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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Best Car I ever bought - 2003 Lexus GS 300
By cube - July 6 - 2:00 amThis is the best car I ever bought. It rides smooth and you can barley feel the car shift gears. I like the Bodystyle also. Its perfect if you want to put bigger rims on it.
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What a finely tuned machine - 2006 Lexus GS 300
By eyekutr - July 5 - 4:00 pmThis vehicle is put together amazingly well. The audio / climate and other controls are so amazingly intuitive abd easy to use, it is amazing. The performance is awesome, excellent acceleration, fwy passing 50-80, cornering, brakes. It is so quiet at 85 that the audio could be set at 1/5th of max and still be nicely heard. The 3rd gen GS is the finest car for the money.
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GREAT CAR!!! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
By KevinTran - June 19 - 10:00 amGreat car, reliable, smooth, and very sleek compared to rival German and Domestic Cars.
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A Very Good Sedan - 2005 Lexus GS 300
By OC_Sedan - June 14 - 10:00 amAn excellent sedan. Quiet, roomy, comfortable, great steering and brakes. Controls are logical and have the right feel. Not as fast as a G35, but much quieter, better ride, much more logical switch gear, useable side mirrors (size) and, best of all, no snow moblie noise the minute you step on it. More room than a TL and no torque steer. TL is nice and worth a look if a little less room will work for you same with an M45. The car will grow on you as you drive it as all of the little things are right. Prior years owners are VERY satisfied with this car. My reliability score is based on what I have read.
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A+ Ride and Comfort--Mediocre in Snow - 1998 Lexus GS 300
By Love my Lexus - June 11 - 2:00 amSimply a fantastic car in almost every way. One issue of concern is driving in the snow. Gadgets galor to assist driver such as traction control, antilock breaks and a snow gear, but good luck if you live in an area with even small hills. Rear wheel drive clearly makes driving interesting in snowy conditions. Yet, would I have purchased the car if I had known about this beforehand? Still a definite yes!
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Electronic Issues - 2006 Lexus GS 300
By David - June 7 - 10:30 amI used to drive a lot for business. Problems started when the warranty expired. It was like clock work! First the cruise control went dead. Took it to the neighborhood Lexus dealer. They kept my car for a 4 hours and could not find the problem. They were going to charge me $400.00 ($100 per hour) for diagnostics. Naturally, I didnt. Then the speedometer went crazy, going back and forth to not working at all, the car wouldnt shut off. Then nothing, everything would work fine the next day. The dealer told me its a sensor problem and would cost $ 2000.00 + to repair!
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The Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Lexus GS 300
By Thom - June 5 - 2:53 pmIve had this car for about 2 years and I still look forward to the next time I get to drive it. I enjoy how the footlights and interior lights glow when I approach the car at night. The keyless entry is great. I just have to grab the handle and the car unlocks. The ride is so smooth and refined. The brakes are great. I especially like the feature that notices if you jam on the brakes and gives you an accelerated braking response. The Mark Levinson sound system is like a home theater. The DVD capability of the nav screen is nice if you have to wait in the car for someone. The engine idles so quietly and smoothly that once in the while I need to check the RPM gauge to see if its on.
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GS 300 "The One" - 2001 Lexus GS 300
By Bear Inc - May 25 - 2:00 amThis car is great. After owning various cars including BMW 5 series, Mercedes Benz Clk, and Audi I would still choose the LEX. This car is great in every respect and the Lexus service cant be beat. Truly this car is a keeper.
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Best Luxury Sedan - 2006 Lexus GS 300
By Patrick - May 13 - 7:43 pmI had this car for a couple of months and I love it. I actually test drove several vehicles, Infiniti, Acura, and Audi to compare from several perspectives and chose the Lexus GS 300 AWD. I had the dealership change the tires to 18" Michelin Pilot® Sport A/S tires in place of the Goodyear run flat tires and what a difference in ride and handling. This car is fully loaded and the Mark Levinson 14 speaker Audio system is great. I am completely satisfied with this car. This car is an eye-catcher and it delivers on demand.
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Great Summer Car, Watch out for snow - 2003 Lexus GS 300
By rob-gs300 - April 30 - 2:00 amI love this car, but with the winter weve had in the northeast its bad side has come out. This is the worst bad weather car I have ever owned!!! The traction control system is a joke. Im done with rear wheel drive cars.
