Overview & Reviews

The entry-level Lexus has been totally redesigned this year, growing in nearly every dimension. Lexus manages to eke out more power from the ES 300's 3.0-liter V6 engine. No longer just a dressed-up Camry, the ES 300 has finally come into its own.

• Beautiful new shape, more powerful engine, more interior space, and higher levels of luxury than the previous model.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 50.00

• 

  Overall good car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus Es 300 - July 1 - 12:40 am

  Purchased this car in 2002. It had 59000 mi. on it. Now the odometer shows 98000. No major problems, except with the radio system. The LCD screen is unreadable. It is very annoying. The dealer wont admit that this is a recall. Also had to replace a gasket seal due to a leak. Regular oil change and the car is fine!

• 

  Not too bad of a choice for the money. - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Roman - November 28 - 11:26 am

  Well... When I bought it four years ago I thought it was a perfect car, and it is close to that. However, I had to change rear bushings, fix brakes, change timing belt, rotors, window motor went down (when driving on highway), stabilizers had to be changed, wheel bearings had to be changed, exhaust, the heater on drivers seat stopped working right before last winter. So... this car always took me from point A to point B with comfort, but its not as perfect as it may seem to be. Lexus is reliable, but far from perfect. The best car I had so far was Civic (but again, it was practically new).

• 

  Money well spent! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Singh - August 8 - 12:20 am

  I was looking for a reliable car for around $5000. Took my own sweet time to drive a lot of cars, check there edmunds.com reviews. Fell in love the very first time I drove this car, it was just great. Lot of power, space and comfort. Fuel economy is around 15 mpg in city but on highway its close to 30 mpg. I feel safe inside the car even while driving it even at high speed.

• 

  Best Car Ever! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By packagemaster - November 27 - 6:12 am

  I bought a 97 in spring of 06, with 150k miles already on it. I travel 110 miles per day, and I wanted a reliable comfortable, but cheap ride. Because of the miles, I got mine cheap. Fast forward, 2011. Now the car has 330k miles, and let me tell you, this car has been rock solid. This is list of everything I did for the car. (from my log book) 1 set of tires. 2 batteries. 8 sets of wiper blades. Oil change every 6-8k miles. (thats right) 4 air filters. 2 windshields. (rocks fly in Interstate) Front and rear Struts. 2 sets of brake pads for front, 1 set in back, 1 set of front rotors. 6 Headlight bulbs.. Im looking forward to the next 180k miles. I know this car will make it.

• 

  Reliable/Comfortable - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By gtooker - March 21 - 7:20 am

  Bought 2 years ago with 35k miles. Now has about 50k miles w/o any problems. Ride is smooth, although not spirited. Excellent fit, finish and features for 1997.

• 

  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.