1998 Lexus GS 400 4.0L V8

Summary:

Hate my GS400

Faults:

Since I bought the car, I could hear all the bumps on the road. Replaced worn out front passenger's side lower ball joint. I can still hear the thuds over bumps. I have to take it back to the dealer.

The steering wheel tilt switch sometimes does not work.

Stereo jumps sometimes.

As far as I am concerned, I will get all of them fixed.

Lexus leather quality sucks.

General Comments:

Very fast car for a 4 door sedan. According to Wikipedia and some other sites, it produces 300 HP, does 0-60 mph in around 5.4 seconds to 5.7 seconds. The car engine is smooth.

Nakamichi stereo sounds awesome when it doesn't skip.

This car needs good roads, which are rare in Canada. I just can't avoid potholes and bumps here. Ruins the car's bushings on control arms.

I only look at the good qualities of this car. After all, it is a used car. I have to fix all the problems and get it working like new to enjoy it for a few years. Gas consumption is very good for a V8.

My kids love it. It has all the luxuries of a fine car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st March, 2010

2nd Mar 2010, 20:42

Update on my review: The Lexus GS400 handles very well on snow. As well as traction control it has a snow button which adds stability control. It out performs other cars with 4 snow tires on.

6th Jun 2010, 23:08

Update on my review: I owned a Lexus SC400 for 6 years before buying the GS400. The transmission and engine are pretty good. However, the Lexus suspension system sucks big time.

Used Lexus cars rust a lot. I am fixing all the rust and blemishes and getting the car repainted. What a waste of money.

The GS400 suspension feels like a banana boat. I have replaced shocks and springs with original Lexus parts thinking the drive would become stiffer. Nope. Still the ride is like a boat. Thinking of buying Greddy or Tein lowering springs.

The car is very ugly and fat, but the engine performance outweighs the ugliness. I think once I have installed the lowering springs, I will enjoy the ride. Also, no cup holders in the front. For a luxury car, that sucks.

I still think it is not a bad car, but nothing to write home about.

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1998 Lexus GS 400 4.0

Faults:

The front headlights/foglights get condensation inside the plastic housing.

Big problem for Lex. owners.

The plastic front door hinges make a clicking sound when the door is opened/closed!

General Comments:

A high perf. luxury sedan. I modified my GS400 with a MagnaFlow Exhaust, K&N FIPK intake, and had my ECU reprogrammed at JET Perf. in H. B CA. I have 20's on my car and the power is unbelievable. I destroyed a 2006 Chevy Silverado SS, 350Z, and a G35!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2006

13th Nov 2006, 09:08

Laugh all you want, but I too drive a GS400 and have smoked many "sports" cars. People seriously underestimate the power of these cars, even when they are stock. The thing has 300hp and with mods mine has close to 340. Can kill a G35 with no problem, even an S4.

10th Feb 2010, 19:25

I have read about the GS400's and watched videos on youtube. They can be very fast.

1998 Lexus GS 300 Sport 300 HP 3.3L

Summary:

A sleek sexy car with the performance to match

Faults:

Fuel Pump needed replacement after 100 000 KM.

General Comments:

This is quite possibly the best car I have owned, and I have owned the likes of BMW 3 Series. This car is so very beatifully styled, and it has performance to match. I would think that running costs are not that high. It is fairly good on gas. It is very comfortable and roomy. And the attention you get in a Lexus cannot be matched by any other car. I would recommend getting the 1998 model, it seems the most popular and reliable model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2005

10th Jan 2006, 10:16

There is really no comparison between a 1998 GS300 and a 2006 GS300. To-days (2006) technology simply sweeps away the 1998 model. Beter designed and dripping with high technology and quality the 2006 GS300 is probably the best car in it's class.

The GS300 and GS430 (2006) have more computers on board than some developing countries!!!

10th Jan 2006, 18:23

"The GS300 and GS430 (2006) have more computers on board than some developing countries!!!"

And that's a good thing?