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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  Surprised at cost of service - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By GRAMP - July 31 - 2:00 am

  For the most part i am satisfied with the Es 300. I had a couple of rattles in the back door , but after two times the dealer took care of that problem. I was very surprised at the cost of service. 10,000 mile service cost $129.00, and i just called the dealership to find out the cost of 15,000 service-----HOW ABOUT-$359.00, so much for a LEXUS

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  Get Something Else - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Al - July 16 - 9:36 pm

  I have owned many different cars and heard nothing but wonderful things about this model. The truth is, the Oldsmobile Aurora and Lincoln Continental both outmatched the Lexus hands down in both creature features and driveability. The Lexus has been a major disappointment and I will never own another one. Buy the Toyota Camry and save some money... or better yet buy an Avalon and get more room. Also, for what its worth the check engine light has been on more than off for the last 50k miles. This car has annoying (expensive) problems with its emissions/fuel vent system design that Ive never had with any other car owned.

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  Best car in the mid 30s - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Gulfvet66 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional quality, fabulous service and support. These guys do everything but put a mint on your pillow!

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  I rattle and hesitate; I am your car ! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Bruce Litzkow - July 8 - 2:00 am

  The problems Lexus will not address: (1) Audible rattling sound outside the vehicle during low speed acceleration (2) Transmission hesitation below 40 and revs past red line when floored at 40 (3) Bridgestone factory tires dangerous loss of control on wet pavement at 50+

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  A+ on increases to comfort and design - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By dplantz - May 30 - 2:00 am

  The new ES300 is everything advertised. There is no comparison to past models as the interior is more in line with the more expensive models and the exterior styling has a nice balance of luxury and sportiness. The ride is extremely smoothe and quiet. Inside, you are wrapped in leather and walnut trim. Although most amenities have been included, I would like to have had the steering console included in the preset seating memeory. This is a very nice car.

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  Solid ride! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By B - May 26 - 2:20 pm

  This car is great! I bought it in June 09 after doing much research here on Edmunds. I had a tight budget ($5000) and I needed to find a car that would be reliable and well built. The ES300 had great reviews so I thought I would get it and it truly is a great ride. I get compliments all the time, most people think it is newer and more expensive than it actually is. My ES is smooth, quiet, and is somewhat fuel efficient in the city and great on the highway (30 mpg from CO to CA). So far I have had no problems with the car and I plan on driving many more trouble free miles. I just wish it had a little more power, it has enough passing power its just a little slow off the line. I love my Lexus!

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  All around great car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Gingerbread - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car since October 1999. This car has never had any problems. The only downside in my opinion is if you use the dealer to maintain the car you can expect $1000 a year or so easy. I drive a lot so for me its about $2,000 per year in up keep.

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  Lexus Family - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus Cruiser - May 21 - 9:00 pm

  Bought this ES 300 about 7 months ago and it has been problem free. Its comfortable, quiet, smooth, powerful and gets decent mpg. I have the suspension control and heated seats. Have the factory chrome rims with white pearl paint, people think its a very expensive and classy car. We really like this car and would recommend to anyone.

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  Will not buy another Lexus - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By MaxK - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I had to replace the front strut mounts at 50,000 miles. The lexus service advisor told me it is common to have this problem. I still cant believe it. Paint chips off very easily (2004 ES330 has the same problem), lot of wind noise at high speeds.

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  AWSOME!!! - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By Doug23 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive,stylish with a touch of class.Include dependability....life long Toyota fan.