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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  Amazing Luxo-Sports Sedan - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Dave - November 21 - 2:00 pm

  Amazing looking car with sporty optional wheels and luxurious interior. Smooth and refine yet sporty to drive. Touchscreen system beats iDrive in the bimmer and is more reliable. It is faster than the BMW 530xi which felt heavy and slow and too pricey for its standard equipment. I love the bluetooth, smart access keyless entry system, etc.

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  The quality Lexus experience - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By HC Barnes - November 5 - 7:50 pm

  My second Lexus. I had the first, a 1991 SC 300, for ten years. I bought the GS 300 as a certified used car with one year and 25,000 miles. I now have 124,000 miles on it and it still looks and drives like a brand new car. Service has not been that expensive considering the car and treatment has been perfect. Highway mileage consistently in mid 20s, not bad. I replaced the terrible OEM tires with Yokohama Avids and have been happy with the handling ever since, although the car will never stir the emotions on a visceral level. Bottom line: an ultra- high quality luxury car with competent, but not exciting handling.

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  Smooth ride - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By markinls - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I just traded a 2003 bmw 525 for the 2004 lexus gs300. The ride in the lexus is so smooth compared to bmw. Anyone looking for a comfortable smooth riding car would definately be happy with the gs300.

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  Solid buy - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Former 5 Owner - October 31 - 4:46 am

  The Lexus is tightly built, has all the gadgets you can ever ask for - that actually work as they are supposed to - and looks great inside and out. However, as a former 5 series owner, it also made me understand what they meant by Lexus as being just a Camry with leather. However, the GS IS a very dependable Toyota with many, many quality upgrades if that is what you are looking for. Personally, I wasnt.

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  Wishing Id Never Purchased It - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Dissatisfied - September 15 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this car and, prior to close, had to force them to give me new tires as my "certified" vehicle tires were badly worn. Nicks, chips, in excess of what one would expect for a car with 22k miles. Within a few months, the radio numbers were barely visible. Minor repairs still covered by warranty were required. Now at $83K, I would have spent $5K fixing items but for the fact that I deferred a $1400 service that would be a "nice to have" and the dealer will pay for the labor on a power steering column I have to replace after doing a $2700 service two weeks ago. I should have kept ES300; 208K miles without the problems Im having here at 82K. Terrible snow handling.

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  WOW !, - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By ddv - September 13 - 2:00 am

  The combination of luxury and performance is unbelievable. This vehicle gives the driver a most enjoyable and satisfying experience. Ive owned and driven many different types of vehicles in my lifetime and this is, without a doubt, the best vehicle I have ever driven or owned.

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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..