Used 1998 Lexus GS 400 Consumer Reviews
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No Substitute For A V-8
V-8, 09/19/2010
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Purchased in Jan. 2001 as a certified pre-owned with 20,000 miles. It was in pristine condition. And it still looks like a new car at 112,000 miles. Try to find a cert. pre-owned GS V-8 today. The big point of this is what my Lexus mechanic thinks of the GS400. He is an older guy with lots of knowledge and experience. He said, "don't get rid of this car". No more need be said.
Perfect Family Sedan for a Speed Freak
64th_note, 10/30/2011
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for 3 years now and it's been extremely reliable and fun to drive. It's faster than most cars on the road. I've taken it to a 12-turn race track several times and it's done rather well. It's built for luxury, so it's not real great on the turns, but the powerful V8 really moves on the straight-aways. I've even taken it drag racing. It's pretty heavy, but can still do 0-60 in about 6 seconds with 80,000 miles on the speedo. There are many cars faster than that 0-60, but it's unbeatable for highway driving. If you're like me, you do a lot of passing on the right for cars that like to drive slowly in the left lane. It takes only a few seconds to go from 60-100.
Can't go wrong with a GS400!!!
GS400inTexas, 06/21/2005
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I had originally looked at a Lexus SC300 and noticed the performance numbers on the 98-00 GS400 by accident. The car had always seemed too expensive for me, but after reading the 0-60 stats, I was hooked! I've been driving a 98 GS400 for about 5 months and I couldn't be happier. Change the oil and keep it clean. Nothing to it! This is easily a 300K mile engine and Lexus service departments are top-notch. You'll be treated like a king. You deserve it for making such a smart purchase. Let the BMW and Mercedes drivers suffer from depreciation. I lose about $1500 a year on a luxury car everyone thinks is brand new! What?!?! Yes, its true. Don't tell them it has over 100K miles!
Just say "No" to New Car
Jetstream, 08/08/2009
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
My GS 400 is now 11 years old with 187,000 miles on it, all driven by me. Coast to Coast 4 times, L.A. to Vancouver, B.C. and dodging NYC Taxi Cabs. Service at Dealer here in Eugene, OR. is outstanding. I take my driving quite seriously and "it's not how fast you go, it's how you go fast." (and where) This car has been a compliment to any humble skills I have, and has seen 150 mph numerous times, with great care, but mostly in the 80-100 range. If you can find one that acts and looks good, go for it. Mine's a "keeper."
Rocket Ship
Rhino, 05/12/2010
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
After years with an old LS400...I was ready for newer. I fell in love with the GS400 (not the 300 nor the 430). If you read you will know why the 400 is the way to go. Now the trick was to find one...1998 - 2000. I went on the hunt for a low miles (less than 75K) and in very nice condition. Wow...had no idea it would be a needle in a haystack. But...I found it. 63K, 1 owner, had an accident in the past but was Lexus repaired (and had my body shop check it over and they said it was fixed perfectly). I bought it. Since it is 12 years old and the rule when you talk to Lexus is 90K or 108 months. So I had the timing chain and water pump replaced for good measure and had the 60K done.
I'm still totally amazed!
Sam, 09/09/2015
updated 09/10/2018
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've owned my-1998 Lexus gs400 little over 5 yrs. now, it now has over 180k mls., is now 20 yrs. old & is still one of the very best cars on the road today no matter what you try to compare it to. The ride, the feel, the power it has, & the reliability is just unbelievable!
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The Most Reliable Car I Will Ever Own
Surf Monster, 10/19/2008
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new in 1998. Still driving it every day and I have not gotten tired driving this car. This car drives like a luxury jet fighter. Super smooth, fast, quiet. Flip to manual shift on the transmission and this car can rock. Probably the best aspect of the GS 400 is how reliable this car has been. Fuel, oil, drive. Have had nothing go wrong in over 130K miles, just normal maintenance. I have had the car detailed every 6-12 months, and the car amazes people. They just cannot believe it is 10 years old. Occasionally I get the urge to buy a new car, but then I drive another day in my GS 400 and say... why???
WISE Investment
Ryan, 08/05/2009
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have owned my GS400 for almost 2 years and not once have ever second guessed my decision on owning this wonderful piece of art. I work at a Lexus dealership and see older Lexus's with 300-500K(with stock motor/trans) all the time. Lexus owners are very loyal to the brand for good reason. This car is a bullet, but still has smooth ride quality and classy refinement. Can be a real head turner. If you want class, reliability, luxury, and performance all in the same package, the GS400 is the car for you. Would highly recommend!
A Civilized Beast
Smith, 07/30/2010
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It combines the fun of a sports car with the practicality of a four-door sedan. This car does it all. For daily driving it is smooth, quiet, very comfortable, and it seats four. If you want a more exciting drive; however, stomp on the gas and hold on. I highly recommend the SRT intake/ecu mod. Before installing the SRT, the car accelerated with gentle, subdued power. With the SRT, it lets off a beastly roar and leaps forward, but only when you want it to. This car is an excellent practical solution for those who need an all-purpose sedan, but want some fun too. I never get tired of driving my GS400.
240,000 Miles!
Dallin, 09/15/2015
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Amazing car! At 240,000 miles the only things that have gone out is the alternator, and the air conditioning blower (only about $100) Everything else is still in excellent condition. I did put a new stereo in which was kind of a hassle because they don't make make a harness to wire It to, but that was my choice.
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'98 GS400
IlliniDrive, 04/07/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is phenomenal. The GS400 drives very smoothly and quietly and has plenty of power for your driving pleasure. It definitely is like a Corvette or Porsche in disguise, so be careful driving it. It comes off as a luxury sedan, but I think of it as a luxury sports car. Every time I get into the driver's seat, its a new exciting feeling. Lexus's entire line of models prove worthy of all the awards they recieve because they really know how to make cars!
Slice of Heaven
Linda, 09/24/2008
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I loved the way this car felt as soon as I sat in it. 1-1/2 yrs. of 90 min. commute to/from work is pure pleasure! Highway, she's smooth as silk! Foothills (Smoky Mts.), she hugs those curves! Snow, sleet, rain she handles everything with ease. Best driving experience(s) I've ever had! Never a mechanical hiccup! Mpg minor flaw (even @ $4.00) when considering performance on each and every level. 112,000 mi. and solid... until someone rear ended me while using cell phone. To the end she was solid - my daughter & I would be dead otherwise. Test driving wannabe's - nothing compares. She's a lady in a class all her own. I'm hooked on the Lexus GS driving experience for life!
My Girl
rkn2903, 04/10/2010
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
All I can say is this vehicle is amazing, I have had this car for 5 yrs, and still problem free, car has 112,000 mi. and rides just like a new Lexus.
great car
senor p, 10/15/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The first time I test drove this car I sat in it and thought I was in a lazy boy, then I stepped on the gas, whoa. Ive owned quite a few muscle cars in my days and this was no comparison. It leaped of the road but with a control you could feel and the sound was all buisness. Everything in the car is laid out in good reach. I am now sold on buying another lexus in the future as is my whole family. The price is a little more than other cars but you really do get what you pay for.
Luxury Jet Fighter
GS4Man, 12/28/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Super smooth, quiet, scary fast. Build quality is outstanding and the feeling of luxury without tackiness is excellent. Feels much higher quality than the BMW 540i, especially in and around the dash and the quality of the leather. The leather in the BMW feels like naugahyde in comparison The stereo is excellent and makes the BMW sound like a cheap boom box. Handles extremely well, even when pushed hard, though there is some insulation from road feel. This car has been VERY reliable and the dealer has treated me like a king for service. All in all, I will be looking hard at a new GS when the model style changes.
Still Going Strong
audiowner2, 09/24/2014
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After 16 years of owning my 1998 GS 400 I have never been disappointed. It still runs very smoothly and the engine has that great sound of performance. I often get tempted to buy a newer model, but this one still runs great! The GPS system is easier to use than later model cars I've also owned from Infiniti, Cadillac, and Audi.
Great Car
Dean, 01/13/2005
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is really a great car. I had to give up an 01 Mustang GT when we had our first kid. I wanted to replace it with something that was fast, yet practical. How can you beat this car? It is as fast as my Mustang and faster than just about everything on the road. The only quicker sedans are things like the E55 & M5. Mine is a 1998 and it looks like a new car. Fit & finish are just super. I used to be a 'buy American", but after owning this car, I wonder how the Big 3 will even stay in business. The quality is just at another level. It is just a NICE car than also happens to be VERY fast. The only competition are the 540 & E430 which are slower and less reliable. You can't go wrong
Used 98 GS400
Albert Lau, 03/15/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Got this car about one year ago, used with 72000km. I used to drive an manual RX-7. The GS400 is not as fast, of course, but close. It is one of the fastest automatic four-door sedan you can buy. I think only the Mercedes E55 and C32 AMG cars are faster. Rear wheel drive is not bad at all because the skid control corrects any mistakes. I use winter tires and the snow driving mode in Toronto's snow and got no problem at all. Best car I have had. No complain.
My Trustworthy Car
Blake, 03/29/2019
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had a Lexus is250 before this. A few BMWs but after too many headaches and cheaper trim I decided to go backwards and ditch the car payments and get something more fun to drive and v8! I chose my gs400. I fell in love with it the moment I drove it. For a bigger car this thing moves! It steers great and handles great around turns and stops on a dime. There's plenty of room for 4 or even 5 people if you need to. The inside is very plush much nicer than my is250. The GS has real leather and real wood grain. The gps is a bit outdated but you can update it and make it like new. Has all new maps and everything was very easy to do. I have even slept in it a few times when going on road trips. It's very reliable and trustworthy. It's a v8 but it's not too bad on gas. I can get 24mpg and I have a "heavy foot". The car is very fun to drive. When it dies I will be getting another. I own it and will never get car payments again! For the price you can get one of these for used you get so much in value and will be happy
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Hands down the best lexus ever!!
lovemy400, 02/15/2021
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Own 2 of these models, just can't get myself to let them go. The smooth linear power, ability to pass folks on the highway and the reliability -- unparalleled for sure. Once you drive a V8, it's hard to go back to anything else. Gas mileage has been consistent and with regular routine maintenance this car will go on forever. Love, love this car. The only problem is that you can't find one with low miles and if you do, you should buy it -- you will NOT regret!
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Best car ever even in 2021
Kristian, 09/04/2021
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Im on my 4th GS. Wonderful cars. Great looks. Superior power and handling. Buy one if you find one unabused. They truly are world class vehicles ahead of their time.
Fun to drive
Jimmy B, 06/04/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used over the 540i and it has been worth it. I live in Atlanta and spend 3 hours in my car driving so I wanted something comfortable that had some power to get around the crazy drivers in Atlanta and I have found it on this GS400... I also put some 18" Lowenhart Rims and it has made the look even better...
Four Door Hot Rod
BigPapa, 08/08/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic car with plenty of power and handling. Fantastic Gauge cluster and visibilty. Great car for taller folks as well.
GS-400 - Simply Awesome
tapperal, 09/27/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving this car for a month now, I feel like I'm in heaven. Performance is unbelievable - ask the BMW M5 who only has a view of my tail lights what his thoughts are!!! This car is truly a regal beast - smooth as silk and all the acceleration you could hope for from a production car.
A TRUE 4-DOOR SPORTS CAR
SERIOUS DRIVER, 09/28/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning a GS300 I decided to buy a GS 400 over the BMW 540I . I an certain that I made the right decision. This car is fantastic! The interior and controls are easy to operate and the Nakamichi sound system is the best I have heard (factory sound). The car performs like a sports car (0-60 in under 6 seconds). Certainly , I would highly recommend this automobile.
Had to have one
Shazman, 11/07/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My friend bought a GS400 brand new it was the best car on the street, I told him I wish I could own one, but at $52k new it was out of my range. I just bought a used GS400 '98 with 88k miles. This was a corporation car and moslty HW miles. The price was right for 18k this was the car of choice, I looked at M3s, A4s, 540s but none could match the overall performance, reliablity, and with NAVI it was well worth it. I am still debating on buying a extended warranty for $2k for 5y/60k with 0 ded. I dont think this car will have any problems as long as you do your 60/120/180k services. Get one if you can.
Will be hard to give this one up
fever, 10/16/2002
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has run flawlessly. It combines the perfect amount of power, luxury, pinache and room. I have very few complaints. Lexus really got this one right. The only thing I would personally change is to stiffen the suspension (but you can buy L-tuned springs and shocks from the dealer) and perhaps a higher rear end ratio to help step in throttle of the line. This thing screams from 40 on.
GS 400 Major Fun
davidfromdallas, 01/06/2005
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought a '98 GS400 used with 32K mi. Has been major fun, and as reliable as a rock. Awesome performance. Some owners wish for tighter suspension (see L-Tuned add-on components) or more performance (again, see L-Tuned chip, exhaust, etc). I don't feel the car needs these tweaks. Car now has 72K miles and has had not a single mechanical problem. Car is now seven model years old and is still spotless.
1998 Lexus GS400
Paul1985, 10/06/2003
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an absolutely great car, lots of power, extremely fun to drive. Very reliable car.
From Mitsu to Lexus
SirJase, 10/20/2003
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Coming out of a 2003 Mitsubishi Diamante and taking a step back into a 1998 Lexus GS400 was a hard step at first, but my reliability now is greater and I have a higher resale value.
GS-400 Lexus
W. Smith, 12/14/2003
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great so far.
1998 GS 400 Review.
MIKE76, 09/26/2005
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Dont know if I have had this car long enough to have a robust review, however I will say that for a used car with over 110K miles on it (12 of which I am responsible for) it felt better than any new car I test drove as an alternative purchase option (mostly 30K and under).
Zoom, zoom, zoom
Kylesdad, 03/08/2004
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had as LS400 and I do have a LX470 so I am onviously sold on the Lexus product. My neighbor bough a 740i recently and I was jealous of the 288 HP engine. Bought a used GS400 with 62K on it. Put in about 1.5K in routine maintenance including 60K service and it's "Katy bar the door!" Unreal fast and smooth handling. Keep the BM'r. This is the ride!
what a car!
liazon, 08/31/2004
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
for the money, there is nothing else that comes close. this is a reliable, luxury, and perfomance vehicle all in one. all the bells and whistles will spoil you. i recently sold it for a cheaper car (bad year) and now realize how spoiled i am. the service was great too, but don't plan on fixing anything..if it goes wrong, they replace it. the navigation was great, but at the loss of the nakamichi sound system its a give and take situation. there really was very little to not like about this car. i'd buy another one in a minute.
Bulletproof
ricapito, 11/16/2004
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Could not buy a better used car for the $$$ if you are looking for a V8 and 300HP. Smooth as glass, whisper quiet, AMAZING build quality (especially after coming from a Volvo.) This car feels like it could go 300K miles without a hiccup!
Bulletproof
perfectionist, 02/22/2005
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Originally I was concerned about spending $20k on a 6 year old car that was a first year model. Now I can say that this is a flawless bulletproof vault that screams. No problems in 13k miles so far. No rattles at all. Unreal what an improvement over my Volvo..
The car of my dreams!!
eion, 11/12/2006
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was really afraid of spending so much money on a used car that is seven years old but let me tell you something, this was the best purchase ever! this car is extremely fast and the pick up is crazy! Everyone thinks that this car is a year old and when I tell them it is seven years old they gasp in awe! Thank you lexus for such a fine piece of machinery!
What a great used car!
Ryan H, 02/02/2007
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been driving this car for 1.5 years now. Purchased a '98 with 90k miles on it, and I have NEVER had to fix anything! What a sweetheart this car has been, and a joy to drive.
All around a great car
hunter LA, 04/07/2003
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful car. I have had no problems with it since I bought it. Very fast sedan.
BMW BEWARE!
CooterJuice, 04/12/2007
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car from a dealer with 37k original miles. Even though it's 10 years old, it feels brand new. It has as many creature comforts as many new luxo-sport cars and it still turns heads. No one can believe it is a nearly 10 year old car! (neither can I). Now I used to be a BMW diehard, so much so that I used to completely ignore Lexus because it was considered "soft". Not so with this car! This 300,000 mile capable road warrior has some serious guts! Switch on sport mode and see if you can keep your head from being sucked back to the head rest through steering wheel mounted button-activated shifts, I dare ya. Look no further friends. I give it the Cooter Seal of Approval.
Nice!
Loving my ride, 07/19/2007
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car from a friend with 90,000 miles on it. Now has 125,000 and NOTHING is wrong and nothing has broken. The car looks great inside and out and just keeps going and going. I keep thinking I should sell it cause it's getting old but it runs perfect so why should I.
Most for the money
liazon, 07/21/2007
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd 98 GS 400, my 4th Lexus. Absolutely the most car for the money. I highly recommend it. Superior performance, great sound system, quiet ride, and great reliablity and low maintance. The key to Lexus/Toyota is routine maintenance at 30/60/90k/120k miles. My current car has 159k and runs just as well as my last one at 69k. I can't say enough about Lexus quality. Make sure you acquire maintenance records (if it was dealer maintained, any Lexus dealer w/ have the records). This IS a high performance machine, so some people ran them hard. If it was maintained, good records will nullify that. P.S. Get the SRT intake/chip for $300-500 for an added 15-20hp.
Awesome
LadyM, 01/08/2003
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first V8 I've ever owned after owning 5 cars in my life. I love driving fast and defensive. This car has lived up to my expection. This sound system is wonderful. I love the leather interior with the wood trim. The truck is extra large which I love. This car is very comfortable. Difficult to let go.
Aging Extremely Well
TK, 03/20/2008
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Pristine styling, bullit proof drivetrain at 95K miles, a/c system, timing belt, ball joints and throttle sensor replaced. Recommended as a strong buy if you can find one! Add an updated aftermarket GPS/DVD/IPOD interface head unit brings the sound system up to date with little expense.
1998 Lexus GS 400
kick_push, 05/14/2008
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car six years ago with 60k plus miles on it. I've added almost 100k additional miles on the odometer and it still runs like it is brand new (maybe even better). It seems like the car is only in it's prime now. Perfect balance of sport and luxury. It is truly a joy to own
😀Keep On Keepin’ On😀
⚡️GS 400 by Jetstream228!, 07/13/2022
updated 04/22/2024
1998 Lexus GS 400 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wrote a loving review of my ‘98 Lexus GS400 back in 2009. Fast forward to 2022 and my awesome ride just turned “500,000 Miles” Not enough space to talk about it. Bob S. Eugene, OR. UPDATE: Follow up to my raving review of 2009. Car now has 513,000 MILES Still my daily driver! Maintenance not Repairs It’s an extension of myself. Can afford a new car but this is my ride!