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 11 through 20 of 42.00

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  Awesome Car - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By msbehavn - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with this car. Bought it with 95k and its been great the past 5k miles. No problems.

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  A Must Experience - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Moe - March 31 - 1:23 pm

  Bought the car with 69k miles; 9 months later, it has 94k miles. The car has been flawless and fun to drive. Its extremely quiet. One day I picked up my buddy from the airport and when he got in the car he was convinced that the engine was off. I silently uttered "the car is in drive." He looked but still didnt believe it until I pushed the gas pedal. Also, the car has great power and good gas mileage, exceeding my expectations. Furthermore, most of the ES300 parts are interchangable with the Toyota Camry so oil changes and other maint. parts arent expensive. In fact, I take my car to Toyota for oil changes, however, the service at Lexus makes you feel like a celebrity...

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  Would not have anything else. - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By ggwes - August 31 - 10:00 am

  We are looking to sell the 1998 and get a 2001. Not only is it an excellent car, but dollar for dollar it is the best high line value out there.

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  Dark of night sale/surprise - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Sandra Hartnell - May 3 - 5:23 pm

  I bought this car at night on the fly after an auto acc. so didnt have it checked out. The radio LED didnt work nor did the lighter/chargers-annoying. The mpg however is 24 consistently and Ive gotten up to 28 after servicing across the state. When you have to step on it it REALLY kicks into high gear with a pleasant rush for this resistant to aging gal. Id buy this car again and will probably keep it a long time. Not crazy that it looks almost exactly like a Camry but the plus is the parts are interchangeable.

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  A Drivers Car - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By TM - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This is an outstanding car to drive! Great handling, good fuel economy, and excellent interior. The only problem I have is being charged $30 to have turn signal changed!! ( I tried to figure it out myself but just couldnt.) Anyway, highly recommended, mine has 100000 miles on it and is still running strong.

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  Dream - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By bluebell - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new 5 1/2 years ago, and have put on 41,000 miles. Absolutley no problems with the engine or any hardware or trim. I have had regular oil changes, and have only had to change the wipers and 4 light bulbs. To this day, after its washed, friends think its new. BG Philadelphia

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  Cant beat it! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Andrew - January 4 - 5:20 pm

  This is hands down the best car you can buy for the money. My car just turned over 100k miles and people still ask me if its new. The fit, finish, and structural quality are unmatched except by more expensive Lexus. This car has zero road noise. A few more HP would make this car the best on the road.

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  excellent ride - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By john - December 17 - 2:00 am

  wow.what a ride

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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!!