1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Lexus GS. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Lexus GS.

1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 Review

Introduced in spring of 1993 as a late '93 model, this rear-wheel-drive 4-door sedan slipped right into the spot between the costly flagship Lexus LS 400 and the entry-level ES 300. A 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine made 220 horsepower, driving an electronic 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment included dual airbags, antilock all-disc brakes, a power tilt/telescopic steering column, and CFC-free air conditioning with automatic temperature control.

Year to Year Changes

1994 Lexus GS: Nothing of consequence was new for 1994.

1995 Lexus GS: No change was evident in this year's GS 300 sedan. As before, only one model was marketed, with only a handful of available options.

1996 Lexus GS: A new 5-speed automatic transmission went into 1996 models--a first from Lexus. Other changes included new taillights and rear badging.

1997 Lexus GS: Nothing was new for this generation's final outing.

1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Fuel economy

Acceleration	Cargo room

Steering/handling	Rear visibility

	Price

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Even with the latest 5-speed automatic transmission, the 6-cylinder engine is sluggish off the line, but then pulls strongly and smoothly to deliver brisk acceleration at higher speeds. Passing power is good, and the automatic transmission downshifts quickly out of overdrive. Gas mileage isn't so great. We averaged 17.3 mpg, and the engine demands premium fuel. A GS 300 sedan handles adeptly, with a moderately firm ride that's never harsh. However, it lacks the library-quiet highway ride that's characteristic of the LS 400 and ES 300. Road noise isn't a problem, but the suspension and tires "thump" prominently over bumps and ruts. Leg room is indeed ample all around, but rear head room is limited when the car is equipped with the optional power moonroof. A large driveline hump limits the back seat to two passengers. Large rear pillars and a narrow rear window restrict the driver's view, hiding the trunk. Although the trunk is wide and flat, it's too short to hold much, and liftover height is above bumper level. The dashboard layout is similar to that of the LS 400.

Value for the Money
This deft-handling, if expensive, premium sedan is definitely worth a look. But before buying, also consider the BMW 3-Series or 5-Series, Infiniti J30, Cadillac Seville, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class or E-Class. Except for the Seville, all of those are rear-wheel drive, like the GS 300.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Lexus GS 300	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	5

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	5

Total:	51

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: Static or electrical noises from the turn signals, brake lights, etc. may be heard through the speakers when listening to an AM radio station due to a poor ground for the radio antenna. (1993-96)

Climate control: Because of an intermittent open condition in the temperature-sensor circuit, the ambient temperature display shows -22 degrees (F) and the climate control misbehaves. The display will not change until the fuse for the air conditioning control unit is removed briefly. (1993-95)

Dashboard lights: Due to a problem in the printed circuit, outside temperature reading may report -22F. Removing the fuse for 30 seconds should reset the system. (1995-96)

Oil consumption: Excessive oil consumption caused by sludge buildup on the cylinder heads. Company is extending warranty. (1993-97)

Suspension noise: Clunking noises from the front end on rough roads is caused by the design of the upper shock mount. A redesigned mount and shock are available. (1993-94)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$1,490

Alternator	$455

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,200

Brakes	$370

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,000

Exhaust System	$680

Radiator	$480

Shocks and/or Struts	$640

Timing Chain or Belt	$200

NHTSA Recall History

1993-94: Spherical portions of certain lower ball joints are not smooth, causing friction that can lead to ball joint separation.

1995-97: Due to inadequate lubrication, excessive wear can cause damage to lower ball joints; separation from steering-knuckle arms could occur.

1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1993
GS 300	$3,700-4,400	$3,000-3,600	$1,100-1,300

1994
GS 300	$4,400-5,200	$3,700-4,300	$1,500-1,800

1995
GS 300	$5,200-6,000	$4,400-5,100	$2,100-2,400

1996
GS 300	$6,200-7,000	$5,400-6,100	$2,700-3,000

1997
GS 300	$7,500-8,500	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	109.4

Overall Length, in.	194.9

Overall Width, in.	70.7

Overall Height, in.	55.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	3660

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	36.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	44.0

Rear Head Room, in.	35.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	33.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one engine was used in the 1993-97 generation: an inline 6-cylinder with dual overhead camshafts, producing 220 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. A 4-speed automatic transmission was installed initially, but a new 5-speed automatic became available for 1996.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I6	3.0 / 183	220	210	4-speed automatic: 18/23 5-speed automatic: 18/24	4-speed automatic: 17.3 5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1997 GS 300

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 Review:

Lexus GS 300

Lexus GS 300 Road Test

Lexus GS 300 Reliability

Lexus GS 300 Prices

Lexus GS 300 Specs & Safety

Lexus GS 300 Photos

Lexus GS 300 Full Review