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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  2002 Lexus ES-High Quality - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By rebelsk - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I throughly enjoy driving the vehicle and even on long travels, it is quite comfortable and offers many features. The interior finish is typical Lexus (the very best) and the car drives flawlessly for the most part. I have had many cars and continue to enjoy driving the ES 300 more than the previous vehicles. I traded in a 2000 Acura RL to get the ES and had previously tested the Audi A4, BMW 3 & 5 Series, and the Acura TL. One other point to make about he Lexus ES 300. As with other Toyotas I have owned, they are extremely reliable and if they are maintained, can be driven for several hundred thousand miles.

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  lovely lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By lexi - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Smooth,beautiful interior, reliable, extremely quiet. Best looking entry level luxury. Wish it used regular not premium fuel. Brakes are good, handling sufficient - no problems and dealership has been very professional. Liked it better than the Acura TL Type S and the G35. BMW 3 series too small and pricey.

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  lovely lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexi - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Smooth,beautiful interior, reliable, extremely quiet. Best looking entry level luxury. Wish it used regular not premium fuel. Brakes are good, handling sufficient - no problems and dealership has been very professional. Liked it better than the Acura TL Type S and the G35. BMW 3 series too small and pricey.

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  OMG - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By karyn - March 27 - 12:43 pm

  I have 143,000 miles on this car, keep all maintenance appointments, and treat myself to deluxe detailing at the same time. I will keep this car for many years. I still cant come up with a good reason to buy a new one. I still get compliments because people think its a newer model. Comfort and reliability. Id only improve upon the cup holders as a previous reviewer stated. I am a very content 1998 Lexus owner.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By d wilson - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Those people who say they want more power are pretty stupid They should be driving a Infiniti G35. Everyone needs to know; This is a luxury car folks!, not a race car! I drove every car in the luxury class and this is absolutley the best car I drove for the price. The ES 300 is awesome!! Drove to Vegas and it was like sitting in my family room chair.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By PJS - March 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I ever bought. It provides a higher level of comfort than most of its competitors for a fraction of the price.This an extremely refined car

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By grisch - March 17 - 10:00 am

  You have to understand the Lexus ES300 is the first non-American car Ive ever purchased, so I may not be the best judge. Nonetheless, it is clearly the best car I have ever owned. I traded in a Buick I thought I loved and have never regretted it. I also test drove a Mercedes, a BMW, an Acura, a Cadillac CS and a Lincoln LS. In the end I still bought the Lexus. The ONLY thing I can say that the others had over the Lexus is exterior design. The Mercedes and BMW are "classier looking and the Cadillac is just more interesting looking.

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  Awesome Used Car - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By W. - March 9 - 3:43 am

  I bought my ES300 back in Oct. 2009 after reading over Edmunds and various other websites. I finally caved in and traded my old 1997 MB C230 (210k mi, saggy headliner, expensive to maintain) for a more reliable car. While looking for cars like newer Accords & Camrys, I lucked up and this appeared locally on a car lot. For an older car, the ES300 feels right at home and better equipped compared to a newer Accord or Camry. I compromised and bought it with 98k miles (kinda high mi), and Had to recently service it for new belts & water pump at 105k miles. My mechanic stated "its basically an expensive Toyota," which is exactly what I wanted: Everything works well, and it starts every time.

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  Great car to own! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Birgit - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 1 year and 10 months-not one thing has gone wrong with it. Excellent service at the dealership! Very comfortable to drive! Pleasure to own!

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  97 ES 300 - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By lexuslarry - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Totally reliable with lots of style and performance and a great interior!