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 care I ever leased - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By solr - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Have been leasing the ES300 for ten years now. Never had any mechanical problems, other than a bad seat motor. A pleasure to drive on long trips (3-5 hours), the standard sound system is awesome. I dont think I have any changes I would recommend. each year they have incorporated small improvements, like heated photochromic mirrors, memory for multiple driver settings etc. You cant go wrong with this car!

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  Sweet Retiree Car - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Kathleen - January 25 - 7:03 pm

  Car had 33,000 miles when purchased and exterior looked brand new. Acceleration is slow but once you get going car is fast and fun to drive. A little mushy on turns faster than moderate speed. First 3 years required only regular maintenance. In the last three, replaced two batteries and needed service on the Trac system. Car is good on snow covered roads.

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  Best car experience. vanilla ice cream - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Robert in Miami - January 18 - 10:50 am

  Bought the ES300 with 6 years and 36,000 miles on it. It was essentially as good as new, as it had been maintained by a Lexus dealership and driven less than 6,000 miles a year. Ive driven it 12,000 miles in the first year and it has been just like the first year of a new car. No troubles at all. Flawless. A superbly built and engineered car, it does everything well and smoothly. I have noticed slight "hiccups" in the transmission but is hard to tell the conditions that create it. It happens about every 100 miles or so. Power is more than adequate but its not a muscle car by any stretch. The local Lexus dealer service dept. advised me I will need to replace the engine mounts at 60,000K.

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  One of the Best Cars Ive Ever Owned - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By LCD44 - January 16 - 1:56 am

  Ive driven nothing but Toyota products for over 30 years; and to me, the ES300 is one of the very best cars ever built. The only thing better than an old Toyota is a new Toyota... so ten months ago, we traded in our old Camry for a Lexus RX 400h, and 10 years from now, I am likely to be here praising it also.

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  the real best car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By K Leung - January 3 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car Ive ever drove, I bought this car at 2002 in its only 44000km...so its kept in really great condition and everything is just perfect...guess I wont dream about any other cars since I think Ive got the best in this planet....

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  Creme de la Creme of its Class! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus50 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2002 Lexus ES 300 with the Navigation Package. This was my first dealing with a luxury dealership, and I can definitely say the experience _much_ more pleasant than with other manufacturers. Overall the car is superb. The new exterior styling compliments the stunning interior. The Lexus DVD Navigation system really gives the car a hi-tech feel, and the suspension absorbs nearly all the bumps the road can throw at you.

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  Best Used Car Ive Owned - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By Rick Wolf - December 23 - 8:33 pm

  As a buyer who usually purchases new, riding down the road of trying to select a good used vehicle that was good looking, fun to drive and economical (regular unleaded) was challenging. However, to my delight I was fortunate enough to select a 1996 Lexus ES 300. It rides like new, has almost 100k miles and still is a real plaesure to drive. The only thing that needs repair are the two front leather seat bottoms. I will have that done for a few hundred bucks and drive this car untill the wheels fall off. The way the Lexus is built, it may outlast me! I can not be happier with the quality, looks and reliability of this car. This is my second Lexus, and I love it.

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  Pretty Good - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By superflykhaeyo - December 23 - 2:58 am

  I prefer sports cars, but this vehicle was comfortable great styling (for a 1997), drove smooth for a 4 speed,great acceleration, handled well i was short-stopped at about 15mph and tapped a minivan and not a scratch on the sienna or my ES, my car later spun out on a flooded highway ramp at -20mph NO BODY DAMAGE but the rear wheel was bent to a 70degree angle. but this thing is a TANK

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  I will buy another - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Kevin - December 20 - 10:56 am

  This car may not be the sportiest or fastest sedan to drive, but comfort and reliability are excellent. I cant wait to buy my next one but since this just keeps running with no problems, it may be awhile.

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  Impressive Ride & Luxury - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By BKB - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with the car and the dealership service. I had also bought my wifes RX300 from the same dealership, Sterling McCall in Houston, TX. It have very please and it exudes pure luxury. Also, while it is not sporty like a BMW, etc. it is plenty fun to drive around town. It will make you question the justification for the higher prices of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class can be so much more expensive. I have not had any of the transmission problems mentioned on the message boards.