EDMUNDS.COM 2004 LEXUS GS 300
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 LEXUS GS300 new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A capable and comfortable car, but when one considers that the IS 300 is sportier, and the ES 330 is nearly as luxurious, and both cars cost less, the GS 300 doesn''t make much sense.
Pros
Silky engine, available Mark Levinson audio system, blend of luxury and sport.
Cons
Average acceleration, doesn''t communicate with the driver enough given the sporting mission of the car.
What''s New for 2004
Nothing changes on the GS 300 this year.
Overview
Introduction:
When the GS was first introduced in 1993, it was intended as a splash of scarlet in Lexus'' inoffensive sedan lineup, as well as being Japan''s answer to German sport sedans. It was an attractive car with an inviting interior. But as a sport sedan, the GS faltered, largely because of its size and underpowered 3.0-liter engine. Article after article in enthusiast magazines would call it a comfortable, competent handler that was seriously lacking a vibrant powertrain. Not content to take much flak over the competitiveness of its products, Lexus redid the car in 1998 with more dramatic styling and an available V8 engine. This V8 made the GS 400 one of the most powerful four-door sedans available at the time. Since then, the GS has received only minor tweaks and upgrades. The current GS 300 is meant to appeal to semi-cost-conscious buyers wanting a blend of sport and luxury. To that end, it comes supplied with a decent amount of luxury equipment and a 220-hp, 3.0-liter inline six. That the GS is still a reasonable purchase even though it has been seven years since the car''s last full redesign speaks well for the car''s quality. However, we see a number of better buys available in 2004. Within Lexus'' own stable, there''s the IS 300 or ES 300. Though smaller, the IS 300 is considerably sportier, features the same engine and can be had with a manual transmission. The ES 300 offers nearly the same level of interior room and luxury for a cheaper price. Other cars to seriously consider would be the Infiniti M45 (packing a V8 for about the same price) and the all-new BMW 5 Series.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
This midsize four-door luxury sedan comes in just one trim level. Luxury touches include standard dual-zone climate control, a power tilting and telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a moonroof and an in-dash CD changer. Cloth seating is standard, however, so you''ll have to pay extra for leather. It''s available as a stand-alone option, but quite likely you''ll find it packaged into cars with the optional navigation and Mark Levinson premium sound systems. This impressive-sounding 240-watt ML system includes 10 speakers and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
Powertrains and Performance:
The GS 300 uses a 3.0-liter inline six that develops 220 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available. To take advantage of the transmission''s five forward gears, the GS 300 features manual-style upshift and downshift buttons on the steering wheel spokes, controlled by the thumb and forefinger of either hand. The EPA rates the GS 300 with fuel mileage estimates of 18 city/25 highway.
Safety:
Safety equipment includes seat-mounted side and head curtain airbags (for front occupants only), four-wheel antilock disc brakes with BrakeAssist, traction control and stability control. The NHTSA has not tested the GS, though the IIHS has given the car a "Good" rating (the best possible) for its performance in the frontal offset crash test.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
A roomy cabin provides the driver and front passenger with space to stretch out. Impressive amounts of leg- and shoulder room accommodate the long-limbed and broad-shouldered in the front seats. Rear-seat passengers don''t fare as well, however, and get less room than what is offered in the ES 300.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The GS 300 sparkles on the open road. Its silent cabin, expurgated of any noise, harshness or vibration, is a portrait of tranquility. During modest cornering, the chassis is solid and the multilink suspension keeps the tires pressed tight to the ground at all times. A noticeable amount of body roll limits high-speed antics. The 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder engine is smooth, but with a curb weight of more than 3,600 pounds, the GS 300 offers only mediocre acceleration. If you''re looking for speed, the GS 430 or Infiniti M45 would be a better choice.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ LEXUS Information Index ] [ SEDAN Information Index ]
|
