Skip to main content

Used 2003 Lexus GS 300 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
47 reviews

See 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.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.88 out of 5 stars

GS300 SportDesign

Craig, 01/12/2009
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

Traded in a 95 LS400 which had 173000 miles and still going strong. The GS300 car handles as good as my 91 corvette without the harsh ride. It is firmer than the LS400 but not harsh. The inline 6 cylinder is smooth as silk. Took a long trip and got 26.5 MPG; in 5th gear at 70mph it is turning 2800 RPM,which seems high for overdrive (compared to 2200RPM on the LS400). This car is an excellent blend of performance and luxury. The brakes are much more responsive than I am used to, but really prefer that. You must drive one of these, very impressive!

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Sport Design

auditors, 05/24/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

The Sport Edition GS 300 is a fun car to drive. It has all of the amenities and elegance of the GS 300 but it has a Euro tuned suspension and sportier accents. This car also has HID lights not found on the standard GS 300 (only in the GS 430 model. This is a smooth and quiet car that is a joy to drive. I especially like the fact that 3 car seats can fit in the rear.

Report Abuse
2003 Lexus GS 300 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 15 listings
See all 15 listings

4.88 out of 5 stars

My first Lexus set the standard for me

haultj, 01/25/2011
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought this car for my wife new in late 2002. We loaded it with every option including the Mark Levison audio and the Navigation. We also looked at the Audi A6 and the Lincoln LS-E. The GS300 was hands down the winner. There was no comparison. The fit and finish of this car is amazing. The styling of the exterior was what really made the decision for us. The interior is so amazingly comfortable and everything just fits well and works well. The Lexus navigation was so much better than the Audi and Lincoln. We both love this car and bought a second Lexus when I was ready to replace my SUV.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Lexus GS-300

midmac, 05/04/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bought the Lexus after looking at Infiniti G35 and Mercedes. It is a great car. We travel from Texas to the West and East coasts annualy. The car cruises all day effortlessly at 70 plus. The build quality is superb and the dealer service experience is excellent.

Report Abuse

1 out of 5 stars

Major problems some may be dangerous.

Sam Barot, 02/11/2020
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful

This car is totally non-reliable and I am very disappointed in Toyora/Lexus and never expected to experience a lot of major issues in this car: 1. Throttle body went bad causing the accelerator not to respond making the car not safe to drive 2. Ignition switch became faulty, it tries to turn on the car by itself without keys. When I parked it outside, I came back with the engine trying to start. It was ver hazardous, I had to disconnect the battery to avoid major damages. 3. Water pump went bad around 145K 4. Timing built went bad as well 5. Alternator went bad 6. Catalytic converter went bad, I spent so much money to fix in order to pass the emmision test 7. Radiator went bad 8. Suspension went bad causing damages to the front wheels. I drive it less than 5 miles per day on average but completely shocked by the quality of this car. I would have been better off with Honda or any other brand.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Greatest car ever!

Jeremy, 11/11/2010
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

If you want styling, design, reliability, performance and comfort, this is the car for you! The car is super quiet! Sound system is awesome! Couldn't ask for a better car! (BMW & Mercedes can't touch it!)

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Summer Car, Watch out for snow

rob-gs300, 02/18/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love this car, but with the winter we've had in the northeast it's bad side has come out. This is the worst bad weather car I have ever owned!!! The traction control system is a joke. I'm done with rear wheel drive cars.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

I fell in love!!!

eoh, 08/04/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought a 2000 GS300 two weeks ago with 36K miles on it. I was trying to decide between a new Beetle converible and a used RX300... and then I saw this. I knew right away it was exactly what I wanted. I spent a little more than I had originally planned, but it is worth every penny. In one week, I have absolutely fallen in love with this car. As long as I live, as much money as I ever make, I will never need more car than this. It's stylish, luxurious and powerful. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I commute 1-1/2 hours to work and this car puts a smile on my face every day. Makes a great first impression but is not overdone.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

SPORT EDITION SPORTS SADDLE

JoeMar, 08/12/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Best balance of value, luxury and reliability in this class. Not as arrogant as the BMW nor as costly as the MB. We just got ours but it is impressive to us already. GS300, Sport Edition, Black with Saddle Leather perforated. Did not get ML audio or NAV.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Nothing better than this!!!

Amy, 06/30/2005
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is a dream. Every day I get in and thank heaven that I went with Lexus instead of something else. Service departments are ALWAYS easy to work with (and I have worked with four different dealership service depts). Handling is great, brakes are amazing, and I could never be without navigation again. Nothing says luxury, dependability, and safety better than the Lexus GS300!!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

GS is outstanding

jimyboy, 03/10/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my 4th Lexus in 10 years, and my favorite. I traded in my LS 400 for the GS simpy bacause it is fun to drive, and in my opinion a better "in town" driving car then the LS. I have never had a single repair on any of my Lexus', outstanding cars.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

GS 300 Review

csrb7007, 03/13/2007
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very enjoyable car, this vehicle exudes quality and craftsmanship. Everyone who has ridden in this vehicle loves it. I wish I'd bought a Lexus sooner!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Totally impessive

ScB, 04/26/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I waited quite a while to finally purchase a luxury sports sedan. This time allowed for me to compare head to head several compting models from BMW, Audi, and Infiniti. They all were nice but only the Lexus GS300 was exceptional. I purchased the sports edition and have not looked backed. Beautiful to look at and to drive. Drives with power and authority and has the most solid feel in its class. It is difficult to describe the experience without being behind he wheel, but my guess is this is the best of both performance and luxury out there. I without hesitation recommend this car.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

GS 300

RAL, 06/01/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

GS 300's in-line 6 is a clone of the BMW. We got BMW type acceleration and Lexus quality. The car has more of a luxury ride than the 5 series and the steering is more relaxed but the GS has more luxury, features and realiability than the Bimmers. One other note, our Lexus dealer treated us right from the get go. Every BMW dealer in town that we visited acted as though they were heirs to the English crown. Over the top arrogant attitudes and some salesmen had less than acceptable level of knowledge of their own products 3 and 5 series. BTW- the 325 are made in S. Africa not Germany.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Goodbye old friend, I'll miss you (sniff)

Tim, 04/21/2016
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This Luxury sedan sports car is my favorite car ever and in every respect.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

The most reliable car out there

Memo, 10/24/2021
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Don’t get the wrong idea the Lexus gs300 is the most reliable car it’s has the Toyota 2jz-ge super reliable to just like it older bro the 2jz-gte it can last from 220,000 miles to 310,000 miles if you don’t half ass and actually put the time and money this car will last you along time and it’s so luxurious and a really fun car, right now I have 2003 gs300 250,000 miles and still running strong, only downside is that parts aren’t cheap and don’t cheap out either cause that’s when problems really start.

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
Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Great car but watch out for snow

kmm, 05/27/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is the 4th lexus that I've owned and I've had this one for over 3 years. Fun and responsive to drive in dry weather, but absolutely terrible in snow or ice. Traction control is useless and somewhat annoying. Interior is beautiful and comfortable, even on long rides. Would be a great car to own if you don't live in a place that gets snow.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

this is a good car!

Paco, 10/10/2002
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a gs300 with a body kit and some 21" inch rims and it looks tight!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great car, great luxury and a nice drive

ak, 10/03/2002
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car! Nice mix of luxury and a sporty ride..... Great service

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

bias

PAUL s, 11/22/2002
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

we have a sport edition in graphite with black lthr and black walnut trim. we love it. this is our third lexus. cannot beat the reliability and service,not to mention its a blast to drive.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

GREAT CAR

REDFOX, 11/29/2002
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

GREAT CAR!!!!NO COMPARISON WITH ACURA,OR BMW 5 SERIES

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

no traction and exploding tires

Going back to Audi, 02/07/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Tires (Goodyear) known to blow out-and did on me! Rear Drive=Poor traction pulling out on wet pavement and no traction on even a little snow. Nice car but poor gas mileage, and transmission bucks every once in a while.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best Value

Sutton Place, 02/09/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Superb engineering, smooth as silk and fit and finish of interior is like a hand-made Bentley. Leg and headroom is generous.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

GS300 SportDesign GREAT VALUE!

eckool, 08/05/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my 3rd lexus. I have been in love with this car since year 2000 (Platinum Series), but I didn't have an opportunity to get it at that time. Now I have a chance to own it. All I can say is SWEET. 0-60 in 7.8 sec, graphite wheels, new tail designs, etc.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

brief notes

skuzle, 09/13/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car is fun to drive, responsive when needed, although it's an older design, still get compliments and looks from other motorists.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

SPORTY BLACK BEAUTY

Ice Parker, 09/29/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just got the Sport Edition GS300 and, after only 2,000 miles, it is a luxurious dream machine. Black with saddle leather interior, euro tuned, great features and fine classic looks. A fine value of a MB exterior clone with a BMW drive-train.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Car I ever bought

cube, 11/19/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the best car I ever bought. It rides smooth and you can barley feel the car shift gears. I like the Bodystyle also. Its perfect if you want to put bigger rims on it.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Lexus GS 300

emebane, 12/24/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fun car to drive. Looks good on the road. Acceleration is a bit slow initially but car has power. Blind spot is large. Gas mileage is standard. Quite, smooth ride. Hand conrols are easy to use.

Report Abuse
4.25 out of 5 stars

a "sure thing" / "safe bet"

jersey owner, 12/27/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I found that the car tends to get really boring really quickly. The steering feel is isolated from the road, and acceleration is VERY poor at low speeds. After about 30mph though, the car has some decent pickup. There is alot of lightweight material in the dash, the moonroof cover is loose and rattles at high speeds. There is alot more wind noise on the highway than i would have expected. For a blah 6 cylander engine, fuel economy on this car is pretty disappointing. Especially for a Toyota product. Lastly, with the standard issue tires, this car is utterly useless in the rain. I'm going to replace them soon.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Superb Ride

sivadiel, 06/05/2004
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent vehicle, superb ride and comfort. Build quality is better than any other vehicle I have owned. Dealership experience is actually worthy of the vehicle. Only complaint, and it's minor, is the amount of power available. Could use 25 more HP and 25+ft/lbs of tourque

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

4 Great Years

Brooksie, 03/27/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my GS300 since July '99 and have thouroughly enjoyed the car.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

A good near luxury car

J J, 04/08/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My lexus is a very beautiful car. It is so comfortable and so quite. The 4 exhaust give it a sporty look. The drivetrain is smooth and excellent. It has very big back doors for easy entrance. I wish there was a little more leg room because my friends and family are all kind of tall but besides that it is a superb car and i would definintly recomend it.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

TRULY AWESOME

Eagle50271, 04/25/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is by far the best car that i have ever purchased. I looked at every car in the class and this gave me the most bang for my buck out of them all!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Practical Grown up Fun

Happy in Atlanta, 05/16/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Today's cars have both a business and personal pleasure requirement. Finding a mix that isn't too gawdy or overly "family truckster-like" seemed impossible to me. I wanted a roomy vehicle for entertaining clients, but something that I could still be responsibly irresponsible with on the weekend corners. This car has thoroughly sold me. I don't need a large uncomfortable rumble to know I'm going fast ... that's what the speedometer is for. It's silk smooth acceleration and incredible agility in an amazingly gracious cabin is everything I'm after. Who cares if it turns heads, it's even more fun to drive.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

sport design

audit, 05/25/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The GS 300 sport edition is a fun car to drive. The cabin is roomy and I can put all three car seats in the back row. The titanium accents and unique color (graphite gray) are some of its special features

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

This is my 2nd lexus gs300

chasjr., 05/29/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I leased gs300 in 12/99. I loved the car so much i leased a 03 gs300 when returned the 00. This time the car has mark lev audio and nav. hid headlights. This has to be the best car i ever leased.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

this is a good car!

paco, 10/10/2002
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a gs300 with a body kit and some 21" inch rims and it looks tight!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great car, great luxury and a nice drive

AK, 10/03/2002
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car! Nice mix of luxury and a sporty ride..... Great service

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

What a Car

ZNRED, 06/19/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Now have close to 5,000 miles on our GS300, have taken a trip or two and enjoy driving it more each day. The Mark Levinson sound system is tremendous as is the Nav system. The car averages between 28-29 MPG on the road at 70-75 MPH. The dealership experience was great, unlike BMW dealers who seem to think they rank a step or two above the consumer!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great luxury car!!!

Alex Akopyan, 11/07/2015
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is great for every day use. Very reliable I have never experienced any problems even after 100k. Suspension is not very sport but creates a comfortable ride. Acceleration is average at 7.5 seconds. If you need more pwr then go with the gs430. Overall excellent car

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
3.5 out of 5 stars

Reliabilty, are you kidding me?

Lexus???, 11/03/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this car, instead of the Mercedes I used to drive as a "change of pace". My friends bragged about how great their Lexus' were. Boy did they fool me. The cars electronics are bad, bad, bad. The stereo system cuts in and out, the CD players skips and the sunroof leaks. My airbag lite is always on and my dealer can't fix it. I think they are tired of seeing me. The ride stinks, this is not a performance car. The ride in this car is something my grandparents might enjoy. Too mushy, handles badly.

Report Abuse
2.5 out of 5 stars

My new GS300

jerome, 01/16/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

I've had nothing but problem after problem with this damn car. It's spent more time at the dealership than with me and the jackasses at Lexus won't even contend that the car may be a lemon. Waste of $$ and couldn't have asked for more horrible dealer service!!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

My Wifes Car 2003

rtherrie, 02/01/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

We leased this Lexus GS 300 and I found as many cars as I have bought for my wife I should have just got the best Lexus, I like the 2002 so much I gave it to my son and we Leased a 2003 they are a great Car.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Lexus Test

J Kim, 08/28/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Value is excellent. Smooth and silky ride at any speed. They put the money in the right places.

Report Abuse
3.88 out of 5 stars

lexus

tjuris, 01/29/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not a real sporty car

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

Benzinger

cebenzinger, 03/26/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

The car rides beautifully and handles well through curves as well. It has excellent wet weather handling. I would have liked some additional features, including radio controls on the steering wheel, something standard on our Toyota Sienna @ $10K less.

Report Abuse
3.88 out of 5 stars

The squeak that sank the Lexus

unhappy in dallas, 11/24/2003
2003 Lexus GS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 6 people found this review helpful

This is my second (and last) GS 300. The first one was incredible. It was 2.5 yr old when we sold it and bought the new one. Our new one, since day one, has had squeaks, creaks and groans from the dash that the dealership has been unable to fix. Thought I would trade it in for a new one (it is only 5 mo old). Was told the dealership would give me $33k. About $8k depreciation in 5 months. Finish out detail problems like what I am experiencing are amazing for a 'luxury' car maker like Lexus. Learned my lesson. Next time- BMW here I come.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50