2000 Lexus GS 400 Review
2000 Lexus GS 400 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V8, 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
The GS 400 gets a new BrakeAssist system and child seat-anchor brackets. Crystal White and Millennium Silver Metallic replace Diamond White Pearl and Alpine Silver Metallic.
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 2000 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$225/mo for GS 400 Base
GS 400 Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Looking to create the ultimate sport sedan in both price and performance, Lexus redesigned its GS 400 in 1998 and came up with a truly exceptional car. This is one model that can hang with the best Europe has to offer.
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.
The appearance of the car is supported by a powerful drivetrain. The GS 400 packs a 4.0-liter V8 that develops 300 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine uses variable valve timing (called VVT-i) to promote additional power and fuel efficiency. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available. To take advantage of the transmission's five forward gears, the GS 400 features manual upshift and downshift buttons on the steering wheel spokes, controlled by the thumb and forefinger of either hand.
The Lexus' roomy cabin provides the driver and front-seat occupant with excellent visibility and room to stretch out. An impressive 44 inches of legroom and 58 inches of shoulder room accommodates the long-limbed and broad-shouldered in the front seat. 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 all of the other power goodies typically found on luxury cars. Popular options include a Nakamichi premium sound system and a GPS-based navigation system that uses touch-screen controls.
Both models come standard with Vehicle Skid Control, 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. ABS, front and side airbags, and traction control are all standard.
As with other vehicles in the Lexus line, road feel and absolute sportiness take a back seat 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 all-around, everyday living with rock-solid reliability, you can't beat the GS series, especially if price is a consideration.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Lexus GS 400.
5 star(87%)
4 star(11%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
45 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
My best car ever!
Majorleaguer, 08/21/2003
2000 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
I have owned over 75 cars, including
all sorts of other luxury vehicles,
sports cars, etc. The GS400 is the
best car I have ever owned! It
combines style, luxury, room,
convenience, and of course
performance. By the way, I also own 3
other Lexuses (LS400, IS300, RX330).
I have the Platinum Edition and I've
done some other things to it, including
a full REAL wood … dash treatment, strut
tower bar, and K&N air filter
performance kit -- and all that makes
it even better!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Rarified Air
Kimmy, 09/20/2005
1999 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
This is my first experience with a high performance luxury car and boy what an experience. First of all the look of the car is striking. It makes me very proud to drive it. It turns heads - literally - and it's an uncommon car. My husband actually got a thumbs up from a carload full of twenty something males. That "L" has quite the mystique. But it's not "hey look at me . . ." It's … subtle. The power and performance of it gives me chills sometimes. I've only had the car a few months so I cannot vouch for its mechanical soundness except I've had no problems. It has few drawbacks except the gas mileage is lousy and it takes 93 octane gas. It also has a severe blind spot problem.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Is that a 99 or 09?
Old But New, 10/04/2010
1999 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
Power and more power will be the first thing you notice. The Lexus GS400 has to be one of the most beautiful cars every made. The visual presence is striking and unique, the inside cabin is made for comfort and styling. Under the hood sleeps a V-8 that will make your head jerk back if your not careful. The transmission is very smooth to compliment the V-8. In my opinion, the 99 Lexus … GS400 was produced way before it's time, lucky for me I was able to find one that has been kept in excellent condition. To find a newer car with all the same features as this one would cost a pretty penny!
5 out of 5 stars
An exceptionally built car
Brian Theissen, 10/29/2009
1999 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
Purchased the GS400 from an older gentlemen in 2005 with 50K miles. The car now has over 100K miles and have not had one mechanical nor electrical issue with it. Besides the regular maintenance, i.e. new brakes, tires and oil changes - the car is as powerful as the day that I purchased it. For a car that is 10 years old the interior leather is in exceptional condition (monthly leather … cleaning does help) that's more than I can say from my wife's 2006 Volvo S80 cracking leather. Overall gas mileage is unbelievable for a 300hp car, typical hwy is 28+ (75+ mph) city is around 20 mpg. This is my first Lexus and will not be my last.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2000 Lexus GS 400, so we've included reviews for other years of the GS 400 since its last redesign.
2000 GS 400 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $225/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
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
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