The gas mileage is terrific

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  Staying in the family!!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By lhester - December 1 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased this car after my in-law totaled my 2001 GS300. What an improvement. In the previous car I didnt have the Mark Levinson, satellite or other upgrades normally found in the GS 430 or LS 430. This car is definitely an upgrade over the previous. Ill stay with Lexus as long as theyll have me.