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2002 Lexus GS 300 consumer reviews

$38,605 starting MSRP
side view of 2002 GS 300 Lexus
(14 reviews)
100% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.7
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.8
Explore the 2002 Lexus GS 300

This my second very used GS300.

This my second very used GS300. Purchased at 238000 miles knowing the platform was not badly treated but needing brakes and ball joints but not much else. I have 324000 miles on it now and just replaced the brakes again along with a new radiator and suspension parts like links and bushing assemblies. Quiet, tight and smooth steering all back and it is a dream to drive. My normal driving yields about 20mpg stretching out to about 27mpg on a trip which is great for such a heavy car. The very smooth motor is phenomenal in its performance and reliability and never failed to start hot or cold. Sure, there are things failing like my remote door locks and one now started locking when I put the car in gear, and there is something in the rear trunk key hole jammed in it making the remote lock or the dashboard button the only way into the trunk. My value perceived for this vehicle is great seeing I paid $1800 bucks for it and just did repairs to it. I have had it over 8years and do not intend to sell it. The only detriment and strength is the rear wheel drive which is a little tough in New England snow conditions but yields superb handling without the torque steering of front wheel drive. It is a dream to drive.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Best Car I Have Owned & Even Driven

Bought 1999 GS 300 at 90k in WA in '06, now at 302k in '22 in MA. Other than the standard timing belt water pump services every 90k its the most reliable comfortable car w power I have ever driven, even w friends cars. Mechanics told me its one of the best out there w that legendary engine. Compression still at 175-180 (dry) which I read is near its original. Have been replacing coils, gaskets, struts, tie rods, O2 sensors, 1 front wheel bearing, front calipers, belt tensioner, crank pulley, last 3 yrs. Nice to have a mechanic for brother in law. He was so impressed w mechanical design he bought a used lexus IS for his daughters. Another mechanic says he has seen them go to 500k in FL. They noted the transmission is very tough. No issues there either w regular fluid changes. Maybe only MA road salt will eventually kill it, but I am stopping that for now underneath, not much so far after 4 yrs here. Read only 0.7% of vehicles make it to 300k, mostly Toyota SUVs. Valve seals probably need replacement eventually but w additives to oil, that is not an issue either. Lexus dealer here says I have the only one they know of here & ask all the time when I will replace it. Maybe after 400k ? Will see.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Fuel efficient and a beast of an engine

This car went the fastest that I have ever driven in a car, and it was smooth the whole way through. Fuel efficient for a luxury straight-6. It was very comfortable. That engine is the JZ model that they put in Toyota Supras. I gave up on mine at 174k miles with front suspension issues and an oil leak.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Nice luxurious car! Especially as a first car!

Rides smooth, accelerates well (definitely has some gitty up regardless of age). Very forward-thinking features. Reliable and performs well overall. Would definitely recommend as a used or pre-owned car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Very reliable vehicle

I'd recommend to anyone. Very great car, nice and smooth well done car . You can't go wrong with Lexus/Toyota

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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most reliable car engine you can have

The GS300 has the glorified 2JZ inline 6 cylinder engine. It will last you as long as you want if you are smart. Currently driving one with over 310,000 miles and commonly run into 2JZ owners with even more and still going strong.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Lexus GS300

AT 215,000 miles, this is still my go-to car for cross country travel. I never doubt it's reliability, and it is the only car I've owned (including 3 Mercedes)where I can drive 10-12 hours a day and not squirm around in my seat. Other than regular maintenance, I have only had to spend about $1000 in repairs in the last 70,000 miles. That was an ignition module and an air flow sensor. This is a keeper.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Lexus does it again

I recently and reluctantly just sold my 1998 Lexus GS 400. I purchased it at 130,000 miles and put approx 80k miles in 7 years and never a problem. So after 7 years, I wanted the same power but something just a little smaller and what did I find the SC 430 and I love it. My only problem is the lack of storage space and I need more headroom. But as a 40 something empty nester, cougar type, :) this is the perfect car for me! So far, no problems mechanically.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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close to perfect

I have owned a lot of luxury cars 05 merz E320.and 06 lexus es350..i didnt like the ES we let it go and down graded to an 02GS 300 purchased at 89k.i live in dallas-work in houston.it now has a whopping 175k on it two yrs later..besides oil changes..this car is super reliable...and the nakamichi sound system is one of the best systems in the market.3.0litres very merciful on gas despite his luxury stamp.They hold resale like u cannot believe!My buddy has the new gen 07..drove it not impressed..they moved away from the supra straight 6 engine to something more luxury less sports.Overall the best car i have owned in yrs.I drive mine daily and it never fails to impress me.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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FABULOUS CAR ALL AROUND

I have owned 3 2nd-gen GSs (98, 2000, 2002) and these are some of the best designed cars on the road. Everything about it is of the highest quality and engineering. Reliability on all 3 I've had has been nothing short of outstanding. 4 stars for performance-GS430 gets 5. 4 stars for comfort, the new GS gets 5. I have considered trading in and upgrading to the 3rd-gen GS (06+) but everything I read about it is keeping me from doing so. This one's staying in my garage and I'll be adding an SC430 to my collection. Great drive, great buy, great car!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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