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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  The Lexus Myth - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By phil stiles - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My Lexus knows the way to the shop and is not an extrordinary vehicle. I find the shop people nice and the service good but the vehicle should not have the brake, rattle and engine surging problems I have experienced in just one year. The really BIG surprise was the 15,000 mile check for almost $500.00, to check it over. WOW! This is my last Lexus.

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  A family luxury car for the money - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Nandu - June 15 - 10:56 pm

  I bought my lexus in 2001 and now it is over 100000 miles. Its an awesome family friendly car with basic luxuries like power seats, 6 cd changer, premium sound, no noise driving. Great suspension and brake system. Its a reliable car offering great driving control.

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  Dependable, High Quality Sleeper - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By lexusboy9 - June 12 - 4:55 am

  So I purchased my ES300 about too years ago with 109K already on the clock. She was mint condition and had one owner..She was flawless even with the mileage and years on her. I purchased her and never looked back! To date she has ran flawlessly, always their when I need her. I had one time where she did not start and it was because of a bad battery, slapped a new one in and she fired right up! Lexus really built this car for the long haul, Sheila (My ES300) currently has 129K on her and each mile has been timeless on her. She continues to get better with time. I plan on driving her until she tells me, I cant go any further! LONG LIVE THE ES300 I love her!!!

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  Performance a bit disappointing - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Andrewky - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has the mushiest transmission shift I have ever experienced. The car lags annoyingly when attempting to accelerate for passing at highway speeds, and never seems to select the appropriate gear for optimum performance. The fit, finish and luxury of the car are beyond reproach. Unfortunately, driving pleasure is marred by the transmission characteristics for which Lexus has no cure. Ive had two Mercedes sedans recently and the ES300 just doesnt measure up to the performance standards set by the Benzs.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Mika - May 18 - 10:50 pm

  This vehicle handles well on the highway it has a kick during take off. Im happy with the space I tend to let others drive and ride in the back. It also does good under cold conditions the engine remains quiet and warms up quickly. Overall Im happy with my decision. By the way it has a nice sound system. The navigation is pretty accurate for the most part.

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  GREAT CAR - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By l. wood - May 15 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT CAR I JUST HIT 50.000 MILES AND NEVER HAD ONE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE PEOPLE AT LEXUS HERE IN LAS VEGAS ARE GREAT BEST CAR I EVER OWNED.

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  Cush Over Muscle-Finally I Surrender!! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Northeast Ohio Gal - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a sporty sedan background I was ready to jump into the "cushy" car catagory. Was it worth it? Most definetely! This car lets me forget my troubles with its smooth and quiet ride. After sitting on hard chairs all day I really enjoy the leather recliner- like feel in the drivers seat. I turn on my Mark Levison stereo and I am transcended into another world. Handeling has been awesome these last few snowey weeks. Handles as well as my daughters all-wheel drive Passat. My smile just gets wider! I dont need a gas chomping, SUV tank to haul my 2 kids around. They fit nicely in my back seat.

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  Excellent car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Wayne - May 9 - 9:50 pm

  My first luxury car purchase, used of course so someone else can take the depreciation hit, and I dont think I can ever go back to another less comfortable car. It is very quiet with an incredibly smooth ride. The cabin is classy, with high grade leather and wood grain accents. The steering and handling can best be described as silky. Keep in mind this is a luxury car, not a sports sedan, so it doesnt drive like a sports sedan. Highway mileage is 28 to 32 mpg, depending on speed and head wind. I had some warranty work done, (catalytic converters btw) and was VERY impressed by the Lexus dealers service. 83,000 miles and appears as good as new. I will definitely look into a Lexus again.

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  First Lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By First Timer - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the Cadillac CTS and the Infiniti G35. Picked the Lexus based on reputation and front wheel drive (Chicago Winters) although the Cadillac and G35 were sportier. I have a 62 mile daily commute and enjoy the ride. Heated seats are a nice touch on the cold winter days.

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  Better than any malibu - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By jdm699 - April 21 - 4:27 am

  After my head gasket blew on my malibu, and I was broke as a joke I had to buy a reilable to and from work car. With $600.00 I was super suprized I found this Lexus. It is decently fast at the drag strip runs in the low 12s. Better build quality then any Ford, Mercury, Chevy, GMC or Honda! Thinking about giving this car to my sun but it is to fast. I believe it will keep up with any Turbo Honda on the road.