Overview & Reviews

GS 430 gets a new ULEV-certified, 4.3-liter V8 good for 300 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs. of torque, resulting in sub-6-second acceleration times to 60 mph. GS 300 has new E-shift buttons on the steering wheel for manual control of the automatic transmission's shift points. On the safety front, standard side curtain airbags debut on both models, and a new sensor detects if the front passenger seat is unoccupied, deactivating the front passenger airbag if nobody is sitting in that seat. Additionally, a new child seat-tether restraint has been added, along with impact-detecting door locks and an emergency trunk release handle that glows in the dark inside the cargo area. Exterior changes include water-repellent front door glass, a new grille with a bigger "L" badge, revised taillights, larger exhaust pipes with stainless-steel tips and new six-spoke alloy wheels. HID headlights are optional on GS 300 but standard on GS 430. Inside, steering wheel controls for the audio system come standard, a compass has been added and a new DVD-based navigation system is optional. Bummer that it's bundled with trip computer, audio and climate control systems. Mark Levinson audio is newly optional, replacing Nakamichi as the premium sound supplier. GS 300 gets more wood trim inside the cabin, while GS 430 dashboards have new metallic-gray trim. A wood and leather steering wheel is optional on the 430. Four new colors round out this long list of updates for 2001.

• Powerful engines, plenty of safety technology on-board, available Mark Levinson audio system, great blend of luxury and sport.

• Overdone styling, gauges wash out in direct sunlight, no manual transmission, navigation system bundled with controls that work better with knobs and buttons.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 25.00

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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

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  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

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  GS 300 - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By TJ1 - April 26 - 10:00 am

  What can I say. Its a Lexus! I am not in the least bit disappointed. It handles like a dream and is quick, safe and comfortable.

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  ITS A LEX - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By KANE - December 14 - 9:23 pm

  I have only had this car for 2.5 weeks but I love it so much. Even though the style for this car has been redesigned because it was seven years old, its still a headturner, its a good feeling. This car is marketed as a luxury sport sedan but I think its still more luxury than sport. I prefer luxury over sport anyway thats why I bought a Lexus, but the car might not be that appealing to people that want to feel the road. It feels like youre riding on a cloud when you drive this car, like youre separated from the rest of the world. The car is loaded with an abundance of features. Its a great car and I know it will last as long as I need it to.

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  Pleasant, reliable ride - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By bflobk - January 3 - 6:00 pm

  After owning several German cars (Audi, Mercedes, BMW) we purchased a used GS. The styling is very sporty. Powertrain is silky smooth, however the mileage as not that good for the 6 cylinder. Aside from oil changes and brakes, no service problems. Thats a relief.

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  GS 300 Just as good the second time - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By ggwes - August 31 - 10:00 am

  This is teh second GS 300 Lexus we have owned, and it is just as wonderful as the first one. (The first one was a 1998)

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  NICE CAR BUT - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By RHPCPA - July 21 - 2:00 am

  REALLY LIKED THE CAR AFTER DRIVING LINCOLNS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. BUT I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SH0P FOR FOUR PROBLEMS. NONE SERIOUS(I.E. RADIO WENT OUT, DIMMING SWITCH WENT OUT, BATTERY DIED. REAR VIEW MIRROR BROKE. DEALERSHIP FIXED ALL BUT DISAPPOINTED THAT I HAD TO TAKE IT IN SEVERAL TIMES.

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  Luxury at a bargain price! - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By DrMFT - September 14 - 6:40 pm

  Just purchased this 2001 GS 300 with 108k miles. Got it for a great price but am settling in for the higher maintenance costs. Just ordered a new key fob to the tune of $290. Ouch! Every 15k mile service is BIG bucks! Other than this, I am blessed to have such a great car!

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Bill Ayotte - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car a lot and would recommend it to anyone. We now own the Lexus SUV as well.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Vrankenstein - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the most reliable and most fun car to drive that Lexus came out with, except the SC430 which is way out of my price range, but still, the GS300 is fully equipped an comes with the most satisfactory.