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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EXCELLENT CAR!!!! - 1996 Lexus ES 300
By LexusLuv - October 13 - 2:00 amI got this Lexus, Coach Edition, as a first car with a little over 85k miles on it, and it drives like a dream! Its gorgeous, has an incredibly smooth ride for a 96, and the engine is sooo smooth and quiet that you sometimes forget the vehicle is on!! Acceleration is beautiful; no hesitating whatsoever. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone, its excellent!!
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Pleasure to Drive - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By Steve R. - October 8 - 10:00 amA beautiful car to look at, fun to drive. Slower accelertion than my wifes 2001 Avalon, but as the engine breaks in, the performance improves. Dash board is the best Ive seen. An extremely comfortable car for long drives. Dealer is efficient and attentive in providing service. An all- round satisfying experience. Tough luck, Volvo owners.
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Garys ES300 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By GaryN - October 2 - 10:00 amI had a 2000 ES300 before this and loved it, but the new car is so much better - very solid, excellent riding and handling. It took a while for me to get used to the new body style but Ive learned to love it, and the interior is beautiful.
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I Love This Car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By M.M.W. - September 26 - 10:00 amWe tested all of the cars listed as "compare to" on the Edmunds site except for the VW. We also tested Mercedes and BMW. We were ready to buy the Infinitiy until we tested this Lexus. From the moment we hit the road, we felt enveloped in an unbelievabley comfortable "cocoon." The smooth quiet ride, exceptional handling, close turning radius, pickup on the interstate, and the outstanding safety features all contributed to our utmost satifaction.
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2003 Lexus ES 300 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By NAEXECT - September 26 - 10:00 amAbsolutly the best vehicle I have ever owned. I cannot believe the ride, comfort, and quality for this entry level luxury sedan. I have had nothing at all go wrong with it - currently 7000 miles. One suggestion - use high test gasoline. The dealer informed me that regular was all that was necesary. For the first 6 months that was all I used. The car ran well but I thought it was a bit sluggish. I switched to high test recently and seen a dramic increase in performance and better gas mileage.
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Fun to Drive - 1997 Lexus ES 300
By wesley - September 20 - 2:00 amThis car is really fun to drive. I have owned an Acura and BMW and this car is the most fun to drive.
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Best Car of My Life - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By Dick Verinder - September 18 - 12:30 pmThis is the 18th car of my life. Previous car was Toyota Camry - sold after 9 years and 292,000 miles. This Lexus is better and I expect to keep it a full ten years. Reported mileage by Edmunds is too low. Without Ethanol mix I typically get 34 MPG highway at 65 MPH and 26 MPG city. This car is almost six years old and looks and rides like its brand new. Lexus service is unbelievably efficient - you get spoiled real fast.
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Wow!!! es300 rocks! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
By my1st lexus - September 12 - 10:00 amI bought my ES300 against my wifes objection. We have always been Benz fan and my last car was S320. Let me tell you my friends, this car actually runs smoother and quieter that my last benz. Fits and finishes are first class and Valencia Lexus service is better than any dealership Ive ever been. To be honest, I am disappointed with the declining quality and service of Mercedes benz. even my wife is thinking of getting RX330 when it comes out next year.
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fun - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By rickww - August 31 - 2:00 amNothing for the dealer to fix at the 1k checkup because everything was right. Rides nice and has plenty of power unless you are a policeman who gets paid for how many tickets he writes. Interior is a significant accomplishment for twice the price. Quality surrounds.
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That is my style - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By Jerry Teng - August 31 - 2:00 amit is a excellent car with great interior luxury and comfort, stylish, and many nice features which is optional to many German cars. I like the wood package most, it is so cozy. it is silver smooth and it is my style.
