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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  Very nice luxury car, but a little bland - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Dallasguy - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have a Mystic Sea Opalescent 2001 GS 300 with Navigation/Levinson package, chrome wheels, spoiler, and tint. Very sharp car. The Levinson stereo is top shelf, and I love the navigation system. Its very user friendly, and extremely accurate. Car is very reliable and runs well. Nice, cushy ride, and ample power. I would recommend this car to anyone, unless they want high performance, or more of an exhilerating ride.

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  2006 Lexus GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By steven chen - August 30 - 1:30 am

  The dumbest things ever done to a car - hide most of the adjustment. You can only reach it by opening a box or using a touch screen. This makes a lot of inconveniences you wont find in a 2005 or earlier model.

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  Super Lexus GS300 - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Vernice - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 Lexus in Dec. of 2002. I had done my research on it for about 9 months before purchasing. I compared it to the S-type Jaguar,300 Mercedes and also against the Lexus ES300. I found it to be more appealing in style and performance. The sound system (Mark Levinson) is surperb. There can not be a better navigation system. So easy to operate. It has great pick up with no hesitation. I would buy another one in a minute. Great car!!!!

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  Buy One! - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By LexusinTexas - August 16 - 5:20 pm

  Weve owned our GS300 for 7 years now and have had nothing but excellent service from it. It is a terrific automobile! In these 7 yrs., other than routine maintenance, weve only had to replace 3 bulbs. It has been a perfect car. Wife drives it mostly and loves it. Plan to go close to 200,000 miles with it.

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  Best i have purchased - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By suham - July 24 - 2:00 am

  It feels like if i was driving in cloud nine, I have had many cars since I was young but this one is the keeper it is so smooth, fun and it wondeerful to drive all over type of car. Best choice I made. 10+++

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  Excellent! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By opbjr - June 16 - 3:13 pm

  Lexus has designed the perfect car. It looks great, it is fast, it is well equipped and it is economical to operate! I loved it the first time I drove it and could not believe the great acceleration from a V6. I had planned to get a V8, but after driving the V6 I was sold. The cockpit is awesome and wraps you in leather with great instrumentation. The dual AC controls are nice and work mch better than my E500 that I traded in! The quality and fit of the vehicle are awesome and rival a Bently that I recently drove!

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  Excellent Car, Outstanding MPG - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By JStewart - June 10 - 5:06 am

  I bought this car as a CPO in October 2007. I traded a 2002 BMW 745Li. This car does not drive like the BMW and lacks some amenities, but all in all, its a great value. In my driving thus far, I average 27 MPG city and 38 MPG on long trips. With that kind of mileage, who needs a hybrid. This is an excellent car for the $$$.

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  Wanna Have Fun? - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Agent Ron - June 9 - 5:10 pm

  This is an incredible car. Its very stylish, everyone makes a comment. Its very quick and responsive. Great fuel economy, much better than I expected. Its fun to just cruise or have some quick fun around the corners!

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  Greatest car ever! - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Jeremy - June 9 - 2:00 am

  If you want styling, design, reliability, performance and comfort, this is the car for you! The car is super quiet! Sound system is awesome! Couldnt ask for a better car! (BMW & Mercedes cant touch it!)

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  bias - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By PAUL s - May 22 - 2:00 am

  we have a sport edition in graphite with black lthr and black walnut trim. we love it. this is our third lexus. cannot beat the reliability and service,not to mention its a blast to drive.