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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  I Love My GS - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By RyansGS - September 28 - 8:06 am

  Ever since I bought my GS Ive had nothing but fun. I have 20 inch wheels on it and its dropped on tanabe spring. I would tell anyone get this car its worth every penny. On top of everything Lexus service is the best.

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  Long Term Review 02 GS 300 - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By jtrane - September 23 - 7:27 pm

  Bought new in 02 for $40k. Its been a very good car, now at 230,000 miles. Everything works. Gets 23-24 in mixed drving and 25-26 on hwy still. burns 1 qt every 2k miles but i can live with that. hazy plastic headlights are a problem, requiring one of those resto kits. thats a small item and the rest of the car is v good. xlnt leather trim. quiet engine. ill buy another gs and i hope the newer engine design is as reliable, quiet and fun as the I-6. dealer service is awfully $$$ and if you can find a competent and honest independent, go with that. better value than a 5 series or E300.

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  W-O-W - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Mateen - September 22 - 2:00 am

  After creating this car Im sure the Lexus engineers have probably ironically amazed themselves. There are so many things that make car such an intriguing automobile. Besides the Exhilarating power and Beautiful looks, it just seems to amaze me everyday. Ive owned it for about an year and its still a joy to look at it everday.

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  Wonderful - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Luxurygirl - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. You mixed Luxury with a bit of sporty. Lexus knows how to make a car for every person.

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  lots of fun - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By tootsie - September 10 - 10:00 am

  A very good overall car,fun to drive. It is certainly not a sports car. It has a plush and very confortable ride.Great on long trips. The seats adjust very nicely to you and the lumbar support is good.

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  Toyota in a tuxedo - 2005 Lexus GS 300
  By jouvonte - September 8 - 6:10 pm

  When I compare both my GS300 and BMW 525 the GS is equal to or better in all categories except handling...but its very close. The GS has an ageless design, beautiful fit and finish and unmatched reliability. The soft, black leather interior with a splash of dark burl wood is absolutely stunning...you wont be disapointed with this luxury sports car. The Lexus key is the one I reach for when I leave the house!!

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  Good Choice - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Rich and Fred - August 11 - 10:46 am

  Ive had my car for a year now. However, with the recent recall of Toyota Im think about trading it in. So far the car has met my expectations. Very beautiful, great on gas, roomy, and an extremely smooth driving experience.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Baker 4 Real Estate - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Need a little more interior head room. Minor insturment glare on windshield at night. Passenger cant input addresses when moving (navigational system). A couple of steering wheel mounted radio controls would be nice along with a constant display of the outside temperature. All else is great.

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  GS 300 review - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By John T. - July 30 - 4:20 am

  After owning a 1990 turbo Supra, I wasnt sure if the performance would measure up to the comfort. I was plesantly suprised! The 3.0L V-6 is spunky, manuverable, and with the power position selected (broader shift pattern), this car is definitely entertaining. With that great Lexus craftmanship, great curb appeal, and great value for the luxury car it is, I should have known I wouldnt go wrong with the GS 300.

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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