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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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By REDFOX - July 21 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR!!!!NO COMPARISON WITH ACURA,OR BMW 5 SERIES

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  GS300 06 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By drmike - July 19 - 10:30 am

  Great mileage, best so far on long trip was 32. Power from V6 as good as my 02 S-type Jag w V8. Love the opera lights/white LEDs. Very smooth to drive. Lots of electronic toys NAV/XM radio/etc

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  Something Wicked This Way Comes Redeux - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Marxus0867 - July 16 - 9:30 am

  This is my third Lexus. I have owned a first generation LS and a second generation GS and I am supremely happy with the new car. I bought it used with 14k miles on it and it is awesome. I am a realtor and the navi is a tremendous help, as well as the ventilated seats, back up camera, Mark Levinson audio/ DVD, and the park assist. I am still learning the voice commands and I wish they were more variable. Other than the road noise from the run flats, this car is nearly perfect. I am a Lexus fan for life. Everytime I start searching for a new car, I look at Mercedes and BMW and I always go back to Lexus because of the reliability and resale.

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  Great car but watch out for snow - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By kmm - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the 4th lexus that Ive owned and Ive had this one for over 3 years. Fun and responsive to drive in dry weather, but absolutely terrible in snow or ice. Traction control is useless and somewhat annoying. Interior is beautiful and comfortable, even on long rides. Would be a great car to own if you dont live in a place that gets snow.

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  An Amazing piece of artwork - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Midwest_Ron - June 27 - 1:36 am

  Reading some of the reviews on here makes me wonder if some of these are real or not. This is an amazing car. Ive owned many cars and this is by far the best quality vehicle that I ever witnessed. Absolutely perfect in every way. Ive owned cars that were double the price and this is a better car. I am 6 4" tall and can fit in this car better than my previous full sized SUV. My head rubbed the roofline in my SUV, doesnt even come close in my GS.

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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Pip - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought car used in 2000 with 41000 miles on it. Smooth, classy, sporty, and just the best built car I have ever driven. Could have bit more power, but it has more power than 95% of other 3 L engines. One problem caused by me, getting too much H2O around engine led to 2 days at dealer. Another problem now is FM reception in nil when weather is hot. Still, would not trade for any other luxury car PERIOD and I have driven numerous higher end cars.

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  Practical Grown up Fun - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Happy in Atlanta - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Todays cars have both a business and personal pleasure requirement. Finding a mix that isnt too gawdy or overly "family truckster-like" seemed impossible to me. I wanted a roomy vehicle for entertaining clients, but something that I could still be responsibly irresponsible with on the weekend corners. This car has thoroughly sold me. I dont need a large uncomfortable rumble to know Im going fast ... thats what the speedometer is for. Its silk smooth acceleration and incredible agility in an amazingly gracious cabin is everything Im after. Who cares if it turns heads, its even more fun to drive.

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  Lexus GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By BHAASE - May 25 - 9:50 pm

  With 1200 miles on the odometer it is a great car. Snappy looks and snappy performance. Six cylinder engine has great pickup and 24.5 MPG in city. Its hard to keep the speed down on the freeway! Handsfree cell phone with blue tooth feature is excellent. Only negative comment ... wish it had a fold down rear seat for more luggage capacity.

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  My GS - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By JimS - May 20 - 2:06 am

  I have been driving my 01 GS for 3 months now. The car drives so well and so comfortable that I have been driving really slow so I can enjoy spending more time driving.

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  Great car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Ewoud Hulsewe - May 16 - 5:03 pm

  Very nice car, looks great with the "G" spider wheels. It rides very smooth and very quiet. The "G" spiders pick up a little added road nois but worth every penny. You have to watch your speed as before you know it youre passing everyone up. I love all the little features.