Overview & Reviews

Lexus has introduced a completely redesigned ES 300 for 2002. The new car is roomier and quieter than the previous car, and in many ways has become more closely aligned with the LS 430 flagship model. Safety and feature quotients have been increased, and the car is wrapped in a svelte new body.

• Nice array of luxury and convenience features, strong and silent V6, advanced safety technology.

• Many of the desired features are optional and expensive.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 82.00

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  Transmission concerns - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By ESLexus - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Nice ride, but needs more power. Exterior a little boring, but interior is excellent quality. I am waiting on the Re-design of the Acura RL.

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  Nice Car, bad paint - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Gladys Arnold - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car is nice, but the paint. Ive notice several spots where the paint is chipping. First, I thought it was caused by treesap, but the other cars were not affected. I will discuss this problem with the dealer.

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  rotor problems continue - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By 3.con - November 21 - 10:00 am

  ought car from private party with 14K miles--noted on first long trip that car shuddered when braking at highway speed. Took it in--needed new rotors. I had read that Lexus was having problems with the brakes, especially rotors. Dealership (Concord Lexus) replaced the brake pads and rotors @ no charge to us. Shocking note from dealer that rear tires will need replacing soon--only 14, 300 miles on them and no abuse. Toyo tires, another warrenty issue, we hope. Nice car---but the transmission is not smooth and it hesitates when you need to move out in a hurry. Not powerful, good gas mileage, great interior. No rattles---yet!

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  Good car but transmission is lousy - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By fredj - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Many positives about this car BUT, transmission is such an integral part of a car, and this one is lousy for a car of this price. The engine and transmission seem to have trouble communicating on a downshift, when you are cruising in the 40-55mph range, transmission seems to keep searching for the right car, up then down, then up etc..Spoke with Lexus customer service and they said they have a few complaints but have no intention for any fixes at this time... This is strange because my dealer told me he had more than 15 complaints on this issue..Not acceptable for a luxury crusier sedan

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  2002 Lexus ES300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By justreviewer - September 24 - 9:30 pm

  It is a comfortable car to drive. Smooth and quiet. No seat warmers. I dont know if that was even offered as an option at the time. It would be better if its performance was as good as its luxury.

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  A first rate car - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By krutlem - August 17 - 4:33 am

  This car looks good and drives just as well. Its reliability is tops and comfort and freedom from road noise is a delight. The only downsides worthy of mention is there should have been more attention paid to an owners need to override the default settings of many details (like the loudness of the directional signals or the duration of the headlights on after leaving the car).

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  almost great - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By ronhawk62 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My ES300 has been a joy most of the time. It is very quite and drives and handles well.The transmission seems to be on another wave length, always about a second or two of indecision and then shifting down with a bit of roughness that doesnt fit this or any car in the 21st century.Other than the transmission thecar has exceded my expectations.

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  More Reliable than Mercedes - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Dr JSG - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2000 E430 that was a disaster. What I like about this car is that is drives comfortable. The ride is smooth and appears well made. it lacks pep. Another 50 hours would be nice. Transmission should be more smooth. Less roll on turns would be nice. The dealer is obsessed with outstanding service! The do things right!

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  Transmission Problems - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By UMOX - September 5 - 7:53 pm

  More luxury, less driving fun than my 92 ES300. Major problems with the new 5 speed electronic transmission. Downshift from 5th into 3rd for passing when aggressive shift is needed delays and rpm builds for a second before lower gear engages. This has been of serious concern at times when immediate response was necessary. Lexus says they are aware of the problem. But no fix available yet.The car has sufficient power and pick up for other driving situations.

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  Ugly as hell ! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By thejavagod - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This is one UGLY car! Interior is exceptionally luxurious! This car has zero driving fun...compared to my Acura TL Type S this ES300 feels like a big old boat!