2001 Lexus GS 300 Review
2001 Lexus GS 300 Review
View more photos
Used GS 300 for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engines, plenty of safety technology on-board, available Mark Levinson audio system, great blend of luxury and sport.
Cons
- Overdone styling, gauges wash out in direct sunlight, no manual transmission, navigation system bundled with controls that work better with knobs and buttons.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds says
A sedan to consider if you can't decide which you like more, luxury or sport.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$297/mo for GS 300 Base
GS 300 Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Looking to create the ultimate sport sedan in both price and performance, Lexus redesigned its GS series in 1998 and came up with a truly exceptional car that has aged extraordinarily well.
A distinctive quad-headlight design sweeps back into the hood and fenders in much the same manner as Mercedes' E-Class cars. Short front and rear overhangs give the GS a sporty look, and tidy hindquarters with creative rear taillights keep this car from blending in with the rest of today's high-line sport sedans.
Appearances are supported by refined drivetrain. The GS 300 uses a 3.0-liter inline six that develops 220 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 220 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps to produce additional power and provide optimal fuel efficiency. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available. To take advantage of the transmission's five forward gears, the GS 300 features manual upshift and downshift buttons on the steering wheel spokes for 2001, controlled by the thumb and forefinger of either hand.
A roomy cabin provides the driver and front passenger with space to stretch out. An impressive 44 inches of legroom and 58 inches of shoulder room accommodate the long-limbed and broad-shouldered in the front seats. Rear-seat passengers don't fare as well, however, and get only 34.3 inches of legroom. Luxury touches include a standard dual-zone climate control, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and the normal roster of power goodies typically found on luxury cars. Worthwhile options include a Mark Levinson premium sound system and a DVD-based navigation system that employs touch-screen controls to program routes. Unfortunately, Lexus has decided to bundle it with the audio and climate controls, which always work better with traditional buttons and knobs.
GS 300 comes standard with Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), which is a system that employs the sensors, actuators and computer electronics of the antilock braking and traction control systems to help reduce vehicle skids caused by understeer or oversteer conditions. VSC is teamed with Brake Assist ABS; front, side and curtain airbags; and traction control to provide top-notch occupant protection.
As with other vehicles in the Lexus line, road feel and absolute performance take a backseat to pure luxury and refinement. BMW's 5 Series offers a bit more fun, and the Mercedes E-Class has, well, the Mercedes emblem on the hood. But for a reliable daily driver with more than a hint of upscale luxury, it's tough to beat the Lexus GS 300.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Lexus GS 300.
5 star(94%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Don't die before you drive a Lexus !
Tony, 06/16/2017
2001 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Well, you can spend all your life time driving other cars and your life goes on , or you can drive a Lexus and every day you will be waiting for the moment you get in your Lexus to drive home after work- wow what a feeling being in a Lexus after a long day at work on a heavy traffic day- this is a meditation in a car, and you will be wondering why other drivers around you are yelling … and stressed- because they don't drive a Lexus- look at any Lexus drivers around you and you will see them just enjoying being united with their Lexus. Its been stated multiple times that driving a Lexus is therapeutic, makes you wonder is it still a car? Try a 27 years old LS400 with 300K miles and you wont believe its a car- BMW and Mercedes must be worried, seriously- if you reading that review, get yourself a Lexus, PERIOD.
5 out of 5 stars
Lexus G300 230,000
Philip, 04/13/2016
2001 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Bought this car used. Had an accident that did NOT show up in Car Fax Report. None-the-less, I've had it since under 25,000 miles and it's run nearly flawless. Air conditioning went, wheel bearings on only one wheel (accident) but we figured that out and repaired it. Taking it to a quarter million.....
5 out of 5 stars
6 months in, very happy
mrljacobs, 01/21/2012
2001 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
I purchased my GS300 with 92,000 miles on it 6 months ago. So far I am very happy. Car is very nice, has great features, and has been problem free. When I purchased there was some rattling coming from near the right front tire. Took to mechanic, replaced front strut mounts, and rattle was taken care of. Cost me $350, but now I enjoy a smooth quiet ride. Average 22mpg, and get much better … on long freeway drives. Will upgrade to LS430 in a few years.
4.75 out of 5 stars
The quality Lexus experience
HC Barnes, 06/15/2007
2001 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
My second Lexus. I had the first, a 1991 SC 300, for ten years. I bought the GS 300 as a certified used car with one year and 25,000 miles. I now have 124,000 miles on it and it still looks and drives like a brand new car. Service has not been that expensive considering the car and treatment has been perfect. Highway mileage consistently in mid 20s, not bad. I replaced the terrible OEM … tires with Yokohama Avids and have been happy with the handling ever since, although the car will never stir the emotions on a visceral level. Bottom line: an ultra- high quality luxury car with competent, but not exciting handling.
2001 GS 300 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $38,605 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $297/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the GS 300 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
Related Used 2001 Lexus GS 300 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used GMC Sierra 1500 2018 For Sale
- Used GMC Acadia 2010
- Used GMC Acadia 2014
- Used GMC Acadia 2019
- Used GMC Sierra 1500 2022
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Lexus GS 300 2014
- Used Lexus GS 350 2015 For Sale
- Used Lexus GS 350 2013
- Used Lexus GS 300 2019
- Used Lexus GS 350 2020
- Used Lexus GS 350 2018
- Used Lexus GS 300 2017
- Used Lexus GS 350 2016
- Used Lexus GS 300 2010
- Used Lexus GS 300 2011
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Porsche 911
- BMW 2 Series 2023
- 2023 Hyundai Genesis
- 2023 Audi S8
- 2024 Ram 1500 Classic
- Alpina B8 Coupe
- 2023 Audi S5
- BMW Z4 2025
- 2024 Porsche Taycan
- 2024 CT4
Research other models of Lexus
- Lexus LC 2024
- Lexus RX 350 Hybrid
- 2024 Lexus RX
- 2025 UX 250h
- Lexus Is SUV
- Lexus RC 300 Awd
- Lexus Rz450E
- Lexus LC500 HP
- RX500H
- LC 500 Convertible
Research similar vehicles
- 2024 Camaro
- 2023 TLX
- 2023 Mazda 3
- BMW 7 Series
- 2023 2
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- 2024 Elantra N
- 2023 Crown
- Porsche Panamera
- 2024 CT5
Other models
- Used Toyota Tacoma in Little Falls, NJ
- New Land-Rover Range-Rover-Velar for Sale in Winchester, KY
- Used Jeep Grand-Cherokee in Troy, MO
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-2500 in Poughkeepsie, NY
- New GMC Hummer-Ev for Sale in Alabaster, AL
- Used Toyota Crown in Manhattan, KS
- Used Cadillac CT4 in Riverview, FL
- Used Hyundai XG350 in Newburyport, MA
- Used Mercedes-Benz Eqs in Marysville, OH
- Used Ford Maverick in Marietta, OH