1998 Lexus GS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Five model years after Lexus rolled out the first GS 300, the luxury auto maker did a major overhaul to introduce a second generation. The result was the 1998 GS 300, a car so good and so warmly received Lexus didn't see a need for another major overhaul until the 2006 model year.
The car retained its familiar, six cylinder, 3.0 liter, 225 horsepower engine. The overhaul was aimed almost entirely at making Lexus' sports sedan look and perform like an actual sports sedan. That included a lighter body and more striking contours on the panels.
"The new GS cars are considerably more attractive," one test driver said. Another liked that it offered better gas mileage than the bigger, more expensive LS without sacrificing luxury touches.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1998 Lexus GS
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by James P
Jan 24, 2024
This vehicle is in terrible condition. Gauges dont work, all 4 tires are completly bald, interior trim cracking, not to mention the body damage.Jan 24, 2024
by Cossandra T
Aug 31, 2022
The car has great features. It needs few repairs but runs great. The sale value was also great. Aug 31, 2022
by Anonymous
May 28, 2014
I love this car I just don't have the time or passion I once had to repair it. Bought it at Lexus dealer great car. Need to get daughter a slower more manageable car. Not your average Lexus if you look the GS 400 has a V8 with all the luxury of still being a Lexus. Auto but has option for on the steering wheel paddle shift manually.May 28, 2014
User rating:
by James P
Jan 24, 2024
This vehicle is in terrible condition. Gauges dont work, all 4 tires are completly bald, interior trim cracking, not to mention the body damage.Jan 24, 2024
by Cossandra T
Aug 31, 2022
The car has great features. It needs few repairs but runs great. The sale value was also great. Aug 31, 2022
by Anonymous
May 28, 2014
I love this car I just don't have the time or passion I once had to repair it. Bought it at Lexus dealer great car. Need to get daughter a slower more manageable car. Not your average Lexus if you look the GS 400 has a V8 with all the luxury of still being a Lexus. Auto but has option for on the steering wheel paddle shift manually.May 28, 2014
by Anonymous
Nov 06, 2013
I love everything about this car, I have over 240K miles on this vehicle, this is one of the best made, reliable cars I've ever owned and at this point I own 5 vehicles. The acceleration, braking, handling is all awesome. The interior styling, comfort is tops. After 15 years this car still drives like new. Never been in the shop for anything other then basic maintenance, engine, transmission, all still original. I feel comfortable driving this vehicle anywhere in the country. Car is very fun to drive. Would highly recommend this particular model to everyone.Nov 06, 2013
by Anonymous
Sep 01, 2013
I really like how the car drives very smoothly. It also has a nice design. I dislike how it eats gas and the price of repairs. Spent too much money repairing it over the last few years and probably have to make a few more repairsSep 01, 2013
by Moncel W
Mar 11, 2012
Car is fast and as long as you maintain the car you'll have any problems. If your looking for a great car, then this is your car. I had the car regularly maintainenced and took care of it well. Lexus are great cars. Mar 11, 2012
by Steve L
Feb 17, 2012
This car just goes and goes. I've never had to do a major repair in 8 years of ownership and it's approaching 178k. It's larger that an IS250/350 but will still get you 18/25 miles to the gallon.Feb 17, 2012
by Chicho Q
Nov 29, 2011
Brake and acceleration are very sensitive. This Car is Beautiful inside and outside.. Run great, give a great look no matter what the year of the car is. Is a Lexus after all.. It goes from Lexury car and above..Nov 29, 2011
by Maria A
Jul 10, 2011
Its a lexus you either love it or you dont. I love driving this car most comforable ride every. although it is a gas hog its still gets up and goes. handles good for a sedan. looks great have a few rust spots i need to take care of but still looks good. Jul 10, 2011
by Preston R
Oct 10, 2010
The lexus Gs300 is a pretty good car. The build quality is excellent, but the 2jz
engine is slightly underpowered in such a big car. I think it is pretty fun to drive,
but the #1 issue is that in Greenville SC the ONLY other people that drive this car
are little old ladies.Oct 10, 2010
by Zack M
Sep 16, 2009
Best looking and best 11 year old car ever with
incredible performance. Goes fast but still retains its
luxurious flint. Is said to be one of the few 10 year old
cars that has still retained most of its value.Sep 16, 2009
by Anonymous
Jul 25, 2009
Have had this care since 2002 and it has been the best car I have ever owned. The engine seems to be bulletproof and will not stop running. I an at 198,000 miles and still no oil use or reliability problems. I did put in my first alternator at 196,000. It is no wonder chrysler and chevy are bankrupt. They could never build a car this good. Jul 25, 2009
by Shawn H
Nov 06, 2008
This is one of the best cars I have ever had. It performs very well for
a midsize car. It has been a great purchase for the money and the
minimal up keep it has need to to keep it running well. I will buy
another Lexus in a year or two.Nov 06, 2008
by Kristoffer O
Aug 14, 2008
This was car was given to me by my parents as the
car I used to learn how to drive. Although this car
had 300hp and PLENTY of torque at the low-end,
this car has proved to be safe, reliable, and fast.
We've had this car since December 1997, and
recently surpassed the 104,000 mile mark. It has
been through one major accident, yet this car runs
like it just rolled off the showroom. It's fast, it's
absolutely comfortable, it's silent, yet it has a subtle
V8 growl. It exudes true Lexus quality and
reliability. However, gas mileage has been pretty
dismal (averaging 15-17mpg city/highway
combined) and although this car has been
dealership maintained, it gets pretty pricey to
service or fix. However, take good care of this car
and it will last for at least another 100K. This is the
only car our family has kept for more than 5 years,
and it is still amazing. This car is world-class.Aug 14, 2008
by Allen E
Jun 19, 2008
Work or play...this is a nice touring cruiser. Can be used for leisure driving, or occasional 100mph sprint on Hwy to open-up the engine.
Great traction on snow and ice. The stock 225hp engine is not bad on demand.Jun 19, 2008
by Brandon R
Apr 05, 2008
Sporty, family sedan with nice appointmentsApr 05, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 16, 2008
Not a head turner but all class.Feb 16, 2008
by Hervey W
Feb 13, 2008
Very nice rideing, moderately handleing and above average performance. Car and Driver Car of the Year in 1998. They are very realiable and have had hardly any problems. The only fault are the door lock acuators where out around 100,000 miles.Feb 13, 2008
by Jonathan F
Jan 30, 2008
Ugly color, slow, but pretty reliable. Then again, it's a Lexus haha. It was a smooth ride, but I didnt like a lot of things about it. Leather interior was thrashed, no tint in the windows, and it burned oil, so it stank. Poor acceleration, tops off at about 85. Jan 30, 2008
by Johnny C
Dec 28, 2007
Excellent sporty sedan for comfortable ride of the whole family. Reliable and worth for moneyDec 28, 2007
by Ian R
Dec 25, 2007
Semi-sporty sedan. Smooth and seemless. Nice chunky interior.Dec 25, 2007
by Mary B
Dec 24, 2007
an amazing car for someone in college Dec 24, 2007
by Mark K
Dec 20, 2007
A meticulous vehicle, equipped with a 2JZGE powerplant, strives to deliver luxury without putting too much pressure on the financial system. Lexus makes quality cars like this to make sure that everyone can enjoy luxury at a quarter of a top-end car's tag.Dec 20, 2007
What users have asked
my radiator fans on my Lexus GS300 are not kicking on properly
i have a 1998 Lexus GS300 and the radiator fans will not turn on after i removed the radiator and fans to do a timing belt job and i double checked the plug connections and everything and i warmed the car up to operating temperature to see if they would kick on but they did not
206 views
Lexus GS300 no heat or ac
i have a 1998 lexus gs300 heat/ac worked before when i first got it but after i had the head unit for the radio rewired and i put the head unit and the climate control unit in the dash properly since it was not installed right when i bought the car used
134 views
98 GS300 won't start
So I woke up in the afternoon time and after not driving my car the entire day I got into my car and started to right up as I do every time no issues no problems no noise I start driving my car 4 miles exactly my car shuts off on me all the electronics are still on AC still blowing dashboard still works my GPS system still works windows closed up and down dome lights but my motor will not crank has this happened to anybody before and if so what did you do to fix it I checked the starter I checked all the lines all the wiring and can't seem to find my issue can somebody help please
317 views
Car won’t stay on after it’s started
After I start my car it just shuts off. What could be the problem?
194 views
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1998 Lexus GS Pricing
Original MSRP
$37,295 to $45,295Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Nakamichi Audio · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Nakamichi Audio · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent