1993-1997 Lexus GS 300: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Antilock brakes
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Cargo room
- Fuel economy
- Price
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 51 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1997 Lexus GS 300. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1997 Lexus GS 300.
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.
Our road test for the 1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Lexus GS includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lexus GS .
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 |
Our price chart for this generation Lexus GS details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| GS 300 | $5,300-6,100 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
| 1996 | |||
| GS 300 | $4,500-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,600-1,900 |
| 1995 | |||
| GS 300 | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 1994 | |||
| GS 300 | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1993 | |||
| GS 300 | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Lexus GS include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lexus GS include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1993-1997 Lexus GS 300 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Buying a
Used Car?
Used Car?
Start your research
with a CARFAX® Report
with a CARFAX® Report
No VIN Available?
Order a CARFAX®
Report Package
Report Package
