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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  My First car... - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By alexbob - February 19 - 5:31 am

  I was going to match my parents on a car for my birthday and my options were an 06 GP, 01 Maxima, and an ES300 Platinum Series. I could not be happier to go with the Lexus, this car is amazing. I got a 35% tint for all my windows and everywhere I go I get compliments on how great the car looks. No wonder Toyota has the reputation it does. Cabin is whisper quiet, great sound system, ride is smooth, and interior just feels cozy. My only complaint is that the garage door opener does not work with newer garage remotes (new ones use an alternating code while the remote in the Lexus is made for a single code).

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  Sweet Ride - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Storm - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Very very comfortable! No other vehicle is quite like a Lexus. You might say, let me try something else, youll wish the whole time you had a Lexus.

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  Real nice car - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Steve Gaylor - January 24 - 5:56 pm

  My 1999 Lexus ES 300 is a real nice ride that has given me no problems in six years. Its very comfortable to drive, performes well, has a great sound system, and is still like brand new after six years. It has 46,500 miles on it, and I have only just now had to replace one tail light and one front blinker light. The original battery lasted 5 years, as did the wiper blades. The car has traveled around the country some, and has performed flawlessly, its very dependable and enjoyable to drive. Id like to trade up, but find it hard to part with such an exceptional car. I highly recommend the 99 Lexus ES 300 for. I see the car remaining in the family for many years to come, its barely

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  LEXUS Till I Die... - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By TonyATL - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1996 ES300 used from a Lexus Dealership. This car has kicked ass all the way. When I want to conserve gas (I.e. Long Road Trips), I disengage the ECT power and I am able to squeak out 400 miles on one tank! (Of course setting the Cruise Control @ 75mph and rolling through the hills of Tennessee & Kentucky.)

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  Disappointment - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By david111 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have bought seven GM cars so far, and would like to try something different. So I went to the Lexus dealership and drove the ES300. The car looks great in the showroom. Interior material is something that GM cant even match. Build quality is good, but gaps between body panels are wider than those on the Acura. The driving experience was disappointing: The steeling wheel rattles when the engine is cold, and the screen of the navigation system is rubbing against the frame and sqeeking noise can be heard when the road is bad. I cant believe this happened on a Lexus, becuase a New GM vehicle (say less than a month old on Michigan roads) wont do that.

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  98 LEX ES 300 - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By tumuch - January 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is a dream come true. After owning other foriegn car makes, this vehicle is a breath of fresh air. Its much more than the baby of the Lexus line. Its performance alone, is in a class of its own. Not to mention its flawless lines and superb handling. Reliability, off the scales. This car represents Lexus well.

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  PERFECT SEDAN - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By *VERY NICE* - January 6 - 8:46 am

  This is our 3rd lexus, and each one has been wonderful! You cant beat the price and perfection that lexus offers. Any lexus easily can recieve 200,000 miles or more and run like a charm. The ES-300 is unmatchable by german auto-makers. This car is truely a nice riding mid-sized luxury riding machine period.

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  Great at high mileage too! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By DaveF - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1997 Lexus in September 2000 for my 60-mile highway commute. It had 57K on it. Today it has 142K. I had tried then-new Camry, Accord, and Maxima but for $20K the Lexus was in a better class altogether - and still is. It gets pretty basic maintenance from the local gas station but never misses a beat. It has never seen a Lexus or Toyota dealer. I have just bought my second set of tires - Dunlop Sport A4 - and am getting new struts all round. Otherwise no expenditure. I added a power sunroof ($1,000) and a 12-CD changer soon after getting the car - both well worth it.

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  If she hasnt done anything shes done enough!!! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Cristy B - December 9 - 6:31 am

  I purchased this car in 2001, pre-certified with 56,000 miles. My youngest child was 4 years old. She is freshman in college this year. We have driven her to pre-school up to college in this vehicle on several occasions. This car hasnt put me down so far, shes still going strong.

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  My 2nd (used) ES200 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Lynn - November 30 - 2:10 am

  I bought this car after my 1994 ES300 transmission quit going into overdrive & couldnt be fixed. But I had nearly 175K miles on that one so couldnt really complain much about that. I have not had any of the problems with the 2003 transmission that others have written about in their reviews. I did look at some other cars before getting this one - none of them compared to a Lexus. Guess the 94 spoiled me for any other car (that I can afford, lol).