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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  LUXURY OVER HORSEPOWER - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By HAROLD WILSON - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I TEST DROVE THE CADILLAC CTS,ACURA TL INFINITY I35 AND THE MAZDA DIAMANTE BEFORE I PURCHASED THE ES300.THEY ALL FELT CHEAP COMPARED TO THE LEXUS.THE TL WAS FASTER BUT NOT AS QUIET OR SMOOTHER.THE INTERIOR OF THE CADILLAC LOOKED TOO PLAIN COMPARED TO THE LEX.IF I WANTED POWER,I WOULDVE PURCHASED A CORVETTE.THIS SMOOTH DRIVING CAR ATTRACTS A LOT OF ATTENTION.IN THE 30-40 THOSAND DOLLAR RANGE,THE ES300 IS THE ONLY TRUE LUXURY CAR AVAILABLE.

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  Good car, but recently getting worse - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By NS - January 11 - 9:23 am

  I owned this car since 2001. From 2001-2008: was really happy with the car. Reliable, quiet interior. Comfy seats, good pickup. In 2009: my ES-300 started giving all kinds of problems. Power steering pump leaked-replaced it, O2 sensors went bad-replaced it, alternator died - replaced it. Check engine lights are on almost every month. Follow the routine-go to dealer, they do the diagnostics, find the issue, replace the part, pay those hefty repair charges, and next month repeat the same thing. Just yesterday, heard that its giving heavy knocking sound from engine. Within past 12 months, the repair cost has gone through the roof to almost $6000. Now I am seriously thinking about replacing the car.

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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.

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  Never was a Lexus fan but - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Chris - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I have always steered clear of Lexus thinking it was more hype then anything. But I bought a 2002 ES 300 with 90k on it. In 6 months I have already taken it over 100k with trips to Dallas from Houston and also Houston to Chicago. It has performed really good. I have a couple issues the cup holders broke, the interior trunk/gas release doesnt work and the cd player jams occasionally but considering the car is 8 years old and has over 100k miles I cant really complain. Its quiet. Rides smooth and has averaged 23 mpg pretty much since I got it. Avg almost 30 mpg on the road. All in all a very nice vehicle that seems like it last quite a while. My previous ride was an 07 m35.

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  A Baby LS 430 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By bobl - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned and it just seems to be getting better each day.

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  Great car with amazing reliability! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By seattlegirl - December 15 - 10:43 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a year now and am still loving it. The car had 68k miles on it when I bought it and now has 80k and runs as if it was new. The only maintenance it has needed was a new tail light bulb (the car told me it was out or else I never would have known). Its so comfy both to drive and ride in and fun to drive. I wouldnt call it sporty, but I love the comfy ride the responsive steering. considering it is a luxury car, the es300 gets great mileage. It doesnt take premium and I can get up to 26 mpg driving lots of highway. Very quiet, lots of handy features. Theres even an extra outlet plugin for an iPod in the console. The styling is classic, people love it!

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  Excellent Car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By HR6895 - November 30 - 5:53 pm

  Bought at 62K, drove 8K since then. Runs solid, comfortable, reliable.

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  Best Vehicle I e - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Robert Del Pesco - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Most reliable car we have ever owned. Have not returned to dealer for a single problem or repair. First perfect vehicle we have ever owned

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  2003 Lexus ES300 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By KristiPahoo.com - November 28 - 6:43 am

  Traded in my 99 Lx470, which I loved, for a 2003 ES 300 in 2006...50,000 miles. I never thought Id go back to a car but with gas prices on the rise and the amount of miles I drive I decided I would. I have now had my car for 24 months and not one problem. It currently has 121,000 miles on it and drives perfect just like the day I got it. Very pleased of course, as I was also very please with my LX470 before this vehicle. Gas mileage is great, 23 average in town, upper 20s-31 mpg on highway. Highly recommended :)

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  The Camry is just as nice - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By dienberg - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The leather, wood, and soft materials are gorgeous. I especially like the alluminum skuff plates and the intricate interior lighting at night. The exterior fit and finish is perfect, unlike my mothers 2002 Camry. Both cars, however, have had their fair share of rattles and squeaks. Ill admit that there are definitely transmission shudders, but my 99 Solara exhibited the same characteristics. Whatever reviewer claims the noise levels are too high is nuts. If you dont need the extra warranty, the FANCY interior, or the extra soundproofing, save and get a LE V6 Camry. Overall, a solid best buy in the class.