Overview & Reviews

The entry-level Lexus has been totally redesigned this year, growing in nearly every dimension. Lexus manages to eke out more power from the ES 300's 3.0-liter V6 engine. No longer just a dressed-up Camry, the ES 300 has finally come into its own.

• Beautiful new shape, more powerful engine, more interior space, and higher levels of luxury than the previous model.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 50.00

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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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  The best car in the world. - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By John Holland - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in 1997, since then, Ive never spent a penny on repairing except tires and oil/coolent change. Although the upfront cost for a Lexus is a bit pricy, you can make it back in the long run. Many people think that Lexus is a bigger Camry, theyre WRONG!!! I had a Camry V6 XLE, it was a good car, but Lexus owners can tell the difference. The average maintenane cost is no higher than a Camry.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By BRock - October 2 - 1:26 am

  I bought this car wholesale for a real nice price. It had 107K and needed no work. Ive been driving it every day since and only have had to replace the starter which I could have probably avoided had I done something about the warning signs earlier. I also replaced the o2 sensor. Other than that gas oil and drive. I think it has at least another 100,000 in it.

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  Love my Lexy - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Love my Lexy - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my ES300 about 4 years ago with 92k. I have not had to do anything more than the usual upkeep and I now have over 275k. Yes, she is getting tired but her ride and style does not compare to any other car on the road. Even the newer style ES300 is smaller and not as comfortable as this one. I previously had the 95 ES 300 with 268k when it was totaled in 2006.

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  Simply said...a nice ride. - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lmoore - May 12 - 2:36 pm

  I love this car. Since my purchase I have never had one problem. My Mom states the car drives better than her Caddy. At 8 years of age, this car performs as if I just drove it off the lot. The comfort, quite, smooth ride always making running errands a joy. On my next purchase, which I dont plan on for a few years...this baby will last another 100k easy...will without question be another Lexus! One more important point, the dealership was fantastic. No pressure sales, gave me my time and space. Was a pleasure to do business with them.

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  BEST car Ive ever owned - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus Guy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, is gorgeous, springs to live whenver you touch the gas, and has the smoothest ride Ive ever experienced (compared to Audi, BMW, Merc, etc.). Ive NEVER had a problem with it reliability wise.

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  win win - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By rghouse - January 15 - 5:59 pm

  I have yet to be disappointed with a vehicle made by Toyota and this car is no exception. Purchased with 150K 4 years ago from original owner, now has 197K. The only thing to go wrong since purchase is the driver door out side handle became non-functional after the clip inside the door broke. It was $1.75, but I had to take the door apart to fix it. I use synthetic oil (previous owners used synthetic also) every 10k miles and the oil is still golden brown after one years worth of driving. My only complaint is when the family goes on a trip the rear sags and sometimes the tires scrape (they are slightly oversized vs stock b/c of BBS rims). Awesome stock stereo,very comfortable n dependable

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  The best car i have owned - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Moses - January 4 - 7:51 am

  I bought the 1997 ES 300 model in IL 2 years ago. I have driven to Dallas, Kansas and Oklahoma on different occasions and its simply the best. The engine is so quiet someone on the will find it hard to believe that you were driving. The fuel economy is about 20 mpg in the city and upto 28mpg on the freeway. Leather seats (heated) are an absolute steal.