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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  Great used car deal - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By WaterskiUS - September 22 - 6:36 pm

  I bought the car with 40,000 miles and live in San Diego. I immediately had to get an idle control sensor, the windshield re-sealed, and driver side door electronics redone through the warranty. Beyond that, I have had no problems. Its luxury to the T.

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  ES300 CPO Review - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Don - September 9 - 5:03 am

  I bought a Certified Pre Owned with 33k Miles fully loaded - I am disappointed at the control options - Most of it seemed to be copied from Camry. Most annoying feature is the Cruise Control. Most of the controls can be fixed on the steering. Smooth ride but engine cribs on inclined roads.

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  WOW!!! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Owner - September 7 - 11:56 pm

  This is another AMAZING CAR!!!

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  Excellent - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Marci Cuccio - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I have just recently purchased a Lexus ES 300 and am thrilled with it.. I love everything, the way the car handles and drives. I really like the new body style too....

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  Excellent Ride - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Wes - August 6 - 12:23 am

  This is the smoothest car Ive ever driven. The inside styling would make you think your in a $70k car. Bought this car certified from Lexus at 44,000 miles. Now has around 50,000 miles and all have been trouble free. I also have a 98 ES300 thats a great car too. It has 130k miles and still drives like a dream.

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  Wind tunnel.... - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By DKM - July 29 - 10:00 am

  The frameless windows seemed like a good idea at the time! The trade for the "sleek" look is a high-pitched hum coming through the window. Service manager says its standard; funny they didnt tell me BEFORE I bought the car. He even had all the window seals replaced, to no avail. This car is super, reliable, and fun to drive; and with the extended warranty, the service Lexus offers can not be beat. But, I wouldnt buy one of these pre-2002 ES 300s again as the wind- noise may just put me over the edge.

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  Nice but not great! - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By strofferazo - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a certified pre-owned 2000 with 33000 miles one month ago. This is my first "luxury" car after always having sports cars. Its a great car, but not without flaws...in my opinion, there is more wind noise than there should be in a car of this caliber (mostly noticeable on the highway or over 55 mph). The only other thing I dislike is the radio/speaker system - "Lexus Premium Sound" is pretty poor. VERY weak bass no matter how you adjust it. If you have an opportunity to get the upgraded Mark Levinson stereo, Id try it. I was also surprised I cant quite reach 30mpg, even on conservative all- highway trips.

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  Typical Lexus Quality - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Akent - July 8 - 12:06 pm

  I bought this Lexus online with 51,000 miles as a lease turn-in for my wife. It is even better than expected. The interior was nearly flawless with the most supple leather seats I have ever sat in. I read numerous reviews saying it lacked power, but I have not found that to be true. It was made to be a luxury vehicle, not a fast sports car. The ride is smooth and quiet. It is very different from her last 1993 ES 300 that had over 215,000 miles.

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  Overall good car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus Es 300 - July 1 - 12:40 am

  Purchased this car in 2002. It had 59000 mi. on it. Now the odometer shows 98000. No major problems, except with the radio system. The LCD screen is unreadable. It is very annoying. The dealer wont admit that this is a recall. Also had to replace a gasket seal due to a leak. Regular oil change and the car is fine!

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  Instead of the X-Type - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By likedlex - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was deciding between the X-Type Jag and the ES300, glad I chose the ES. The Jag was nicer looking outside but that is it. The Lexus has all the amenities that one could want in a luxury sedan. Granted if performance is what you are after it is not the best choice. But hey, If I wanted performance Id get a Porsche right? I love this car, and better yet my wife does too!