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:
Showing 301 through 310 of 420.00-
On my 2nd Lexus - Customer for Life! - 2000 Lexus ES 300
By Robyn&Chris - October 5 - 10:00 amThis is by far the best vehicle weve ever owned. Reliable, comfortable, roomy, smooth ride, low noise level, great gas mileage, and excellent stereo system for road-rage control! Nearing 40,000 miles, and only had in shop for preventive maintenance service. LOVE this car (this is my 2nd ES300). My next car will be another Lexus - maybe an RX300 or 330 this time. Customer service is spectacular. Lexus knows how to treat its customers and it shows in repeat business.
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SOLID 10 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By WILLIEG - October 5 - 10:00 amTHE BEST!! We Have owned over 75 new cars and none have ever come this close!
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My fun car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By Klaus Altgelt - September 19 - 1:52 amI love my "new" car. It is comfortable, responsive and fun to drive.
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RELIABLE LEXUS 300 - 1996 Lexus ES 300
By WABU - September 16 - 2:00 amI have never had a more reliable car which makes it "a keeper." Gas mileage is 21 mpg. Excellent car.
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3 Lexus Family - 2002 Lexus ES 300
By Stu - September 14 - 3:16 amI was so impressed with the ownership experience of my 00 RX 300 that I had to buy another Lexus. The exterior impresses friends and looks like a 70k+ Mercedes or Bimmer. Extremely powerful, reliable, and great gas mileage. Interior leather and wood trim really make the car. VSC, traction control, ABS brakes, and eight airbags really offer peace of mind. I would highly recommend this vehicle to someone who wants efficiency of a family sedan with a Mercedes S class feel. I would not drive anything else but a Lexus. My next car will be a lexus too.
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Perfect - 2001 Lexus ES 300
By Bob Brandon - September 12 - 10:00 amI really love this vehicle. I bought it almost a year and a half ago and it is trully the best vehicle Ive ever had. My friend also has one, his is a bit older 1997, but he never ever had any problems with this car. Just changes the oil and puts gas in it, thats it. This is a trully great vehicle.
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2002 ES300 outstanding car - 2002 Lexus ES 300
By okie - August 8 - 2:00 amI have owned the 2002 ES300 for 4 1/2 months and love the car. It is very quiet and smooth around town and on the highway. Very comfortable. It could use a more power but is adequate. Build quality is outstanding.
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Excellent car - 1996 Lexus ES 300
By khang - June 16 - 10:00 amThis car is just perfect
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Transmission and Brakes - 2002 Lexus ES 300
By Alabama Gal - June 7 - 10:00 amMy brakes had to be replaced at around 15,000 miles due to warped rotors. This also meant replacing the tires. Fortunately Lexus covered the cost. I just had them replaced again at 39,500 miles, at my cost. Was told that the area I live in is to blame since it is slightly mountainous. My husband has 70,000 miles on an 02 Yukon and has never had brake problems. I also would have like a smoother shift in the transmission. They did the computer changeover, but it is no better. When I took it in last I was told the brake replacement at 14K+ was a recall. When I called Lexus I was told there had never been a recall on the 02 Lexus.
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My 2nd Lexus ES 300 - 2001 Lexus ES 300
By Lex1Dallas - May 26 - 4:36 pmI just bought the 2001 ES with very low mileage (55K) in near showroom condition. I was driving a 1994 ES that was a superb car, but I was ready for one a bit newer. This car is awesome. Its looks fool you into thinking its ultra sedate and staid, but when pushed this car will surprise you in its strength and agility. I bought it because I was already familiar with the quality of Lexus. I could have bought an even newer model, but I really liked the clean lines and angular body style of the 00 and 01 years more than the newer 02 to 06 models. Its a vehicle with understated elegance that performs remarkably well. Im enjoying every moment driving it.
