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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  brief notes - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By skuzle - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, responsive when needed, although its an older design, still get compliments and looks from other motorists.

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  LOVING THIS CAR MORE AND MORE - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By LEXGIRL98 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since for 2 years now and I am still psyched every time I get in to drive it...Even though its a 98, it looks, rides and handles like a brand new car...It is a mystery to me why it took such a hit on depreciation though, especially since the body style is still the same since 98 !!! But I plan to keep for another 5 plus years... FYI - not one thing has gone wrong and it has 69K miles and counting...

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  98 Lexus GS 300 - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By BSSHusker - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car. There has been only one problem - w/ the fuel gauge and that was fixed by the dealer. It is a very quiet smooth ride and feels sporty for a sedan. It feels solidly made and is comfortable on long or short trips. Lexus gives outstanding service to its customers - I love being able to make an appt for any type of service I may need - and they are on time.

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  Looks, excellent; integrity, lacking. - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By JMadden - November 4 - 4:36 pm

  Wow! What a beautiful car; especially in comparison to the older model. However, Lexus really dropped the ball on this one. Granted it could be that I just happened to purchase a lemon but my car is at the dealer usually once or twice, sometimes more, a month for just about everything under the sun--from off track head-lamp washers to faulty oxygen sensors. If you want a car that looks very timeless then this is the car for you. If you want something reliable; Id suggest a Yugo before this car.

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  Nothing to complain about - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Druss - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for a little over a year and have had no serious problems although I put about 40k miles on it so far. Reliability is excellent. I cant really think of anything I would have improved. The editors review says this car is for those who cant decide between sport or luxury. Well I want both. And I got it. I just finished test driving a 2001 BMW 525i tonight. It sure felt stiff and slow. The interior wasnt as comfortable.

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  GS300 MY VIEW - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By DUCMIX - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THE CAR AND IT`S FEATURES BUT THE CAR NEEDS MORE POWER. (TWIN TURBO) HAS THE SMOOTH SHIFTING TRANS BEST IN THE MARKET. THE RIDE IS WONDERFUL BUT ROLLS ON TURNS. MY NEXT CAR WILL BE THE GS ONCE AGIAN .

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  GS 300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By J - October 23 - 6:50 am

  Actual hwy mileage hit 28.8 consistently and at times hit 30.0 mpg. Handled exceptionally well in the snow with no effort. Very impressed with overall driving experience. Previously owned 1999 GS 300. 2006 AWD just took it to the next level.

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  Luv It!!!! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Gerri - October 7 - 2:00 am

  No major problems with the vehicle. Minor ones were corrected without any inconvenience to me. The ride is smooth, driving is controlled and easy, and the body style is one that I love. The service is second to none. I dont believe Ill ever purchase anything other than a LEXUS.

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  More comfort wanted - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Rosalinda - October 5 - 1:36 pm

  Cons - The seat belt on drivers side scrapes the seat, wears on the leather and panel it is on. I would like more padding on the seats because I have a bad back. The brakes scrape; feels like they need work but they dont. The panel where mirror controls are in could be on a more accessible place as well as the cell phone charger. Pros - Great gas mileage, love the certified used car option! I get so many compliments! Right now I have to decide whether to stay with the sporty look and feel or go back to the mid-sedan car for more comfort. I would recommend this car.

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  I Love it!!!! - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Elliott138 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have been dying to get one of these since 1998, but was stuck in a lease until 2001. I am on 24k now and it is just like I only had it for a couple of months (minus the new car smell) Lexus service is the best I have even been exposed to and that includes Mercedes and Infiniti. Being a Lexus owner is pleasure and look forward to the next purchase in 2005