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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  Transmission Problems - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By UMOX - September 5 - 7:53 pm

  More luxury, less driving fun than my 92 ES300. Major problems with the new 5 speed electronic transmission. Downshift from 5th into 3rd for passing when aggressive shift is needed delays and rpm builds for a second before lower gear engages. This has been of serious concern at times when immediate response was necessary. Lexus says they are aware of the problem. But no fix available yet.The car has sufficient power and pick up for other driving situations.

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  fun - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By rickww - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Nothing 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 am

  it 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.

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  Very Happy ES 300 owner - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Chris - August 26 - 6:43 am

  I purchased mine used with 36K miles and, like another ES 300 reviewer on this site, had to replace the idle control sensor as well! (defect?) Other than that the car has been a dream. I like it better than the newer Lexus models which have too many extra do-dads like a navigation system, etc. (Im a man and I know directions!)

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  Liked it so much... - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By MichaelCMTX - August 19 - 11:26 am

  My wifes choice. Definitely not the place to look for sportiness, but for a relaxed, comfortable ride thats roomy and reliable - very tough to beat. Fuel economy pretty doggone decent for a car of its size. The price of getting it CPO was right up with a new Camry, but we made the right choice. Traded it in today for a CPO 2006 ES330. Sad to see it go, but not so sad we didnt get basically the same car in a different color (albeit with heated/cooled seats!!). Figured if I was going to drop $1000 for a timing belt, why not just upgrade? Some tires ride nice but wear fast, so be careful.

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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!!

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  Ill never buy another one - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By PARSON121 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1993 Buick Park Ave Ultra that was supercharged so I figured the hesitation and lack of power was because I was used to a different car. The braking is poor, brakes replaced at 14000 miles,car hesitates on acceleration(dealer did the computer fix yesterday)still the same,had loaner car 2004 ES330 -same problems,brakes, acceleration etc.

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  Money well spent! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Singh - August 8 - 12:20 am

  I was looking for a reliable car for around $5000. Took my own sweet time to drive a lot of cars, check there edmunds.com reviews. Fell in love the very first time I drove this car, it was just great. Lot of power, space and comfort. Fuel economy is around 15 mpg in city but on highway its close to 30 mpg. I feel safe inside the car even while driving it even at high speed.

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  Excellent Reliable Car - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By johndds - July 24 - 1:46 am

  Original owner. ES 300 is extremely reliable: no engine/transmission problem. still get 19+ MPG. Timeless body design. Excellent value. However, does not drive like a BMW.

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  Once you own a Lexus you cant go back! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Joanie - July 14 - 10:00 am

  My 98 ES300 was my first Lexus, and the main reason why I bought it was because my salesman (Carl is the best!) sold it to me. None of the other car dealers gave me the time of day. So, I took the plunge and bought my first luxary car. Ive now owned my ES300 for over five years, and Ive have put over 135,000 miles on it without a single problem! I spent less money on maintaining this car than any car Ive ever owned - all Ive done is change the oil, one minor tune-up and replace the brakes and tires (and I got 85,000 miles on the tires that came with the car!). Ill never buy anything but a Lexus.