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:

• 

  Not Impressed - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By John - July 21 - 1:20 am

  Purchased a 2006 GS AWD new - quite a let down from my 1999 GS which I loved. While the car handles well, it initially rode like a truck due in part to the run-flat tires that came with the car (a "standard" option). With new tires, the car rides better - but still nothing like my 1999 GS. I also feel Lexuss quality has slipped. The car has been recalled no less than 4 times and, to this day, still has rattles in the dash and seat belt pillars. The dealership dampened these quite a bit over many visits, but theyre still there. (In recent a consumer test, I see one of 2009 GS test models had a dash rattle, telling me Lexus hasnt corrected the problem in 4 model years).

• 

  Value Performance - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By driver108 - June 9 - 10:08 am

  At the price point, it cant be beat. 65K miles, one owner, $9K. The straight six is super smooth and the automatic shifts predictably and powerfully. The interior is very cush and the entire car has a very solid feel. It has very strong passing power, but could be faster 0-20. Also, the auto gets momentarily befuddled when shifting into 1st when coasting at around 5mph when you then hit the gas. If you want a car that is all about performance, the GS300 is not for you. However, if you want a comfortable ride, nice appointments, a smooth and powerful engine that gets to 110mph pretty fast, its a good choice. Average 25 mpg on the freeway

• 

  Almost Got A BMW 525, Glad I Didnt !!! - 2005 Lexus GS 300
  By BzDentist - June 6 - 7:06 pm

  I did my research and found that the GS 300 Lexus is a much better car. Its a lot more comfortable in side than the BMW 525, and guess what they both cost about the same. Yet, it has a more stylish body.

• 

  Nice Ride! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By One Happy Camper - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Lexus really knows how to satisfy their buyers. My experience from the time I set foot on the dealership floor until I drove off with my brand new car was fantastic. The car drives like a dream and has the fit-and-finish that would leave even the most critical buyer in awe. The sound system is great and the navigation is easy to use. The use of high quality materials is apparent on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

• 

  Best luxury sedan for the money - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By jeff - May 16 - 4:16 am

  Lexus makes the best luxury sedan hands down. It is both reliable and performance driven... a real head turner. This has to be the most technologically sophisticated car ever built. Lexus left nothing to chance and anticipated every need the driver or passenger could ever want. The handling and performance easily surpases anything BMW or Mercedes currently offers and the service Lexus provides is light years ahead of any car manufacturer out there today. American car companies need to wake up and realize how an automobile should be built or they wont be around in the very near future.

• 

  06 GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Lenny - May 10 - 6:23 am

  Fun to drive, excellent handling, very good gas mileage on Hwy. All the buttons are a little confusing, symbols are not very clear or explanatory.

• 

  Great Purchase. - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Neil - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over 5 years and 80,000 miles and have yet to experience 1 real problem.

• 

  Lexus GS 300 - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By emebane - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Looks good on the road. Acceleration is a bit slow initially but car has power. Blind spot is large. Gas mileage is standard. Quite, smooth ride. Hand conrols are easy to use.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By J. D. Arnold - May 3 - 11:20 am

  I have owned many cars over the years. Porsche, BMW from sedans to sports cars. The redesigned all new Lexus GS 300 AWD is about as good as it gets. Quality is first rate... driving is fun and the six cylinder engine is smooth and responsive. Yes, I would have preferred a few more horses under the hood. The gas mileage is supprisingly good.. so far pretty much as advertised around 28 on the highway and 19-20s city. I get a lot of the WOW FACTOR! Nice Car... SWEET!

• 

  Still the best car - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By JDM Superstar - May 1 - 3:50 pm

  I wish I have all the money to own it since new, anyway, purchased at 66k miles for $12k, just put another 5000, so far, did tune-up, O2 sensor replaced. Looks new and still shiny paint.