When did they stop making Lexus GS?
The short answer: Lexus stopped producing the GS after the 2020 model year, with the final cars built in 2020.
The question touches on a model that helped define Lexus’s sport-luxury niche for decades. The GS spanned four generations from its 1990s debut to the end of the 2010s, culminating in the 2013-era fourth generation that remained on sale until the brand discontinued the model in 2020. In the wake of shifting consumer tastes toward SUVs and crossovers, Lexus chose to retire the GS rather than refresh it for a new generation.
A concise production timeline
To understand when production ended and how the model evolved, here's a generation-by-generation snapshot.
- First generation (1991–1997): The GS established itself as Lexus’s sport-luxury sedan in its early years, introducing the nameplate to a broader audience.
- Second generation (1998–2005): The lineup matured with refined handling and features, expanding its market appeal.
- Third generation (2006–2011/12): A redesigned chassis and technology suite refined the formula and set the stage for modern performance variants.
- Fourth generation (2012/13–2020): The most recent GS era featured contemporary styling and tech, ending with the model’s discontinuation in 2020.
In short, the GS persisted through four generations, with production wrapping up in 2020 as Lexus redirected attention to other sedans and SUVs.
Why Lexus discontinued the GS
Several factors converged to end the GS’s run, reflecting broader industry trends and corporate strategy.
- Market shift toward SUVs and crossovers: Sedan demand waned as buyers increasingly favored utility and space in SUVs.
- Cost of updating aging platforms: Keeping the GS competitive required substantial investment in new powertrains, emissions tech, and safety features—costs that were harder to justify for a model losing share in a crowded segment.
- Strategic focus on electrified and core models: Lexus reinforced its lineup around electrified powertrains and its ES as the mainstream mid-size sedan, while the GS no longer fit the brand's long-term plan.
- Global product allocation: While the GS enjoyed global markets, production cadence and resource allocation favored other Lexus offerings, accelerating the decision to discontinue.
Taken together, these factors led to a formal end to GS production, with the last U.S. and global examples leaving showrooms in 2020.
What to consider as alternatives
If you’re shopping for a Lexus sedan today, several current models fill the space left by the GS, along with other body styles that match evolving preferences.
- Lexus ES — The closest traditional mid-size sedan in price and comfort, prioritizing value and a smooth ride.
- Lexus IS — A sportier compact sedan with sharper handling and modern tech, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a more agile feel.
- Lexus LS — The flagship sedan offering the highest luxury level, size, and refinement for buyers who want max comfort and prestige.
- Lexus UX/RX — If an SUV or crossover is more appealing, these models provide smaller and larger SUV options with premium finishes and features.
Dealers can help compare current trims, technology packages, and financing options, including certified pre-owned GS units that may still be available in some markets, though new GS models are no longer produced.
Summary
The Lexus GS rolled off production lines for the final time in 2020, marking the end of a three-decade run for the model. The market’s shift toward SUVs and the brand’s strategic emphasis on electrified powertrains and the ES helped seal the decision. Today, buyers seeking a Lexus sedan choose among the ES, IS, and LS, or pivot to Lexus’ SUV lineup for a similar luxury experience. The GS remains a notable chapter in Lexus’s history, representing a era when sport-luxury sedans defined the brand’s identity.
