The 2006 model line represented the third generation of the Lexus GS sedan. The totally redesigned GS 430 was left with only hints of the previous body style. The GS grew in every dimension: 2 inches were added to the wheelbase and one inch was added to the track width. The increase in overall length was marginal. The rear deck was considerably shorter and the heavily raked windshield and roof line gave the new body a sleek fastback appearance. The GS 430 housed the same engine as the late models of the previous generation, but that V-8 was now paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission.
The 4.3 liter V-8 still produced 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The aluminum block DOHC engine was aided again by Variable Valve Timing + intelligence. VVT+i technology lowered emissions, improved fuel economy, and boosted power. Performance specs were mostly unchanged: the GS zipped from 0 to 60 in about six seconds, and fuel economy was observed at 18/23 mpg. The new generation still only offered an automatic transmission, but the tiptronic feature had returned.
Because the GS consumed its fuel quite swiftly, many drivers expressed a longing for a larger fuel tank (tank was 18 gallons). Lexus had responded to the numerous complaints about ride quality, by adding variable suspension to suit a variety of preferences. Drivers who sought a true sports sedan experience were disappointed by the predecessor's soft and unresponsive ride. Although a firmer ride was now possible, drivers of the bulky GS reported some body roll when cornering. Priced comparably to the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class, the GS 430 had a polished and well crafted interior, supplied with all the amenities that one would expect.
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The features are good for the midsize sedan. But the power is too low.Jun 11, 2023
by Sam A
May 22, 2022
This is one of the best cars you can buy for around 15k. They have every feature you could ever want including heated and cooled seats with push to start with keyless entry! Even better that they are made by Toyota in Japan so you know you will get a well-built vehicle that will most likely see at least 200k miles.May 22, 2022
by Jewel A
Jan 05, 2022
I like the car. But Car is missing navigation and Bluetooth if this car has this 2 things will be 100% .Jan 05, 2022
User rating:
by Baafi K
Jun 11, 2023
The features are good for the midsize sedan. But the power is too low.Jun 11, 2023
by Sam A
May 22, 2022
This is one of the best cars you can buy for around 15k. They have every feature you could ever want including heated and cooled seats with push to start with keyless entry! Even better that they are made by Toyota in Japan so you know you will get a well-built vehicle that will most likely see at least 200k miles.May 22, 2022
by Jewel A
Jan 05, 2022
I like the car. But Car is missing navigation and Bluetooth if this car has this 2 things will be 100% .Jan 05, 2022
by Roger S
Jun 29, 2021
The Car 2006 Lexus GS430 is a wonderful car and lacks nothing. No complaints here!Jun 29, 2021
by Dwight R
May 12, 2021
I am very happy with the cars features, and the car is of extremely good value for being a 2006 model.
The only thing missing that I can think of is a consistently responsive punch in its accelleration, though it often is quite adequate in that regard.
I would compare it to an Acura RL, Toyota Avalon, Mercedes C-class, BMW 325, Buick Lucerne, and maybe even a Hyundai Azera, Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300, Cadillac CTS, or Lincoln MKZ. May 12, 2021
by Dan M
Dec 24, 2020
I had a 2002 GS 300. Wonderful car. Very comfortable and reliable.Dec 24, 2020
by Grant M
Jan 07, 2015
I must say that this is the first Lexus I've ever purchased and the longest I've owned a Japanese luxury marque. That in itself would speak volumes if anyone knew how I go through cars. I've owned over 30 cars in my lifetime, mostly BMW's. BMW's have great handling characteristics and a solid build feel about them. Problem is, they consistently need attention. Those niggling little issues that arise when least expected. Radio failure, engine overheating, complete cooling system overhauls, they all add up to big bucks.
That being said, the Lexus GS300 has been completely reliable and has only required oil changes, other than the stated maintenance interval items. When it does require maintenance, I feel that the local Lexus dealer in my area has excellent customer service and never recommends anything I don't need. Heck, before the drought, they'd wash it for FREE every week! Can't beat that! All of the switch gear feels good and looks right in this luxury car. The audio system, Mark Levinson, is phenomenal. The rear back up camera and parking sensors give me great confidence when parallel parking and backing out of parking lot spaces.
The only issues that I have, are that the handling does not feel planted to the road, like a BMW, and that aftermarket parts are more expensive than a BMW. What? Why? BMW has a broader aftermarket for parts and therefore pricing is more competitive. With multiple manufactures making the same parts drives pricing down.Jan 07, 2015
by Anonymous
Sep 20, 2014
low roofline, hard for some to get in and out of. low on power, seats could use a little more padding. gas milage is ok. now if that is all i have to complain about life is good. Very quiet and nice to drive car. extremely reliable, confidence inspiring in all conditions and beautiful to look at. Controls are very easy to learn and the trunk space is awesome Sep 20, 2014
by Edward C
Aug 28, 2014
This car a the most reliable, economic and trust worthy car to own once you maintain the vehicle. It will take care of you. The car looks good, handles great, and has options that you can adjust if you are into looks and handling.Aug 28, 2014
by Anonymous
Feb 21, 2013
Really liked the car's looks and handling and the mileage. The gas mileage generally exceeds 30 mpg for a mix of city and highway. With soaring gas prices this is even more important. The handling is tight and feels secure.Feb 21, 2013
by Todd S
Apr 24, 2012
Would be perfect if under 6ft tall. Good handling, good gas mileage, decent space in the back seat. Great sound system. Reliable, decent power, great service from lexus. This is my second lexus (third in the family). Enjoy the 400 series a little moreApr 24, 2012
by Anonymous
Dec 15, 2011
I put 18 inch GS430 optional wheels on the GS300 AWD to make a more sportier ride. Disregard issues with runflats that other people had with the standard 17 inch boring wheels, since you need to buy good sets of all season tires with the sporty 18 inch wheels for a great ride. The car is fast with the power mode on! If need more power, the updated GS350 is out with 306 Hp. The handing is excelent if not better than BMW 530 XI which is slow and heavy. The interior buttons ergonomics are far advance than most of its competitors since its easy and intuitive to use. The gas mileage in the city can be low around 20 but highway mileage is suberb around 27-29 mpg. Handling in the snow is phenomenal since VSC helps keep the car in control on every turns I made in the snow up to 10 inch of snow. I beleive this car is a great car and it may of had some issues but they were resolved by my dealer.Dec 15, 2011
by Anonymous
Nov 13, 2011
Love pretty much everything about the car it just has a little less interior room then my first GS300. This car has a built in radar detector that has saved me a lot of money, with a smooth ride you start to forget what speed your driving.Nov 13, 2011
by ada b
Jun 19, 2011
Nice ride for a japanese car; good power. Quality is good; performance
strong. Too much gas consumption. Not as tight as a German car but
pretty good for a Japanese car. Car dealer is not trust worthy. Hit or
miss.Jun 19, 2011
by Nick P
Feb 06, 2011
Very nice, luxurious ride. The electronics, lighting features are pretty cool. All wheel drive is assuring. The style of the car is very well done, but overall, the car isn't that quick and not that exciting to drive. After having BMW and Mercedes, the steering seems lifeless. Trunk seems extremely small for a car this size. Feb 06, 2011
by Eugen C
Jul 27, 2010
It is a really nice car, great accelaration, very good mpg, great looks, but the interior build quality has disappointed me, the interior squeaks/rattles all the time. Also i didn't like how the suspension works for a big luxury sedan, it is noisy, a thing which you don't expect from a class like. The electronics are a little bit strange, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't... But as an overall it is a great car, and if you drive it on good, long roads i recommend it!Jul 27, 2010
by Ambrose L
Feb 10, 2009
proven motor V8 4.3 with good acceleration. New
transmission 6-speed city driving is just 1500 RPM @
50 MPH. Better gas mileage than my other car M35 a
V6.
New body style with all the new technology.
Light material cause the car to get dings and dent very
easy. Feb 10, 2009
by David K
Jun 23, 2008
Hey its top of the line Toyota, what could be betterJun 23, 2008
by Shahab M
Jun 19, 2008
I wish it had a better response to my gas pedal acceleration. Love the overall build, quality and other
amenities though...Jun 19, 2008
My 2006 gs300 and has a harsh down shift from 2nd to 1st gear when coming to a complete stop. One transmission place said replace ECU, dealer said new transmission. I replaced transmission and still have same problem. Do I need to reset or replace computer? Has any one had this problem
2006 gs300 just bought and dash does not blow any air hot or cold. I can feel ac or heat just a little but its almost nothing. Air recirculation on or off its the same. When I turn it to max cold and auto i hear what sounds like a flap shutting suddenly and it will stay shut because I try to make it do it again and it will hours. I pulled the glove box and put a new actuator in but that didnt change anything. The blower motor is blowing air out and not sucking in. Any suggestions? I think i bit off more than i can chew by trying to save $ and told him that anything that is wrong with the car that i could fix, then i tried removing the drivers side headrest. OMG, he doesnt even believe what a nightmare that was. I am having fun, learning tools, cars, and cuss words!! it's hard work that i always took for granted. Thanks guys! ( women too if there are any on here)
I was trying to take off my spoiler on my car. And then when i closed the trunk it would not open. I had to use my key to manuely open it. So normaly when i close my trunk i will hear a small motor thightening the trunk and you could se it get thighten. but now it just closes on the first part but the motor dont wont thighten it and i cant open it with the button on the dash, the button on the key or by pressing the trunk opener it self. I have to use the physical key to open it.
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback · Sunshade: power rear window
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer