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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  I love my ES300 - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Jazzman - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car. I love it so much I bought out my lease. I drove the new model and did not like it as much. I have the chrome wheels and dark blue color which I think looks sporty. The coolest thing is that I have never had to take it in for repair. Not once!! I change the oil and thats it. I love smooth silky ride. The sound system is great. The cabin quite. It is very relaxing to drive. The leather seats are very comfortable. The new model drives more "boaty" and lacks the spark. I may hold on to mine for another 5 years. I want to get a new car but cant find anything I like as much.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By KPECOD - July 3 - 9:56 am

  I purchased this car in Nov. 99 as a certified used vehicle. The warranty sold me, but it was the comfort and styling that I was really after. I used this car for a sales job driving over 30,000 miles per year, mostly highway. Let me just say that it was an absolute joy getting in this car every day and driving for 6-8 hours! I have had not had to put a penny into it after 175,000 miles, and am sad to say that I have decided it is time to get rid of it. The good news is I have purchased a 2001 ES300, and cant wait to have the same experience!! If you are considering buying a 1996, please believe me when I say you can be confident in the reliability and performance of your "new" used car!!!

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  Great Commuting Vehicle - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By jjnd - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This car provides and excellent ride and fantastic fuel economy. I regularly exceed 25 mpg with in town driving and 30 mpg on the highway. This car is more comfortable than most. I am regularly on the road for several hours at a time. Being of small stature I appreciate the compact interior. My husband, a large man, finds the front seat comfortable but the back seat is limited in size and you wouldnt want to spend too much time confined there unless you were a small person. The suspension and steering on this vehicle make it feel like a sports car and the traction control is a nice feature in the north country where I live

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  Great car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Andy - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1999 BMW 3 series and 1993 Mercedez-Benz C-Class. I think Lexus ES 300 is much better than those cars.

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  Lexus ES300 Platinum Edition - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By JosephGut - May 22 - 8:00 pm

  The ES300 is by far and away the most comfortable automobile that Ive ever owned, one of the most solid cars, and technologically the best Ive driven. This is the type of car where youll never say to yourself, "Gee, I wish they had done this or that" as far as the ergonomic and technical features of the car. Everything is laid out perfectly and every bell and whistle that the most tech savvy person could wish for has already been added.

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  The Japanese Zen experience - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By - April 25 - 2:00 am

  When the salesman asked my wife how we liked our new ES300 I described it as a Zen experience. We both recommend getting the Mark Levinson sound system. It is so clear that the music permeates your brain and transforms the driving experience. Note: replace the original software with at least rev 3 to correct the transmission shift delay/stutter problems and completely transform the driving experience to a powerful utterly smooth, truly luxurious sensation.

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  02 Lexus ES - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Insurance Man - April 5 - 4:00 pm

  Compared Volvo S60, Acura TL, Audi A6, Infiniti I35, Jag X-Type and Lexus ES. Selected the ES due to quiet cabin, smooth ride, comfortable seats, adequate acceleration, Lexus reliability. Dealer is extremely easy to deal with. This is my 4th Lexus - Have never had one in the shop for anything except scheduled maintenance.

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  Need to go back to manufactor - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Dissapointed - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Problem with transmission program. Vehicle drive sluggesh from 0 to 20. Manufacture enhancement made problem worse. No present fix for now.

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  Marks ES - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Mark666 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. I bought black with black interior. Only issue in the purchase was that it took almost 7 weeks to get the car and during most of that time the dealer lacked the ability to update me.

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  Ugly as hell ! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By thejavagod - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This is one UGLY car! Interior is exceptionally luxurious! This car has zero driving fun...compared to my Acura TL Type S this ES300 feels like a big old boat!