Lexus GS

Name: 2003 Lexus GS
Brand: Lexus

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The midsized GS is a quiet, polished, smooth-running luxury sedan. The GS300's 3.0-liter Six and GS 430's 4.3-liter V8 are smooth, powerful, and linked to a superlative five-speed automatic transmission. Though competent, these rear-drive cars lack the optimal ride-and-handling balance of competitors like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Handling is capable but unexceptional. Braking capability is excellent. The quiet and luxurious interior features comfortable seating up front, but the rear bench is just adequate.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2003 Lexus GS

$5,125 - $5,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Acura RL

$3,950 - $4,000

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Acura TL

$3,575 - $4,225

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Audi A6

$3,125 - $3,925

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 BMW 5 Series

$3,975 - $5,100

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Cadillac CTS

$3,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Infiniti M

$3,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jaguar S-Type

$3,100 - $4,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jaguar X-Type

$3,075 - $3,575

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lexus ES

$4,775

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lincoln LS

$3,250 - $3,600

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$3,725 - $8,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo S80

$3,175 - $4,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo V70/XC70

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Rear

3-liter 6 (220 hp)
4.3-liter V8 (300 hp)

5-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2013-2020

2013 Redesign Year

The 2013 redesign transformed the car. While handling is sporty, the ride is still supple and controlled. Meanwhile, the cabin is roomy, comfortable, and nicely furnished. Our only complaint is the mouselike controller used to operate the cumbersome infotainment system. We'd stick with the regular GS 350 and get all-wheel drive if winter poses a problem where you live. To us, the only must-have option is the blind spot monitoring system. The 2014 refresh brought an eight-speed automatic transmission to rear-wheel-drive models; all-wheel-drive versions retained the six speed. For 2016, Lexus added Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users and all trims were available with the Lexus Safety System +, which includes pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist and dynamic cruise control. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

2006-2012

2006 Redesign Year

This version of the rear-wheel drive GS offers powerful engines, but it isn't a great sports sedan. Handling is unexceptional and the suspension transmits stiff kicks from road bumps. The interior is neat and functional, but strangely antiseptic. However, as you'd expect from Lexus, it is well constructed, luxurious and most controls are easy to use. Still though, passenger room is tight and the driving position is flawed. The V6 isn't as strong as some competitors; though a V8 is optional. A hybrid arrived for 2007. For 2010, the GS came with active front restraints, which move forward in response to the occupant's pressure on the seatback; this further reduces head travel and the potential for whiplash injury.

1998-2005

1998 Redesign Year

This rear-drive sedan sits between Lexus' entry-level ES and its flagship LS. Powerful six-cylinder and V8 drivetrains are the GS's most notable feature. Handling is competent but unexceptional. The suspension emits stiff kicks over bumps. The optional sunroof makes head room tight for tall people. The interior is neat and functional but strangely antiseptic.