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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  modifications ruin the car :/ - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By treek336 - May 6 - 10:11 pm

  i got the car 2 years ago, with no modifications on, so i start by the normal , stereo, speakers, but this last year i ruined the car, i install a amp 2 subs nd the consequences the battery is dead everytime i start it up, next i heated the springs to lower the car, yes the car is lower nd looks cool, but the problem is is unconformable to ride on, next on a drag race something happend to the engine, nd now the check engine light is on all the time, the car smokes from the exhaust a lot !

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  Takes a licking and keeps ticking - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By John - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Very are money nice and reliable car other the oil changes, replace brake calipers at 180K. Hit two deer in six months rebuilt just like new, mine has every option available, and everything works just fine, will drive it till the wheels fall off, i figure about 500k miles or more, Mercedes E class move over theres a new kid in town.

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  Love My Car - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Love My Car - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I really just love this car. It is the best thing to drive. Enough power to get up and go also it has a really nice comfort level.

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  Excellence pursued - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Spain1966 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Part of why I have enjoyed this car so much is that I got a great deal (with Edmunds help of course). But almost everything about the car we have enjoyed. Plush interior, nice get-up- and-go, excellent sound system, and EXCELLENT reliablilty (no problems whatsoever). Would buy another Lexus in a heartbeat.

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  Wonderful vehicle - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By J Bates - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2002 Camry for this and cant go on enough about this car. I was sold on Lexus after buying an RX 300 for my wife a year ago and couldnt wait to get my own. I have enjoyed the vehicle very much for the week and half I have now had it. Extremely quiet, rich in luxury amenitites and a pure joy to drive

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  my lexus es300 coach edition - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By lex lover - March 14 - 10:00 am

  i have a 1996 ES300 coach edition and it is beautifil. i have not have had any problems with it to this day except normal maintenence. i love the speed of it. This has been by far the best car i have ever bought.

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  My test of the Lexus ES300 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By amf1932 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Basically Im very pleased with this car. The only thing that bother me is the new 5 speed transmission. Heres a brief example of what I mean: If I drive about 35mph and then slow down to about 5mph and than try to accelerate there is a hesitation. Its as if the transmission can not decide on what gear to go into. When it finally does theres a slight lurch forward. One other thing is a rattle that happened in the right rear. The dealer had to remove the rear door panels and do something to the insulation to correct it. There was a service bulletin about this problem. I didnt expect that on a brand new Lexus!

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  Fine car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By John Wright - December 28 - 5:23 am

  Purchased new. No complaints. Good road car (to FL), good around town.

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  super car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By sethster - December 25 - 10:00 am

  We looked at all entry level luxury cars and imeadiatly was impressed with the quality feel and ride of this car. It is the quitest car We have ever owned and the comfort level is fantastic. After owning unreliable american cars, this car is a joy to drive. We actually look forward to driving again and running erands. We dident buy this car for sport or speed so the engine power is plenty. We love the luxury items and the the automatic controls that turn on everything.

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  2000 Lexus ES 300 - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Robert Edwards - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car!!