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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  Probably the Most Reliable Ever Built! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Sim - July 21 - 8:46 pm

  Drove confidently from NV to IL with just under 199K purring like a kitten (and still purrs). Had to replace front struts and control arms, thats about it. Went through over 3 dozen new and used cars (BMW, Acura, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, GM, Dodge, Mazda, VW, Saab), but none, NONE like the ES300. This is car is ultra reliable and it can probably go for another 100K. This is really why many are loyal to the Toyota/Lexus brand. Its hard to beat its quality and reliability combination. The engine will most often outlast the body and suspension. If there is a need for used car, this is the best one to get.

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  It was a tough decision... - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By BuckeyeChuck - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Struggled with our choices upgrading from Maxima SE. Owned miriad of sedans (Avalon, Accord, Camry, Legend) liked move towards sporty sedans. Wanted to stay sporty - looked long and hard at the Infiniti G35; it was sporty and roomy. Unfortunately, build quality was not up-to-par and Infiniti does not have the Lexus reputation (yet). We decided to put our "driver enthusiast/performance" mindset on the shelf for now and go with the undisputed champion of the near-luxury class, the ES300. So far, weve not been disappointed.

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  ES300 IF YOU WANT LUXURY & QUALITY - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By CATZRULE - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Waiting for delivery on new 2003 ES300. Interior unsurpassed in its class & even the classes well above the ES300s price range.Interior is extremely well thought out.Controls are right where you need them & easy to use.Exterior is gorgeous,sporty but not quirky looking.Fit & finish top quality.Seats are so comfortable.Even better than its predesessor.Got Levenson sound,but even the base sound system is great. Navigation system is unusually easy to learn how to use.Easiest to use out of others I looked at (Infiniti, Mercedes and BMW.)

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  Lexus ES 2002 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Patricia W. - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Although I do like this vehicle, I have to say it totally lacks get up and go. It has major hesitation when trying to pick up speed QUICKLY such as getting on an interstate or crossing a lane(s)rapidly to get out of traffics way. It has stalled badly in critical situations. I know in the years subsequent to 2002 the engine has been upgraded to a 3.3 litre but I just wonder if .3 is enough to do the job. I doubt I would ever buy another ES unless that engine was significantly bigger--

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  Always buy Lexus! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Tom - July 9 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car with 50000 miles on it, now it has 166000. It still runs and drives like it did when I bought. Im so sold on Lexus now, that Im looking into getting another one. I love the ride, its amazingly quiet and comfortable. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering. I drive 60 miles a day to/from work, and this car does great. I live in the country in Texas, and drive to the city. Like I said, Ill buy another one.

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  I Am A Believer! Loving My ES !!! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By cashmere1 - June 13 - 4:20 pm

  My v6 Honda Accord Coupe got totaled and I worshipped at Hondas feet until I met my Lexus ES 300. After only a few days I see why people invest in the Lexus Brand. It is smooth as silk and I hate to even stop and get out of it because it is so much fun to drive. I love its responsiveness which I need getting in and out of city traffic. We are going to have a great time together.

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  First time lexus owner. - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By happy lexus owner - June 7 - 4:13 pm

  I bought my 2003 es 300 lexus used with 39k miles on it. I have now had it for a year and I love it. The ride is very quiet, with all of the windows rolled up and sunroof closed driving 70 mph people in the car can whisper to each other and be heard.

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  Warden 1990 - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By E Howard - May 29 - 7:13 am

  A great vehicle and extremely reliable.This vehicle is very quiet,looks like it belongs on the showroom floor. Very well maintained with all service records kept. The vehicle has been kept in a garage its entire life. One owner, has new high performance michelin tires on it. Has a sensational audio system.

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  What a change from GM - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Jerry Katz - May 27 - 2:00 am

  After 45 years of driving mostly full size luxury cars, this Lexus is the first non-US car ever purchased. What a wonderful surprise. After only 3 weeks, has exceeded all my expectations but it might take some time getting used to sitting in a smaller vehicle.

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  Dull car - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Ken Collins - May 21 - 9:00 am

  The cars electrical a continual problem. Lexus dealership and other mechanics cannot extinguish VSC, check engine, and flashing seat belt lights. Drivers seating for shorter person, at six feet dtall my legs are cramped. Hit head at times when entering drivers side. Semi-quiet, seats are comfortable. Styling is cookie cutter blah. Does not feel like an upscale car. Would not buy another one.