Overview & Reviews

Side-impact airbags debut on Lexus's entry-level car, as does an engine immobilizer anti-theft system and an optional Nakamichi audio system. Reduced force front airbags are also new on all 1998 Lexus models.

• Attractive, roomy and powerful sedan is a bargain compared to comparable BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.

• The model we tested had some build quality problems.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 42.00

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  Happy ES300 Owner - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Pabster - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this 1998 ES300 as a certified pre-owned vehicle. My style of driving is easy going and the smoother the ride, the better. Aside from that, I want to feel relaxed, at ease, and confident that my car will be very reliable though out the years. Thus, Im not interested in an "aggressive" car to deal with Greater D.C. Traffic. The acceleration is responsive, the transmission silky smooth, and the road noise minimal. I describe this car to my colleagues as a "Gentlemans" vehicle. If you are an aggressive driver looking for sport, then consider the IS.

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  I now understand the meaning of quality! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Rick in Lyndhurst - August 9 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased this car about a year ago with 180,000 miles on it. Since then I have put about 15k on it with absolutely no problems. I have had Toyotas exclusively in the past, and have loved them. I figured I would give this 9 year old a shot since it was priced at only $3500.00 and I needed something different. I could not be more pleased. It rides like a dream and I get surprisingly 25+ mpg on regular gas. Only problem was when I took it to the NJ state inspection. They said I had an "exhaust leak". I must have been the designated "quota failure" that day, because I drove it back to the same station in the afternoon and passed with flying colors. 2 words... GREAT CAR!!

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  Excellent Reliable Car - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By johndds - July 24 - 1:46 am

  Original owner. ES 300 is extremely reliable: no engine/transmission problem. still get 19+ MPG. Timeless body design. Excellent value. However, does not drive like a BMW.

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  Once you own a Lexus you cant go back! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Joanie - July 14 - 10:00 am

  My 98 ES300 was my first Lexus, and the main reason why I bought it was because my salesman (Carl is the best!) sold it to me. None of the other car dealers gave me the time of day. So, I took the plunge and bought my first luxary car. Ive now owned my ES300 for over five years, and Ive have put over 135,000 miles on it without a single problem! I spent less money on maintaining this car than any car Ive ever owned - all Ive done is change the oil, one minor tune-up and replace the brakes and tires (and I got 85,000 miles on the tires that came with the car!). Ill never buy anything but a Lexus.

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  Antoines Review - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Antoine - March 16 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this car has been great. You cant ask for a better entry-level luxury sedan. A wonderful automobile.

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  Takes a licking and keeps ticking - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By John - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Very are money nice and reliable car other the oil changes, replace brake calipers at 180K. Hit two deer in six months rebuilt just like new, mine has every option available, and everything works just fine, will drive it till the wheels fall off, i figure about 500k miles or more, Mercedes E class move over theres a new kid in town.

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  Love My Car - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Love My Car - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I really just love this car. It is the best thing to drive. Enough power to get up and go also it has a really nice comfort level.

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  new owner - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Craig W. - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle with 92,000 miles on it. My wife and I immediately went for a road trip and put 1,300 additional miles on it. It is an awesome vehicle. Good power and a smooth ride. Were still learning about the different features/buttons that come with it. I think one of the struts needs to be replaced, but other than that, it didnt even hint at having problems. Great car.

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  Moving on up - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By metfan - July 30 - 12:13 am

  Have been a Toyota loyalist for the last 15 years until I purchased my first Lexus about 3 years ago. I bout a 7 year old ES 300 with 100K miles on it. I have put about 50K on it since then and the car has been flawless. I change the oil about every 5K, and that is all that I have needed to do. Yea, I have the CD display problems that everyone else has, but other than that, the car is great! I get a realistic 25 mpg, and can hardly hear the car purring, even when completely stopped. I seriously do not believe they can make a car run any better than this one! Ill drive this baby for another 5 years.

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  Drive it, youll love it - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By RDL2AEL - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Drive it,youll love it! The quietness, the smoothness, the reliability, the 6 CDs in the glove box I would buy another one.