Used 2003 Lexus GS 430 Consumer Reviews
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Best car I've ever owned!!!!
This car brings a perpetual smile to my face every time I drive it. Took me several months to find a late-model GS 430 that was well-maintained - can't afford a new one. I'd much rather buy a 4-year-old Lexus than a new car any day. Used to have an LS 400, and while it was a great car too, it was almost too refined to be fun to drive. The GS 430 is all about driving excitement if you ask me. The GS 430 has a great balance between sportiness and comfort. It filters out harsh road noise and vibration, while letting you know that it has 300+HP under the hood. Works well for my family with two carseats in the back. The Z-rated tires are pricey and wear out quickly so budget for tires!
I'd buy another one at the drop of a hat
Let me first say that I am a career GM salesman! I would have never in a million years bought a Lexus, but we traded it in and I bought it. I LOVE the car! The seats and the interior are what sold me on the car. Thank God it was the V8 model... it's powerful, sleek, and butter smooth. The Nav and Mark Levinson audio system make trips a blast. The true test is that I bought mine AFTER someone else put 75,000 miles of business use on the car and it's still tight as a drum and runs like a dream. As I have a habit of running through a vehicle about every 6 to 9 months. This time though, I think I'll keep my Lexus and park way in the back at work!
GS430 Best car ever made
I waited for 6yrs to buy this car and when I bought was not disappointed.I also looked closely at the 540i and M3. Nothing can beat the performance of the M3 yet nothing can beat the luxury and looks of a black/black GS430. And with all that luxury it is still quick enough to beat almost all comers from a stand still at the traffic light (including a 540i). . The 540 is a weak car in my opinion and is over priced. The M3 is too expensive to maintain but handles like a F1 racing machine The GS is comfortable, fun to drive, the interior is rich, the Audio and Nav are just super and the quietness of the cabin is unparalleled.Lexus service is exceptional.
Rocket on wheels
Awesome car to drive and faster than most sports cars out there. The person, "Must get another car for winter by jhave001" who rated this car 1.9 has no clue what he's talking about. He rates the performance 1.0 and reliability 1.0. I don't think this person has ever drove the GS430 let alone be able to afford it. He's one of those that drives the Ford Pinto, adds 22" Rims and adds a Boeing 747 Spoiler and thinks it's his Mercedes.
Top Ten...REALLY!!!!!!
This is one of the BEST luxury sport rocket money can buy. I really love the design concept, the overall built quality and the best part of it-the VIP treatment I experienced in the dealership.The responsiveness of the engine, I can say-outstanding!I am very happy and satisfied with this car,the dealership/staff treatment and the compliments I get everywhere I go. I truly am happy and too young to own a LEXUS!!!
Smooth and fast
This is by far one of the most reliable, well built, and luxurious vehicles on the market. The interior is silent, the engine is outstanding, brakes flawless, and the seats, stereo system, nav controls make for a very serene experience. However, for a sports sedan, it is much too soft, and the steering is much too light. In addition, the car can be harsh and twitchy with the optional 17 inch wheels. Soft springs and low profile tires just don't mix well. Stick with the 16 inch wheels and don't expect too much from the chassis, and you will be very happy. Overall a great car, but not a very emotion-evoking one.
Best of both worlds
I have to say that this car is just perfect, no problems yet, and Lexus reliabilty is just Top notch.. This car has so much torque down low and without even pressing the gas that much the car holds u in the seat quite firmly, and it is so tame when u want it to be.
The best car I ever had
I had a 2000 GS300, and was extremely happy with it except that the whiny V6 left me wanting for more so for my next car I upgraded to 2003 GS430 with NAV, 17'' Wheels and Mark Levinson. Performance is unreal, the only cars that beat me so far are the BMW M3, M5 and the Corvette and with (maybe) exception of the M5 none of them are nearly as luxurious as my Lexus. Sound sysem is off the hook, if you turn it up a little you can see side mirrors vibrating a little with the music, and the NAV is super accurate and a cinch to use (unlike my dad's on his 745). If you have $50K+ to spend on a car you will not find a better combination of luxury and performance.
My first GS
I've been looking for a lexus for a long time and when i came upon this one I said to myself this is the one for me.The way it looked caught my eyes. and When i took it for a test drive i didn't want to go home without it. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants luxury and performance in one package.
I have two!!! 99-03
This is my 2nd GS.I first bought a 1999 GS 400. I was going to buy a 2002 Accord. Long story short the Lexus blew the Honda away. I loved the car so much I got a GS 430. The 2003 is a lot smoother than the 99. I have always been a fan of Lexus's, and their reliability has always been outstanding. This is a fast and fun car. I put Michelin pilot sport tires on and the car has excellent handling. I strongly recommend this car. I put 60K miles in less than a year and I drive hard. I have had no issues. Just change the oil and fluids.
GS 430 Experience
From the moment I took posession of this magnificent car, which resembles a "Faberge Egg" in styling and assembly perfection,I have been in awe. Quiet, yet powerful, it is an absolute driving pleasure. I have not had any problems with this vehicle to date and the experience I have had with the dealership servicing my vehicle has been exemplary. Other car manufacturers need to take not and learn from this Lexus eperience.
Great Car!!!!!
If you want a great luxury sport sedan, get the GS430...you won't be sorry. We love this car! Clarification...As for last review...The person who can't drive in the snow needs to get snow tires. The 17 inch Z rated tires are SUMMER ONLY -- read the users manual! There is nothing wrong with the car! Get the right tires! Only driver error in this case. What exactly happened at your dealership? Did you go in asking for free snow tires? We've had fantastic service in Tampa Bay. Again, no complaints what so ever.
I love this GS430
Excellent Better than the 2 Mercedes I had in the past.
Best new car I have ever owned
112,000 miles and only 1 repair (at 108,000 miles hood release cable broke). Wish Lexus would use Bose radio (Levinson sounds great but radio reception is only average).
TG's Review
The most incredible car of the century.
Silver 1999 GS400
I bought this car used and I must say it is an outstanding car. Right NOW performance under your right foot. Quality is second to none - everything looks and more importantly feels expensive. Need to pass someone? It does not matter what your speed is. Just do it!!
Germans need to learn from Lexus.
I've owned many cars in my life (Japanese and German) and this is by FAR, the most reliable car I've ever owned. Interior is great...clean, functional and with great quality. Power is ample with the GS430 (GS300 is WEAK!) and the best part is the quality, reliablilty and service from Lexus. Something that BMW and Mercedes can't touch! (How 'bout those BMW E46 M3 engine failures and Mercedes well know electrial problems? I know, I've owned both!)
Best In Class
In over 40 years I'v owned 25+ new and used cars. This is without a doubt the best vehicle I have ever owned or driven. If your thinking about buying a new or high dollar used car you owe it to yourself to drive a Lexus GS.
Performance/Luxury take your pick!
After about a year of research and test drives (comparing BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, etc.)I decided to purchase a black on black Lexus GS400. No regrets. Main factors in decision making were build quality and mix of performance and luxury. I have since modified the stock suspension to improve handling characteristics. I love the car even more now.
Sweetness
I have just recently purchased this vehicle and in my humble opinion it is a fantastic peice of machinery. I love the build quality and the ride of silence. Thanks Lexus. I do not prefer a tighter suspension I will leave this mona lisa alone.! :)
Nice car, but....
Great engine and acceleration, but the tires need to be bigger. The 17" wheels are not sufficient to fill up the wheel wells and cannot fully handle the power and torque put out by the engine.
Toyota
It was a great car that i wish i could have agian
CaTCHy TiTlE!? i LoVe iT!
Love it!! A little hesitant off the line but still has excellent power. Great combo for someone who wants the best of both worlds with luxury and performance. Love Love Love :)
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Lexus gs
Exellent car. The Best!
Best of the Best
Absolutely the best driving experience in a motor car and I have driven Bentleys, Rolls and Maybachs! Get in, buckle-up, if you would, and meld into the world of Levinson and Lexus. Look no further, chaps... There is no better on this earth! Here Here!!! Kudos to Lexus!~
My 2nd GS
First one was a GS300, now driving a new GS430. Absolutely love these cars. The transmission is a bit hesitant on the GS300. The 430 is much smoother in excelleration, and has a very nice punch. Very satisfying G's in 0-60 accelleration :) Nav system is excellent, very good directions. Points of Interest database could be better. I really only use that to find a gas station. Sound system is the best I've ever heard in a car. It's a Lexus, it's got the best quality of any luxury car. Give me a GS430 over a 540 or the LS430 any day!
Must get another car for winter
If you are seduced to buy GS430, be prepared to buy another car for the winter. This one DOES NOT run even in 2 in of snow. Traction control is worthless. I have GS 400, Mercedes, BMW drive up my driveway 6 days after a snow fall, but my GS 430 got stuck repeatedly. WORSE dealership experience in my 25 years of driving. ABSOLUTELY unwilling to help. Be warned. BE very warned.
You gotta get one of these!
No problems. 2 time Lexus owner. We really like the car and service. Mark Levinson stereo is fantastic! Best and most fun car I have ever owned. Test drove the BMW M5, 540, 740. M5 was great, too pricey. 540 too noisy and not quite enough power. 740, nice car but I could run faster. Lexus hit the mark by balancing speed, safety, and luxury at a reasonable price.
Don't look any further....
This is my second GS (the 1st was a '98 400). I never thought I would own two of the same type of vehicle, but I made any exception. Just when you thought the 400 didn';t need improvement, Lexus tweaked the tourque and the car SCREAMS!! Quicker, but I still me the gimmicky E-shift. You can keep the hard riding 540 and MB430..this is nicer to drive and more comfortable (and that's from people who have ridden in this car and own a 540 and MB430).
SECOND GS
PREVIOUS CAR 99 GS400. 2002 GS430 IS MUCH IMPROVED. STEERING, BRAKING, TORQUE, GPS AND MARK LEVINSON RADIO ALL IMPROVED. LOVED THE 99, BUT THE 430 IS BETTER. I DUMPED THE 17" TIRES THAT I HAD ON THE 99, BEST MOVE I'VE MADE, RODE LIKE A TRUCK AND SOUNDED LIKE SNOW TIRES. ALSO DUMPED THE BOY RACER SPOILER, WHICH LOOKS OUT OF PLACE FROM THE SIDE. GREAT RIDE, SPEED, LUXURY AND BEST OF ALL NO PROBLEMS. A FRIEND HAS A BMW 540I, HE COULD WRITE A BOOK ABOUT HIS PROBLEMS.
As I've Seen it
I have tried used most, and tested the rest, vehicles in the top consumer class. The Lexus (my first L) is the first luxury sedan I have acquired without a lingering feeling that I failed to get it all. This is the first time in my auto-buying career that I can sit up and breethe a complete breath of pure satisfaction.
GS430 - watch out BMW & BENZ
Fantastic car. Faster than a Boxster, 540, E430. More comfy than the BMW. Better control layout than the others. Better build quality in my experience too. JM LExus is THE dealership. BMW guy was snotty and insisted on going on the test drive. MERC dealer wanted my credit card before allowing a test drive (right!) Lexus chap said "take it out for the day" and I did!
One Great Lux Sedan
This is the quietest, smoothest, most comfortable, and most reliable sedans you can get. And it is one of the most powerful. It is so quiet & smooth, I can drive it all day without getting fatigued. And it does pretty well on the curvy roads, for a 4,000 lb. car. I get 29-30 MPG on the freeway at legal speeds, better than the car's rating.
GS430
Good car. Fun to drive. Fast. Could use a little larger seat. Bad tires from the factory.
Great for the Price
I purchased the GS 430 for less then a six cylinder Benz E class or a Bimmer 530i. I regularly get 26 or 27 mpg on the highway with the cruise. The power delivery and the trans are excellent. The car is extremely comfortable, and the brakes are great. The conbination of features at this price is unbeatable.
sweat car
i love my wifes lexus. it has been no trouble to us at all. this is the car for anybody.
Eric's View
Great Car.
Great Car
I rely on these ratings fairly heavily so when i bought this car back in June I thought I should write to anyone considering buying one. This is by far the best car I've ever owned. It has 63,000 miles on it and it drives like it is brand new. It is so solid, so smooth, and has a ton of power. I would recommend it to anyone considering buying one, you won't be disappointed.
What an awesome car!!!!!!
Just love it, what a perfect vehicle. The best I have driven. Way better than the Benz or Bmer for thousand dollars less.
Love my Lexus
Car is quiet and a pleasure to drive. I've had other Lexus in the past and they have always been great cars. The car is so easy to drive it feels like it is doing all of the work for me. I have recently had other cars and they become boring and aren't fun to drive. Thanks Lexus for making this car so amazing.
Huge Power, Great Features, Smooth Ride
This is a great car. Tons of power, and all sorts o0f neat features tied in with the navigation system / ML Audio. People are always amazed at how nice the interior is, very roomy and done in an extremely classy fashion.
GS430 - watch out BMW & BENZ
Fantastic car. Faster than a Boxster, 540, E430. More comfy than the BMW. Better control layout than the others. Better build quality in my experience too. JM LExus is THE dealership. BMW guy was snotty and insisted on going on the test drive. MERC dealer wanted my credit card before allowing a test drive (right!) Lexus chap said "take it out for the day" and I did!
smoothest V8
this car is perfect
GS 430
I really enjoy the GS 430 we have not had it that long but I think it is a great buy.
Love it, but
Love this car in the dry warm weather. Awesome performance, reliabilty, nav, sound system. Just don't get caught in the snow with it. Car came with Z Rated 17" Tires that are pretty much useless in the snow. Also, tires are pretty loud on the dry pavement.
Time for Lexus to update the GS
Picked up my 2003 GS in December of 2002. Still have a host of issues with it from suspension rattles, ultra light steering, and road noise being picked up from the sunroof drain tube (have to keep sunroof shade closed at all times). Car feels loose - almost as if the dies that make it are getting worn. Time for Lexus to update the GS.
2003 GS 430
A well built car that is not being imprved as often as it's rivals BMW and Mercedes Benz. Therefore lagging behind in power and electronic sophistication.