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 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By John Powell - December 14 - 12:30 am

  The 2006 Lexus GS 300 AWD is the finest car Ive ever driven. The ride is indescribably smooth. The combination automatic shift and manual shift with the ECT feature provides a fun drive. With the 6th gear, mileage is excellent. I particularly like the push button start and the memorized steering wheel and seat adjustment. My car is black which looks shiny even when dirty. The sound system is excellent with capability to play 6 cds. The automatic features for both the heating and air conditioning is very comfortable.The sunscreen in the back window helps keep the car cooler. I enjoy the automatic windshield wipers and the automatic headlight delay. Last, the GPS is outstanding and amazing.

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  Great Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By jjstroz - December 9 - 2:20 am

  We just bought the car 3 weeks ago and it is an amazing car. My wife and I argue over who is going to drive any time we go out. Would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Bland for the Bucks, problems too - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Ira - December 5 - 7:06 pm

  I am so disappointed in this overpriced car. I received a replacement trans at 877 miles and continue to have trans trouble. Navigation cannot be programed while the car is in motion. You cannot dial out (cell phone) via bluetooth while the car is in motion. The bluetooth address book will not receive and store the information from some cell phones. When the car is in motion, voice commands are rarely recognized due to background road noise. I had to pay $300 for the XM module in order to receive XM and the display of track & artist info is cut off. I am truly dissapointed in the car.

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  Smooth Ride - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Mike & Cathy - November 12 - 9:43 am

  It was a tough choice between the M35 and Lexus GS300. The convincing issues favoring Lexus were: smoother ride, quieter ride and interior finish. We would have liked a bit more wood on the dash-a logical place is the trim strip on upper edge of the glove box. A dream to drive, our first tank of gas resulted in overall average 28.5 mpg

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  Great Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By urban - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars in my life but the GS300 is by far one of my best choices. It is elegant, luxury, sporty, fun to drive and a head turner yet not too flashy. I have the upgraded 5 star 18 in. chrome wheels on it and it looks beautiful. I have already put around 100k on it and the car runs great, no problems what so ever. The only thing I do is an oil change and periodic tune up with original Lexus spark plugs (dont use generic or aftermarket).

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  none - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By emschneider - October 29 - 4:20 am

  very enjoyable driving experience.the car is smooth and quite,with lively performance.it was delivered in perfect condition,not one flaw that i have found.

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  Love this car!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Indiana97 - October 27 - 12:13 pm

  This is my 4th Lexus, with one being 2001 GS 300. The new GS 300 is much improved. The 6 sp. trans. is so smooth with great midrange power. Interior is very quiet and refined. The audio system (not ML) is very crisp and clear. I got 26 mpg overall on first tank of gas and now getting 28. I have had a lot of nice cars over the yrs. BMW, Audi, and other Lexus but this is the nicest. Some have said it lacks power. I feel there is good smooth power and much better feel to the road then by previous GS 300. Love this car!!

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  the car is the best car i have evea been - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By aaron jason - September 16 - 10:00 am

  well i dont have this car but my friend doz and it realy took my heart away the frist time i got in to it i was stund at the smoothness and how u can not hear the engen as other makes. all in all this car if it where up to me would be the best car known and on the road! im saveing 4 1 now and i will get it! there realy is no qustion about this car im geting it and thats that!! ps it realy is a beautifull lovey sexy car and will not stop loveing it.

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  Best Value - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Sutton Place - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Superb engineering, smooth as silk and fit and finish of interior is like a hand-made Bentley. Leg and headroom is generous.

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  Good, but not perfection of Lexus - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By succeedinlife5 - August 29 - 8:43 am

  Good car, but not perfection. I traded my 2000 LX 470 in for this as the fuel prices were getting high and the LX had too many things that needed to be fixed. I liked this car for it had the AWD package and was sporty. The style, layout, and overall looks were what I wanted. The problems are with the fit and finish of this car. The front dash rattles and I have taken it to the dealer 3 times for that. The wheel finish was poor, which I was able to get new wheels under warranty. The tires Run-Flat tires were great as I enjoy a stiff ride, but wore out on the insides, even with proper rotation. Get car, but Lexus fit and finish is really needing help to get back to Lexus quality.