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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  GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Darrell Luthi - September 30 - 1:50 pm

  Have had 8 Lexus models but this is the very best we have had. The GS 300 is outstanding in all areas and especially in fuel mileage.

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  Fuel Economy w/ luxury ride - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Clay - September 27 - 1:16 am

  After 8 months I am still amazed by the difference in quality between my last vehicle MB S430 and my Lexus GS 300. The Lexus is built to last not make monthly trips to the dealer and the build quality is superb. Last week took a 1600 mile trip and averaged 31 MPG!!!! Yes, 31! Quiet, smooth ride. Ive had two MB, a Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti G35 Coupe and the LEXUS IS THE BEST!

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  Reliabilty, are you kidding me? - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Lexus??? - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, instead of the Mercedes I used to drive as a "change of pace". My friends bragged about how great their Lexus were. Boy did they fool me. The cars electronics are bad, bad, bad. The stereo system cuts in and out, the CD players skips and the sunroof leaks. My airbag lite is always on and my dealer cant fix it. I think they are tired of seeing me. The ride stinks, this is not a performance car. The ride in this car is something my grandparents might enjoy. Too mushy, handles badly.

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  Almost Perfect - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Bill Osters - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Quality oozes from this car. Styling, handling,comfort, and space are all excetional. The ride is pure pleasure and not a rattle anywhere.

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  Great Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Andy07030 - September 8 - 9:56 pm

  I had stuggled between the Acura RL and the Lexus GS. I have had the car for about 3 weeks and I really love it. The ride in the GS is very smooth and quite peppy. Simply put, the GS is classy. So if you are looking for a refined car that is great on gas and has a nice ride this is it. I leased my car and in 3 years who knows what will be out there.

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  GS is a great car - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Super Johnny - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is great, you cant here the motor let alone the road noise, mine has navigation and it brings out the beauty of the dash. I also enjoy the frame work of the dash in relation to the windsheild. The heated seats work awsome for when I travel to the snow or on a cold night.- My chick really diggs it too. On the exterior I have onyx black paint with a spoiler. I dont care to much for the grill which I am going to have replaced, HID front lamps are awsome, dont care to much for the lexus crome 16 in rims so will be replacing those.

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  lexus does it right...again - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By lovelexus - August 15 - 10:00 am

  this car is hands down the most awesome car on the market! Never gave me a single problem, ive been a lexus driver for 10 years,recently replacing my ES for the new GS, perfect ride,awesome nav., and super interior design-plus, it always takes me to the dealer to pick up my sister when her benz breaks down.

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  Black Lightling - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ruckersoccer - August 8 - 3:43 am

  The GS 300 is an awesome automobile. I got the black and it looks sharp. It handle well at high speeds and you cannot even tell when you drive 75+ MPH. I would like an lightup display on windshield to monitor speed, but Ill do without. Have the NAV system and will never buy a car without it now. I drive a lot to different places and its like havain and intactive map with you at all time guiding you through the biggest cities turn by turn. She has a nice voice too.. :-) Im sold on Lexus and bought the correct car. Looked at BMW 5 series, Audi A6 and Mecedes C something. The GS 300/450 beat them all hand down for luxury and ride. The A6 was close though.

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  Lexus GS 300 is a good car - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By JJ - August 6 - 1:10 pm

  Bought it new in 02 for $39,500 and i still like it a lot. at 200k miles, it still runs quietly and smoothly. Ill get another one soon. A very few complaints and they are too minor to mention. Im in sales and its perfect for that. Dealer service is too expensive but if you can find an honest independent, go with that.

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  Not like they used to be. - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By succeedinlife5 - August 3 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased this 2006 Lexus GS300 AWD in the 2008. It was a lease return with a clean record and was being offered as a CPO vehicle no accidents noted on the CarFax. Since purchasing the car, it has been recalled 6 times. Steering, brakes, gas line, bolts, carpet, floor mats. Since purchasing the car, I have had a great deal of issues with the quality. 1) Dash will not stop rattling. It has been into the dealer 5 times for this and the rattle comes back every time. 2) A/C system will smell like mold when it is starts. 3) Wheels bubbled. 4) Mirrors would not tilt up 5) Inside mirror rattles 6) Tires wore out VERY fast 7) Console rattles 8) Sunroof leaks and has wind noise