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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  alexnme - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By alexNme - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful Car, however I am very disappointed in the Quality of the car, I have had my car for about a 1 1/2 and the car has been in the shop 13 times. from recalls to cupped tires to break system, steering shaft. My rear view mirror fell down and it took Lexus 6 times to put it back right. The brakes have been replaced on my car 4 times and they are still grinding. I wont say that I will never buy another lexus but I will never buy a preowned car again from CARMAX. my impala that I still have, I love same features as my lexus no problems at all!

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  Awesome - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By kevins - March 20 - 12:56 pm

  This will be my 15th vehicle and as far as quality the best. The only downside coming out of a 7 Series BMW is the weight seems some what on the light side. Other than that this is truely an incredible machine.

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  2006 Lexus GS-300AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By HJ Grand - March 7 - 10:50 am

  This is one outstandingly built automobile. The overall quality, fit, finish and ride are wonderful. Acceleration is certainly more than adequate, and the gas milage has been a nice surprise at about 26mpg. Handles extremely well. Everything works as it should, and not a rattle or squeak to be found. It simply does not get much better than this car!

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  Researched them all, bought the best - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Byran - February 21 - 7:13 am

  Before buying the GS 300, I researched every other competitor, save the Mercedes. They all had their redeeming qualities, but the Lexus had the best combination of all of them - style, creature comforts, build quality/reputation, and pure driving pleasure. I kid you not - I LOVE this car. I previously had a 1999 Porsche 911 Cabriolet, and thought I loved that - Im sorry Porsche, but our love affair is over. The Lexus emotes luxury - from the welcoming lighting, to the softness and comfortability of the seats.

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  a super experience - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By lee olshan - February 19 - 6:30 pm

  My AWD GS 300 holds the road as though Elmers glue was on my tires. The rear camera make parking a breeze. The nav system is a pleasure... but it is the driving experience that sets this car apart from all others.

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  best luxury car ever own - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By dj2002 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  excellent, best sport sedan out there .. way better than the E class of mercedez...or BMW 5 series..

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  AWESOME!!! - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Cesg12290 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutely awesome and I will recommend this car to anyone, especially if they have a different car because when they try this car for atleast a day they will stay with it.....TRUST ME!!!!

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  Run Flat / Run Stupid - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Tom H - January 25 - 5:46 pm

  Run flat tires are an interesting concept, however, no spare tire comes with the vehicle. Run flat tires have to be replaced after driving no farther than 100 miles. My dealer has no run flat tire in stock. If youre somewhere more than 100 miles from a dealer,or its a Sunday, or, as in my case, the dealer does not have a replacement...guess what. Decided to order the non-full sized spare tire (the only one that will fit in the supplied empty tire well). Dealer price for the temporary spare is $331.00! Lexus Customer Service was a further source of aggrevation...they suggested that "a spare tire kit was available." Thanks Lexus, for incredibly un-Lexus like foresight!

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  GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Romeo Macelli - January 25 - 2:30 pm

  I absolutely love my GS. It is smooth, sexy, and relatively powerful. This one is a winner.

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  It purrs like a kitten! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Trilogy - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I actually bought this vechile in 1998, I love to drive it and it has given me almost no problems at all! The frame is as tight as the day I bought it and it still looks like a brand new car. I love my Lexus!