Overview & Reviews

A new 3.0-liter V6 engine with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) gives the 1999 ES 300 more horsepower, lower emissions and improved fuel economy. Optional Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) is available on the new ES as are one-touch open and close front windows and a one-touch operated moonroof.

• Though more distinctive than in previous years, it still looks a little too Camry-like.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 32.00

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  Transmission problem with 1999 ES300 - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By spcinca - January 3 - 7:40 pm

  My 1999 ES 300 has 67000 miles on it and I am told I need a new transmission and knock sensors. ABS off and check engine light pop on. It sporadically will not downshift at higher speed. At 60mph rpms will be close to 4000. I have done trans fluid exchanges, replaced valves, seals and air intake hoses. Lexus says they will not cover any repair because it falls out of their warranty. Every mechanic that has looked at it claims it is ridiculous for me to need a new trans with this low of miles and the great condition the car is in.

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  Good car, but recently getting worse - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By NS - January 11 - 9:23 am

  I owned this car since 2001. From 2001-2008: was really happy with the car. Reliable, quiet interior. Comfy seats, good pickup. In 2009: my ES-300 started giving all kinds of problems. Power steering pump leaked-replaced it, O2 sensors went bad-replaced it, alternator died - replaced it. Check engine lights are on almost every month. Follow the routine-go to dealer, they do the diagnostics, find the issue, replace the part, pay those hefty repair charges, and next month repeat the same thing. Just yesterday, heard that its giving heavy knocking sound from engine. Within past 12 months, the repair cost has gone through the roof to almost $6000. Now I am seriously thinking about replacing the car.

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  Lexus ES 300, 1999, UAE - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By NShaan - February 17 - 12:30 am

  Poor front and rear struts, wind noise in average to high speeds, doors and boot lid feels and sounds very flimsy.

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  One of the Best Cars Ive Ever Owned - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By LCD44 - January 16 - 1:56 am

  Ive driven nothing but Toyota products for over 30 years; and to me, the ES300 is one of the very best cars ever built. The only thing better than an old Toyota is a new Toyota... so ten months ago, we traded in our old Camry for a Lexus RX 400h, and 10 years from now, I am likely to be here praising it also.

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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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  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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  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.

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  Reliability Rating? - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Esdrvr - May 14 - 10:03 pm

  Disappointing reliability. I had to replace the transmission (failed solenoid pump) at 150k mi. You have the option of "rebuilding" or "replacing". Lexus wanted $3400 for this, I rebuilt it for a hefty $2600. The "new" 99 tranny is twice as expensive to fix as a 99 Camry due computer chips in the transmission. All 4 struts needed replacing at 150k mi as well. The "check engine" light has proven quite annoying as it appears a few times/yr due to a fuel system anomaly. This automatically disables the Traction control system and a dummy light appears for it as well. 21-23 mpg as I would guess this is standard for a 3 ltr V6. Poor turn radius. Disappointing reliability overall.