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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ES 300- - 1999 Lexus ES 300
By Saaammy - November 27 - 2:00 amI bought my 1999 black ES 300 in November 2001. The car is a certified used Lexus, so that it has the exact same warranty as a new vehicle. The ride is very nice and the car looks great.
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Incredible comfort without power - 2003 Lexus ES 300
By wizawuza - November 21 - 2:00 amGreat car. Very classy and comfortable. Not a sporty sedan though. Go for the BMW if you want something faster. If you dont mind the lack of handling and speed, and you want something thats incredibly comfortable, large, and *reliable*, get the ES-300.
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Best car I have ever droven. - 1999 Lexus ES 300
By Anton911 - November 10 - 10:00 amWow, what a shoker. Did not expect this comming. This was the best car I have ever driven. Suspension is the best, great engine and acceleration. Superb handling. Very, and I mean very good interior quality build. The most impresive was the suspension and the quitness.
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Good car! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
By Lexus97 - October 29 - 2:00 amGood car! Well built, great stereo system BUT at 70,000 miles it has an oil leak costing $1,000 to fix-very un- Lexus... Otherwise engine is great, trasmissions is smooth, and to top if off you get to cruise in a comfortable, safe car that after 7 years still looks good... What other cars besides Lexuss can you say that?
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the best luxury car youll find ever - 1997 Lexus ES 300
By iantyler112 - October 26 - 7:55 pmit will take u places with no props its powerful u can feel it and enjoy life and go places have fun with class with comfort
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OMG - 1996 Lexus ES 300
By troy124 - October 22 - 12:05 amMy girlfriend bought this car with 100,000 miles on it and it now has about 130,000 miles and runs like a champ. Im pretty rough on cars/ Love to go fast/ and this car is awesome. Great on gas drives smooth and we never have any problems with it. The car is worth about 4 to 5 thousand and in saying that I dont think I would find a car like this good for the same price. Im shocked at how well it run seeing it is a 96 and has over 100,000 miles on it but I must say this car is super great, dont think we are getting rid of it until the wheels fall off. I would take this 96 lexus over these new 2010 american cars anyday.
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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.
