2001 Lexus GS 300 Review
Price Estimate: $438 - $711

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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
12 listings
- $3,900great price$1,784 below market
- 173,212 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, personal use only
- 16 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Rev Indy (461 mi away)
- Power Driver Seat
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in whiteland, IN
This is a 2001 Lexus GS 300 sedan and it runs and drives great. Its far from perfect however and has 173k miles on it. This has the tried and true 2JZ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JT8BD69S910141878
Stock: 7345
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-15-2025 - $9,995fair price$1,014 above market
- 96,218 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 16 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Boutique Motors (607 mi away)
- Power Driver Seat
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Lake in the Hills, IL
ONE OWNER! LOW MILES! HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER 2JZ ENGINE! RARE MANUAL MODE SHIFTER BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL! SUNROOF! HEATED SEATS! WE SHIP WORLDWID...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JT8BD69S810130645
Stock: 11474
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-29-2025
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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$265/mo for GS 300 Base
GS 300 Base
vs
$162/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Lexus GS 300 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Don't die before you drive a Lexus !
5 out of 5 starsTony, 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.
Lexus G300 230,000
5 out of 5 starsPhilip, 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.....
6 months in, very happy
5 out of 5 starsmrljacobs, 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.
The quality Lexus experience
4.75 out of 5 starsHC 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 | $265/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
- Genesis G90 2020 Review
- Toyota Tacoma 2020 Review
- Ford Transit Crew Van 2021 Review
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2021 Review
- Nissan NV200 2021 Review
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Porsche Cayenne Coupe 2025
- Kia EV9 2024
- Nissan Truck 2024
- 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
- New Porsche Cayman S
- 2025 SQ7
- New Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman
- 2025 EQE
- New Volvo S90
Research other models of Lexus
- Lexus ES 2024
- Lexus RZ 2024
- 2024 Lexus LS
- 2025 LC
- Lexus NX 2025
- 2024 Lexus TX
- 2024 Lexus NX
- New Lexus RC
- Lexus LX 570 2025
- 2025 LX
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used Chevrolet Astro-Cargo in Osseo, MN 2005
- Used Bentley Continental-Flying-Spur-Speed in Arcadia, CA 2013
- Used GMC Safari in Joliet, IL 2005
- Used Land-Rover LR4 in Garner, NC 2016
- Used Mini Cooper-Paceman in Marquette, MI 2016
- Used BMW 8-Series in Queen Creek, AZ 2026
- Used Volkswagen Taos in Westland, MI 2025
- Used Lexus RX-350L in Greenville, TX 2022
- Used Dodge Ram-Pickup-3500 in Pensacola, FL 2010
- Used Mazda Truck in Manahawkin, NJ 2003