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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  Best Yet - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By richieb - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Just got back from Florida... Round trip mileage 27.5 mpg Comfortable in all aspects. Not a single problem.. For those who say it is underpowered I had it at 120 mph level ground without a downshift.. Extreme hill climb 90 mph before downshift.. How much power do you want... Consider it uses unleaded regular and not premium like the competition and youre ahead of the game.. Love this car to no end!!!

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  Black on black beauty! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Kwam - September 8 - 12:50 pm

  Great car. It runs very smooth and has useful features like traction control, heated seats and memory seats. I also like the adjustable suspension. In sport mode it can almost hang with a beemer.

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  Lexus is the best! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus Family - September 4 - 1:26 am

  Sold on Lexus, have an LS 430 and love it so bought a 97 ES 300 for my daughters to drive. Love the classy look, safety, reliabilty and feel of a Lexus. It will spoil you forever. The V-6 has tons of power. Comfortable seats with nice quality leather. Very quiet and smooth. Get compliments on the white/tan appearance, looks like a new car. Trust this car to get my daughters home, enough said.

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  Its so easy to love a Lexus - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Jack - August 19 - 3:30 am

  Ive owned Audis, BMWs, Saabs, and many Japenese and American cars and by far this is the best car I have ever owned. Its also my second Lexus with the first having been a 98 that still ran perfect at 160,000 miles when I traded her. Sure there is some truth about the drive-by-wire delay but its ever so slight and I got used to it within a day and Im about as fickle at they come. I urge anyone who wants sportiness, reliability, luxury, and just plain old grinning ear to ear every time they get behind the wheel to buy a Lexus ES. You cant go wrong with a used Lexus either as they present one hell of a value.

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  My Lexus Report - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By roncent - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I found everything about this vehicle to be supurb. An excellent value.

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  Lazy Perfect - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Hondo - July 15 - 8:16 am

  This car performs well, handles nicely, and brakes adequately. However, its more comfortable than any car I have ever been in. I own a few other specialty vehicles, but this is my daily driver, and it is exactly perfect at getting me to work and home. I find myself not being stressed out in traffic.

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  Great vehicle with untapped potential - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Unclecheeb - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The new body is very nice, however it resembles the Camry too much. Fit and finish are suburb. Night time instrument panel is magnificent. The car is full of little conveniences like the drivers dead pedal,tilt out coin holder, compass in the rearview mirror, auto dimming mirrors, overhead grips for driver and passenger, and wippers that can be pulled out of the way for complete windshield cleaning.

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  The best car you can get for under 5K - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Brian - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I Purchased this car in June of 2009 and it had 105k miles. It is now at 120k miles and runs great. I have never had to take it to the shop for anything other than maintenance. It is very comfortable and reliable. This is the 3rd Lexus in my family. My mother has had an IS and a RX hybrid. all great cars. It has a good amount of features. The gas mileage is ok for a V6. I get 19 combined and I have gotten 28 on a road trip averaging 75 mph. I would highly recommend this car. It is very solid, I never have to worry about my car breaking down. As a college student, I cant afford to pay for costly repairs. This car has Toyota reliability. I think this car will go for another 100k miles easily!

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  ES 300 analysis - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Tony Bass - June 5 - 10:00 am

  our 2003 Lexus ES 300 is one of the worst riding cars we have ever owned. Its suspension system doesnt even small bumps making it very uncomfortable to drive/ride on all roads other than highways.

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  dreamdancer - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By baronface - May 22 - 2:00 am

  driving a lexus is a drivers dream come true. the Coach-leather seats are great (i have lower back pain)and i love the lumbar control on the seat. i have an injury to my hand/arm and the ease in wheeling this baby puts no stress on the injury, provides ease in parking, and performance to pass safely. most of the "bells & whistles" come standard and the size of the trunk is adequate and comes with a first-aid kit. all my friends who own a Lexus all comment on the great service and free car washes you receive at a Lexus dealer. try it, youll like it! p.s. my driving tends to be city/highway and i generally get 18-22 mpg and 24-26 hwy only.