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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  Safety And Beauty - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By bcolby - December 10 - 10:00 am

  We have had our 97 ES300 for about a year and it has been the best car we have ever had. Loaded to the gills and showroom-like condition, until recently. My wife and 14-month old son were in an accident where another driver turned in front of my wife. Travelling at 55mph both vehicles were totalled. My wife and son came away with only minor scratches and aches. If they were in any other vehicle I feel the results may have been different. It was a beautiful car, but they make more everyday. There is no question we will get another.

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  Best of the Best - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Steve Mercaitis - December 5 - 6:03 pm

  I tried to find a comparable American vehicle. I researched autos for over 6 months to find a vechicle that suited my needs and driving habits. I drive over 36,000 miles per year. Unfortunately, nothing comes close to the style, value, re-sale, dependability, and ride that a Lexus provides in an American model

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  Love this car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By cwdavis - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Have 6,000 miles on it and it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I enjoy the Adaptive Variable Suspension which transforms car from one of comfort to very sporty handling. I find the interior beautifully crafted and I like the front styling. It is extremely quiet and smooth. Lexus reliability is second to none.

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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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  New Used Lexus Owner - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Ed McDougal - November 21 - 1:03 am

  Compared to my Nissan and 2001 Camry I feel it is a 20 to 30 % better built vehicle.

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  First Luxury Ride - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Gitmo - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Had this car 2 months and already 4700 trouble free miles. Really like the quite and luxurious interior. Driving the Lexus 300 and my wifes Chrysler M300 is no comparision. The Lexus is sooooo quite, hardly any road noise. Ride and handles great. The navigation system and the Mark Levinson sound system are great features and work and sound great.

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  Great Car for old people and accountants - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By loco - October 22 - 4:46 am

  Great reliable car, decent fuel economy, very comfortable but not too fast. Overall if you need a car for everyday that you know would not let you down you should buy it.

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  Excellent car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Josh Krut - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the finest car in its category.

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  The Maytag of Cars! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Halc - October 16 - 12:36 pm

  My ES300 had about 9K miles on it when purchased 11/2003 and now has 40,523 miles and has been the Maytag of cars. In addition to regular scheduled service, the only outlay has been new tires and (battery which was replaced under warranty about a month ago). Lexus sent road-side service with a fresh one and literally 5 minutes later upon arrival it was good to go again. The tires were expensive costing about $900 for Michelins or $1200 for Bridgestone and I highly recommend the latter designed for the car. The Michelins do not handle as well at highway speeds and adversely affected the driving pleasure in my opinion.

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  Solid Beauty - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By kleesmith - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I am a residential real estate agent showing property all the time in the Atlanta area. I get all kinds of positive comments from my passengers of how well this car rides over most all terrains. After the break-in period I have noticed the performance and gas mileage improve. It handles well, but after my Audi A6, I can tell it is not a sports car nor a Quattro gripper. For my business and personal pleasure, it handles quite supurbly. Quiet, comfortable, solidly built. There is ample room for average sized people in the back seat. The local dealers treat me like royalty both in sales and service and that will drive me right back there for my next one.