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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  What happened - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ted - April 10 - 12:26 pm

  We replaced our 03 GS300 with an 06. Loved the old one figured wed love the newer one. Wrong. Brakes, cruise ride , AC and Nav dont work as good as old car. Ride and handling choppier also. Tranny hunts for gears at low speed and in the hills. Has been in the shop 5 times in three months. Disappointing car. Great to look at but no fun to drive. Am going to trade for something that I can live with.

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  Batmobile - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By opbjr - March 27 - 5:53 pm

  I have waited for a car like the GS for many years. I love the LS but it has always been a little too big and reminds me of an old man/womans car. The old style GS was close to the right size, but I never liked the styling. The 2006 GS has it all great styling, great engineering and comfort. The V6 is quick and at the same time gives the owner great gas mileage. It is well equipped, even the "base" car has all of the luxury item that one would expect. When I am in the cockpit I feel like I could go to the moon! WHAT A CAR!

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  Great Car, Love it! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Great Car - March 16 - 4:50 pm

  I bought this car used with 85k last month, great for a 10 year old car. It is truly a wonderful car. I immediately changed oil, front rotors, front pads, rear pads and rear rotors(all were original). I have put about 3k miles in about month. This car rides like its brand new. This is definitely a keeper. If you can a find one with good miles, you cant go wrong. I checked all the review sights prior to buying. No one believes its 10 years old when I tell them. It looks and rides great.

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  Lexus GS 300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By R Goren - February 28 - 4:10 pm

  I like the Lexus feel and have driven the ES 300. This car is that and better. the engine while not a rocket is silky and forceful when needed. I get about 23-24 MPG. I love the Lexus interior and this is no different. The redesigned exterior is quite sleek to me. Terrific handling, hit my favorite curves with ease. The keyless entry is great; just grab the door handle and it unlocks.

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  Outstanding - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By DarLee - February 28 - 1:56 am

  We were already a Lexus owner (2004 ES 330) and looking for even more luxury and performance. The GS 300 provided that and more in a beautiful red exterior (Matador Red) that turns heads!

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  Great Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Scott - February 9 - 10:46 pm

  We have been more than pleased with our purchase of the Lexus GS300. The Car is an absolute dream ! Looks sharp, drives great and gets 30 mpg on average. Plenty of power, lots of luxury, great appeal. We get looks everywhere we go. This is our first Lexus purchase and from the initial test drive we have been spoiled. Lexus builds a great car and knows how to pamper its customer.

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  Best Car ever - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Juan Diaz - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever bought

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  Runs Perfect at 100,000 miles! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By DWF - January 26 - 6:53 pm

  My 2000 GS300 was purchased used off eBay at a good price in June 2005 with 90k miles. No rust, ran perfect, great shape. But, I decided to refresh it anyway by replacing all rotors (drilled/slotted), brakes, timing belt, water pump, complete tune-up, alignment, replaced cam seals, flushed and replaced all fluids and had it detailed. It looks and runs like a brand new car. Best car I ever owned old or new in 20 yrs. You can really feel the quality that went into the design and construction. Ride is smooth and quiet, shifts like silk, sound system very nice. At 100,000 miles now, it is just getting broken in and should last another 200,000. Highly recommend!

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  Great GS - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Vince - December 30 - 7:03 pm

  I just traded in my 2000 Volvo s80 T6 for this 2000 GS. Wow, what a great car! The car shifts gears so smooth you cant even tell when it shifts. Performance is way better than than what it says on the website. I have ran 0-60 in about 5.9-6.5. There is no way it takes 7.7 to get to 60. The regular stereo doesnt have enough bass or speakers so get the mark levinson one. The leather seats are very soft but at the same time hold you in place as you go around a curv. Reliability is excellent. When I bought this car the lexus mechanic said this is the best inline 6 engine made. All around this is a great car.

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  Lexus does it again - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By John - December 29 - 9:00 am

  First, I would like to say that this new gs sedan is a vast improvement over the old one. The interior looks a lot better than the previous generation gs. The mark levinson sound system is a great improvement over the 2001-2005 versions of the radio. It is a very classy looking car and gets better gas mileage than the previous gs