Overview & Reviews

Although unremarkable in styling and personality, the Lexus ES 300 occupied an important place in the Lexus lineup during its 12-year run from 1992-2003. While the company's high-tech LS flagship enjoyed greater fame, the relatively affordable ES sedan was the car most consumers test-drove when they arrived at Lexus dealerships. It was the epitome of the entry-level luxury sedan -- and the sustained success of the Lexus brand likely has much to do with all the good first impressions the ES 300 made.

While Lexus sold three generations of the ES 300, those initial impressions remained remarkably consistent: Pick any year and you'd find a roomy, well-built midsize sedan that felt uncommonly luxurious for its price point. A quick drive would have revealed an astonishingly serene cabin, a supple ride quality and a refined, if uninspiring drivetrain. As such, the Lexus ES was close to the ideal car for harried commuters pulling down a comfortable salary. When it turned out to be extremely reliable as well, the ES 300's reputation as a low-maintenance entry-luxury sedan was assured.

Most Recent Lexus ES 300

The third and final generation of the Lexus ES 300 lasted only two years, 2002 and '03, as a midcycle refresh brought a larger V6 engine, necessitating a name change to ES 330. Like the ES 300s before it, this one was a midsize, front-wheel-drive sedan, heavily based on the Toyota Camry.

The two shared most basic components, but the Lexus had a more potent version of the 3.0-liter V6 with 210 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque (compared to 192 hp and 209 lb-ft in the Toyota), as well as a five-speed automatic transmission instead of a four-speed. Suspension tuning was also a bit different, and only the Lexus could be fitted with optional adaptive shock absorbers. More obvious to most buyers were the ES 300's unique styling cues, higher-grade interior materials and longer list of amenities.

Major standard equipment on the Lexus ES 300 included 16-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a seven-speaker CD/cassette audio system, faux walnut cabin accents and a full set of auto-dimming mirrors and one-touch up/down windows. Also standard were front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags, but you had to pay extra to get stability control.

Leather upholstery was technically optional, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a used Lexus ES 300 with cloth. Among the other available extras were HID headlights, a premium-grade Mark Levinson audio system, a DVD-based navigation system, heated front seats and a wood/leather steering wheel. A CD changer was also available and could be located in the dash or the center console, depending on whether it was ordered with the nav system. The only equipment difference between the 2002 and '03 models was the possibility of ordering adjustable pedals on the latter.

In road tests of the ES 300, editors noted that it was a refined and elegant car well suited for those who wanted a focused luxury sedan, rather than a sport sedan. "There is tremendous value to be had in the Lexus ES 300," we wrote. "The interior makes the owner feel like he spent $70,000 rather than $35,000. It's roomy enough, powerful enough and comfortable enough with a suspension that can tame a winding road as easily as it can a potholed parkway. No, this is not a direct competitor to the BMW 3 Series. But the ES sure makes for a convincing argument to pass over a Mercedes-Benz C-Class."

The only significant complaint you'll hear from our editors and Lexus ES 300 owners involves transmission performance. The five-speed automatic shifted smoothly in normal traffic situations, but when the car was driven more aggressively, it responded with harsh upshifts and delayed downshifts.

Past Lexus ES 300 models

Consumers shopping for a used ES 300 will find plenty of examples from the previous generation, sold from 1997-2001. This was the first ES sedan to distinguish itself from its workaday Camry sibling, and it did this with an extra dose of horsepower, sleeker styling and additional luxury content.

Initially, the ES 300's all-aluminum 3.0-liter V6 offered 200 hp; however, in 1999, Lexus installed a heavily revised version of this engine equipped with variable valve timing. In addition to 10 more hp, the new V6 delivered more torque and lower emissions. A four-speed automatic was standard throughout the run, but Lexus changed the gearing in '99 to take advantage of the engine's broader power band.

Judged by today's standards, this Lexus ES 300 will undoubtedly seem light on amenities, though all models came with alloy wheels, power front seats, automatic climate control and full power accessories. Leather upholstery was optional, as was a CD player. Safety-minded buyers will probably want to skip right to the 1998 model year, as this was when the ES received side airbags and reduced-force front airbags. A premium Nakamichi audio system joined the options list that year, followed by stability control in 1999 and HID headlights in 2000.

Like its successor, the 1997-2001 ES 300 was a comfortable, capable entry-level luxury car with no sport-sedan pretensions. "If your daily commute is primarily straight-line freeway travel, and you're looking for the most luxury for the least money, the Lexus ES 300 scores top marks," we wrote at the time. "But if you're the type of driver who not only uses curvy roads, but also seeks them out, the Lexus will leave you unimpressed. It's not that the car can't go around corners. It actually does quite well when pushed. But nothing about the car, with the possible exception of its killer brakes, inspires performance driving."

The original Lexus ES 300 was sold from 1992-'96. It was a more obvious Camry clone than subsequent ES 300s but was quite popular with consumers nonetheless. Early models had a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 185 hp. In '94, Lexus fitted the car with a new aluminum-block, 3.0-liter engine good for 188 hp and a significant bump in torque. Although a five-speed manual was standard on 1992 and '93 models, the vast majority of ES 300s from this generation were sold with a four-speed automatic.

Standard equipment included antilock brakes, automatic climate control, an eight-speaker cassette stereo, full power accessories and walnut interior trim. A passenger-side front airbag was added for '94. Leather upholstery, a moonroof and a CD changer were optional throughout the run.

If you encounter an ES sedan built before 1992, it's the ES 250, sold in 1990 and '91 only. A hasty rebadging of the Camry from that era, this car didn't really live up to its luxury billing.

User Reviews:

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  disappointed - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By pricklypear - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Too many problems for a luxury car: computer failure on braking system, jerky transmission, and inferior tires. Had to replace Toyo tires at 20,000 miles due to very loud road noise. The cost of replacement was partially covered by warranty. Poor radio reception without external antenna. Poor gas mileage for a car with no "Get up & go" performance.

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  Ideal for wife - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By pocketsoft - May 12 - 10:00 am

  The car is very comfortable, and has complete set of luxury features. Small truning radius makes it easy to park. 5 speed transmission is very smooth and responsive. Gadgets are well defined and easy to read. Low cabine noise and soft suspenssion make ride very pleasant.

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  Reliable Luxury - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By V Gianotti - May 2 - 12:13 am

  An older albeit slightly outdated style but comfortable and reliable. Plenty of room for an average person but may be a bit cramped for a larger adult. Seats are comfortable and firm and the vehicle is solid and sound. Road noise is non-existant and the stereo is excellent. Overall an excellent vehicle for anyone who wants luxury and reliability without paying top dollar for a newer car.

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  Great Car - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By jblynn - March 25 - 8:21 pm

  12 yo, 142K. New noc & MAF sensors in 11th year @ about $1K. Alternator died at 52K mi, just out of warranty. W-pump died at abt 100K. Other than that, routine maint. White pearlcoat looks as good as it did in 99; few very small dings on hood - touch-up paint works. Beautiful car & design, IMO. Very difficult to develop a scratch on exterior. Leather wearing very well. Wood appliques on dash aged a bit due to moisture/cleaning. Interior dash boring; roomy in front; headroom bad in rear for 6 ftrs. Cup hldrs useless. Nakamichi superior. Good perf.; gas mileage 21/28. We all have good days and bad. No day is completely bad if I get to drive this car at the end of it. Great buy.

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  Everything good but transmission - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Kelvin - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I love everything except the slow- respond, not-smooth transmission. This is not what I expect from a Lexus. Sometimes its getting so annoying that I hate my car. Other than that, everything else is soooooooo nice.

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  We like our ES - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Romer - February 26 - 9:00 pm

  My wife had never heard of the ES300 model. She had her mind set on a C class Mercedes. We test drove the C class and she was all disappointed. Took her down the street from the Mercedes to test drive the ES and it was love at first test drive. For a car that sells for under $35K, it is better equipped than some of the other MFRs that have their models for 10K more. The ride is amazingly comfortable. Everything is automatic. The seats are great and the sound system - even the base system - is awesome. The power is not great which they took care of in the ES330 model and the transmission seems to have a mind of its own. The CVT tranny takes the fun out of driving it.

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  Disappointment - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By david111 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have bought seven GM cars so far, and would like to try something different. So I went to the Lexus dealership and drove the ES300. The car looks great in the showroom. Interior material is something that GM cant even match. Build quality is good, but gaps between body panels are wider than those on the Acura. The driving experience was disappointing: The steeling wheel rattles when the engine is cold, and the screen of the navigation system is rubbing against the frame and sqeeking noise can be heard when the road is bad. I cant believe this happened on a Lexus, becuase a New GM vehicle (say less than a month old on Michigan roads) wont do that.

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  ES 300- - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Saaammy - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1999 black ES 300 in November 2001. The car is a certified used Lexus, so that it has the exact same warranty as a new vehicle. The ride is very nice and the car looks great.

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  OMG - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By troy124 - October 22 - 12:05 am

  My girlfriend bought this car with 100,000 miles on it and it now has about 130,000 miles and runs like a champ. Im pretty rough on cars/ Love to go fast/ and this car is awesome. Great on gas drives smooth and we never have any problems with it. The car is worth about 4 to 5 thousand and in saying that I dont think I would find a car like this good for the same price. Im shocked at how well it run seeing it is a 96 and has over 100,000 miles on it but I must say this car is super great, dont think we are getting rid of it until the wheels fall off. I would take this 96 lexus over these new 2010 american cars anyday.

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  Overall very good, but not perfect - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By DCAir - September 11 - 8:46 am

  I bought this car new and have taken care of it ever since. All complaints have been fixed or Im able to live with for a 10 year old car. Still looks excellent and drives very well.