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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  Simply love it - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By BlueKarma - March 18 - 9:50 pm

  I love my 97 Lexus. Its an older car but you wouldnt know it. It drives great and Im very happy with it.

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  Best car iv owned - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By kempboy - March 15 - 2:03 am

  Iv owned this car for about 3 months now and it is great the car is realiable and is very fun to drive. it accelerates quick when it needs to and is great when driving on long trips with the leather seats. Stereo system is great good tone and bass favorite part of the car is the mpg. i luxury car that gets 22MPG in the city ill take it!

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  A great car! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By RazorWinger - March 10 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car with 58,000 miles on it; no problems except wear & tear. It started using oil for a while and I expected the worst - an engine re-build. But after an independent technician replaced the PCV valve ($10!), the oil usage stopped. I sure hope my next Lexus has better cup-holders; theyre far too shallow. The key to the Lex is keep it maintained and no telling how many miles theyll run. A great value.

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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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  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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  2001 ES - great ride - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By InHisname - January 21 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car in 2001 with 13,000 miles on it. Someone traded it in to get a new car. I now have 148,000 and it shows no signs of slowing down. The oil is changed every 5000 miles and service is done as suggested. The car is a luxurious, reliable, smooth ride. It has all the features including moonroof. No real mechanical problems. The car handles beautifully. If I had one minor complaint it would be the turning radius. My wifes car seems to get better. That is almost not worth mentioning. I will buy another Lexus due to the quality and luxury ride they produce.

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  EXCELLENCE RUNS IN THE FAMILY - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By franchise - January 12 - 3:46 pm

  Lots of car for the money. Step up is a big one in money for a better car. Step down, you get Camary, or Mazima. Not bad. Yet, certainly different thant the appointments of this small Lexus. Much more car for about $4 to $5K more.

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  Im disappointed - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Mark N - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I had reservations regarding this ES300 for me. Not enough performance and nose heavy. Changed to 215/60/15 Pilots which helped the nose heavy ride. Now at 48k, the transmission needed to be replaced. Bad enough at 48k. Lexus of Austin installed a rebuilt under the 100k warranty. Guess how I feel now. Looking a at Maxima GLE or Accura RL. Should have bought the 528 BMW in the first place.

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  Meets Expectations - generally... - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Mojo - January 7 - 7:36 pm

  The ES300 has been a very high quality and reliable automobile requiring very few repairs above and beyond the required scheduled maintenance. This vehicle gets decent gas mileage and generally averages about 21-23 mpg, and also has a very quiet and comfortable ride. However, I would be remiss if I didnt mention that this specific model has a slight hesitation in acceleration that the dealership was unable to correct. The automobile also has a fairly fragile paint job that scratches easily and is susceptible to rock chips. Reading the center console displays of radio/CD and heating/AC settings can be difficult when wearing polarized sunglasses.

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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.