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Used 1996 Lexus GS 300 Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
38 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 GS 300, so we've included reviews for other years of the GS 300 since its last redesign.

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Pros
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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent car

Joe, 04/10/2002
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

7 years later and it still looks and runs like new. The only thing that I had to replace after 100,000 miles was a dash light. Rock solid ride with nothing but reliablility. The body style is the original and is better built than the new models.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Legendary Japanese Reliability

Hoeman Lew, 04/30/2002
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

OK, ok, not the fastest, nor the classic European styling (although the original GS300 was designed by Italians), nor does it win over the bimmer enthusiasts....but as a previous owner of an 85 535i and 87 M6 along with current owner of ML 430, the Lexus is legendary Toyota reliability; the combination of ergometrics, quality and performance hard to beat.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

this is the best body style lexus design

marcus, 06/10/2003
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in 02, I have always wanted this car but could never afford one. this car is beautiful inside and outside, the interior is luxurious with almost every features you can get on a new luxury car. The 93-97 lexus gs300 is one of the most beautiful car made in the 90's. I get so much attention when I am driving this car, most people dont believed me when I told them this car is a 95, the car looks brand new, I plan on keeping this car for atleast 2o years, this car is a classic and they are very rare on the road. this car is more beautiful than the newer gs300 (98- 03)models except for the headlights. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

95 Lexus GS300

K.E.H., 05/27/2002
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is one of the best cars i have owned it has been passed down to 3 family members and still running great

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5 out of 5 stars

Reliable timeless toyota

7AM, 09/15/2010
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought the touring w/ a little over 130k. Though I have not owned it for long, I thought I'd share some of my opinions. First of all, it's a very reliable vehicle, something that shouldn't come as a surprise from Toyota. It doesn't have the power of a BMW, nor the handling of one, but it's just right considering a vehicle of its format - smooth acceleration, easy cornering, while seating comfortably in the roomy interior. These 2jz engines are known to be one of the best Toyota has ever built. Regular maintenance should be enough to surpass 200k w/ ease. I love this car more by the day. To me, this model stands out more than the newer ones. Designed in Italy, the lines are simply timeless.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Most Dependable Car I've Ever Owned

Most Dependable , 04/05/2006
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Have never had any major problems with car. Has outlasted every car I have ever owned. Drives and rides better than much newer vehicles I currently own.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

TRUTH ABOUT LEXUS

MrUnbiased, 05/12/2010
1996 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Best car i've ever owned and its a '96. I also have a Lincoln mkz 2006 completely loaded and i prefer the Lexus. The interior is extremelely comfortable with 12 way power seats. Its has the legendary 2JGE STRAIGHT 6, NOT V6! So thats a complete heads up on reliabilty. The leather trim holds your body and the quality is there even at 14yrs old. As for performance its probably as fast as a 6 cylinder will go up untill around 2003 and thats without pushing the sport button. Steering the car is the softest ive ever felt but holds corners like a sport coupe with its double wishbone suspension. The car was ahead of its time using many LS components. Built by 90% Robots in Tahara Japan. 9/10

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Lexury

Greenwood, 12/01/2004
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Owned 7 years and it's my favorite car ever. I've spent more, but enjoyed less. Always 20+MPG, lots of top end speed, and comfortable. It won't beat anybody racing to the end of the block, but at highway speeds it has legs. Had to make a 180 mile one-way trip to deliver emergency bio-medical supplies, and when I returned home I got a call that the parts were wrong and would I please make another trip. No problem. Went to a movie that night with my daughter, and I drove! My spouse keeps hinting that it's time to get a new car, but I'm resisting.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Awesome quality + look + price

Huy Tran, 04/01/2002
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have a 98 BMW 528i and 95 Lexus GS300. Both was purchased few months from each other. I've put in 3 time the number of mile on the GS as on the 528i. Yet, the BMW keep break down every now and then, especially the electronic & sensor system, and cost so much to fix & maintain. The Bimmer is way more fun to drive, and look somewhat more agressive, but that's about all. My friend has a 540i, and same thing go. With the lexus, all I have to worry is wear and tear (break, oil, belt..). Other than that, it keeps running as an Energize bunny, but more smooth and elegant. BMW is only good for weekend car, can't use it for long commuting. Lucky that I didn't buy 2 bimmer back then.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

karlgnau, 03/02/2002
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

We bought this car used, with 36,000 miles--now have 99,000 on it. This is a high quality car showing some interior wear but performing and performing without problems. Only brakes and tires have been needed beyond regular maintenance items. We love it!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodbye to an old firend

Steve M, 04/14/2005
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Folks, I just sold my 1994 Lexus GS300 and I felt compelled to say something about how wonderful this car has been. I bought it in 1997 as Lexus Certified Pre-Owned vehicle and it has served me well these past 8+ year. There is no doubt in my mind that this is one of the best vehicles ever produced for mass consumption on the planet. Rock-solid reliability, great styling, and longevity are the high points. I'm convinced the straight-6 will run forever. Performance (although not bad) and rear seat room are lows. All in all, I would do this again in a heart beat. If you're considering this vehicle, buy it and enjoy for many years to come. Categorically the best car I have ever owned.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

LEXUS GS 300

JOSEPH, 06/10/2002
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I LOVE THIS CAR! i HAVE OWNED TWO AND THEY ARE GREAT. REALIABLE, SAFE, AND VERY STYLISH.

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5 out of 5 stars

The Ultimate Transportation Machine

Chris Hong, 09/19/2002
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car is complete. The GS is a perfect balance of power, size, fuel efficiency, cabin space/comfort for 4. Parts are too much but that's a reason why we like it. I also have wind noise from the front door. i thought maybe someone was trying to jack my car and messed the trim, not sure. It's classic.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

95 Lexus GS300

lazarus629, 02/28/2002
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Lexus reliability, build quality, and quiet in a fun to drive much imitated design. The only original Lexus design is stunning and has been widely imitated. While it doesn't handle quite as well as BMS 5-series and the MB E-class, it has MUCH more room and is, of course, MUCH more reliable.

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5 out of 5 stars

MY RATINGS

Steve, 10/23/2005
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Had Lexus GS 300 1995 for over 4 years and never had any electrical or mechanical problems. For a 1995 it has more luxury and extras that new model cars. It has a great ride.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

My favorite car

Larry Baird, 01/05/2006
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchase my GS 300 used with 36,000 miles, I now have 106,000 miles and notice no difference than when I originally purchased. Outside of brakes and general maint. I have had absolutely no problems. It is a great car. I just took in to service for tuneup, and brakes and intend to keep several more years. The newer cars do not really turn me on in comparison to what I already have. I have the luxury I want and performance as well in a car that is now 11 years old. I don't think other car manufactuers can give me the same satisfaction after 11 years.

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5 out of 5 stars

My first Lexus

VanErman, 06/21/2005
1996 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 96 GS300 with 100K, after driving an 01 Lincloln LS with only 40K - I wish domestic cars were this nice. The ride is wonderful, smooth power and much less depreciation.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

A Lexus 4U

DeBrack, 11/21/2002
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My wife is now the proud owner of her 2nd Lexus vechicle and the way it looks; we are going to continue with Lexus. We've been most impressed with the handling as well as the body design of the cars. People often tease me cause I'm a Mitsubishi car salesman and it's the hardest thing in the world to sell my product while supporting another. I'm not to impressed with the body design of the newer ES300 and GS300. They seem to parrallel to much with the Toyota body concept. All though I realize they are one in the same; it's just that I feel that a Lexus should be able to stand alone and have idenity that's genuine and unique!

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5 out of 5 stars

Finest Engine in the line

LarryB, 01/31/2003
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great car. Easy handling, Decent milage, low maintenance

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5 out of 5 stars

1996 Lexus GS300

OnTheAir, 07/03/2004
1996 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is a great car. I drive 30,000 per year, and have had zero repairs or issues (except replacing trunk lid lifters) - just normal wear & tear. Sporty performer with good looks, strong acceleration even with 100k+ miles, comfortable ride, beautiful interior, great value. I plan to keep it until close to 200k miles with possible repaint/touchup for minor road & parking lot dings.

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5 out of 5 stars

GS300 Grand Ride

Ed, 07/15/2005
1996 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love my GS300, handles well, excellent comfort features like power seats, sunroof, all controls well-designed. Driven over 140,000 miles and no significant repairs beyond standard belts/hoses/maintenance.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My first Lexus

AGK, 06/11/2002
1995 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

The Lexus GS 300, my first luxury car, has worked out quite well. I, like many people others who was looking for a newer car, had considered an SUV. But my wife convinced me that 99.93% of my driving was in the city, so "why not get a nice riding car?" How right she was!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

GS 300 Review

GS300, 12/05/2005
1996 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great car. Looks and runs fine. Love the interior layout and the smooth lines of the car. The best car I have ever owned.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Mod it!

GenChan, 11/05/2010
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

For you idiots who read this, I just want to say that this car has potential with that 2JZ engine. Do a JDM swap if ya'll are crying about power because there is a way to twin turbo it. Plus, if you want to NIP out the car, there are plenty of modifications for it, even making it 6 speed manual tranny if you like. The engine has been tested to push out with hp in the 900 range. Its too easy, you do the MATH!

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Not that reliable

B, 09/27/2008
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car with 130 miles now it has 175 and it's given me problems, water pump replaced, radiator, fix the timing, brakes, tires, 2 window motors, major transmission problem, check engine light is on. Since I had this car it's been parked a couple of times for 2 to 5 months at a time. It's hard to fix and expensive too. By the way we do change the oil often and try to keep up with it. This car cost us $6.200 but with all the repairs we done to it cost us well over $10.000

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I LOVE this car!!

gelbob, 07/24/2009
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 215000 miles this car still runs like a champ. I will definitely go with Lexus again. Yes, it is expensive on repairs, but worth it in longevity.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Will Miss My Dear GS300

shavonnem79, 06/24/2011
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just said fair well to my dear gs300. I didnt have it that long,maybe a little over one year. The car gave me issues but the previous owner didnt take good care of it. I bought it for 1400 and had to put 3000 of work into it,ever penny was worth it. I loved driving it! I loved the design of the interior and exterior. Even though there were some issues under the hood my dear gs never left me stranded. If you have one of these,take good care of it, I will miss this car! Excellent vehicle!!! kudos toyota/lexus

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Lex the Best

Lex the Lexus, 03/02/2003
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It has an Inline- 6 Engine that keeps the car moving nicely, the design both in and out that does not age so quickly. We live out on a very rough and hilly road, but our Lex climbs it with ease. The power button is very nice, along with all of the other little extras that a join the car. There is a winter mode for the wipers, an automatic steering wheel that gets out of your way , auto- air-conditioning, a rear light failure warning light, auto headlights and many more to kept this car comprisable to new cars. The car is very quite, and has sufficient legroom. It’s almost like it’s in control of the road which makes it a joy to ride in.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Only Italian designedToyota is beautiful

gsman, 04/02/2004
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The only Italian designed Toyota product is miles better looking than anything else from Toyota.... ever!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

GS 300

MrScary, 07/30/2004
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Smooth and reliable...Lexus Quality reigns supreme!!!!1

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4.38 out of 5 stars

STILL RUNNING

STH, 03/10/2003
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I BOUGHT THE CAR ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO WITH 50K, AND I CURRENTLY HAVE AN UNBELIEVABLE 175K miles on it and I haven't experienced any major problems under the hood.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Built to Last!

T-Girl, 09/25/2004
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought 2 years old w/30,000 mi., owned now for 7 years. Now has 171,000 miles. Other than not starting due to battery outage, it has never stopped on me once. This car is built to last. It's 10 years old, but the design still looks stylish. We are now shopping for a new car and this car causes our expectations to be high. Find one that's well maintained and you won't be disappointed. We've only had 2 problems with the interior ever - cup holder (awful design) and the rear pass. window.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

GS-- luxury--king

jon siemann, 11/03/2004
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my 94gs 300 since feb. 96. My car has 293,000. This is the #1 car ever built based on quality,luxury,driver fatigue in long distance,value for dollar,fuel economy and repairs,very low maintenance,complete with a ultra smooth inline 6-engine pioneered by europeans. The car was manufactured in Tahara Japan at a factory cost of roughly $32000 and a selling price of41,500. you tell me the best car ever made period!!!Mine still drives better than $25000 2005 with less repairs.Heck the brakes on this car last 50000 miles and thats using them need I say more.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Awesome Car!!!

jonesclan, 01/28/2007
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is the best I've ever owned. Has never failed to start or broken down ever. It's pretty much maintenance free and still drives and rides like a new car. Still looks pretty good too, just has the old body style. It's 13 years old now and has 140k miles so we've been looking around for a new car. The surprising thing is that even the new cars we've been test driving do not ride and drive as good as this one. Have definitely decided we should buy another Lexus if we can find one we can afford.

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5 out of 5 stars

22 years old when sold

Diane Cartwright, 12/09/2015
updated 06/13/2018
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Lexus is the epitome of elegance, reliability, class, comfort and a joy to drive. It is supremely quiet, always reliable and if you're in a tight traffic pinch just kick off the overdrive and you're up to 80 in seconds. Bye, bye, traffic jam, only lights fading in your rear view mirror. I've had my Lexus GS 300 since 1994 and still love it. I'm only now considering another Lexus. I'll never deviate from the best. Who would? After changing lifestyle, lots of interstate travel with my 3 little dogs, I bought another Lexus. This time it's an RX 350. It's larger than I'm accustomed to but it's beautiful, gets satisfactory 22 miles per gallon. But, I do miss my GS 300 and am considering downsizing to a sedan again, most likely a hybrid Lexus or Prius. Why did I sell? In addition to needing a larger car at the time, I took my GS 300 in to a different factory certified repair shop for an oil change and service. What a car killing mistake! They said they found multiple problems, which I seriously doubt, allegedly replaced multiple gaskets and hoses totally more than $2,000. Afterward, my beloved car ran horribly, made loud noises, was rough. I took it back and they said they forgot to attach a hose and couldn't find supports for the engine which they had removed. I was so deeply disappointed that I sold the car with all the records intact. Lesson learned: If you find a great shop and mechanic you trust, don't deviate, even if you have to travel 100 miles to your home town which I should have done. Lexus is my go-to brand and it is doubtful I will ever change even if tariffs are out of reach.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Thanks Lexus!

ratomlinson, 05/19/2008
1994 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has been such a tremendous vehicle for us. The reliability has been tremendous. It goes and goes without a complaint. I purchased the vehicle used with 40K miles on it and a have driven it another 50K miles over the last 6 years. Very comfortable vehicle.

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5 out of 5 stars

lexus gs300

General, 01/19/2003
1996 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

great car. mechanically and aesthetically, this car has been the best I've ever owned. I would highly recommend.

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5 out of 5 stars

My baby lex

Superjew, 05/29/2003
1996 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first lexus, but definetly not going to be the last. This car has it all: reliability, style, and comfort. I couldn't be happier with any other car.

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