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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  1999 Lexus ES 300 - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Don Sherman - May 20 - 2:00 pm

  Car is in excellent condition save a slight mar on the drivers seat and a few parking lot dings. Everything works as new except for one digit on the LCD multi-CD disply. Excellent handling. Amenities are numerous and dependability is excellent. Quality control is evident throughout. Good acceleration and stopping. Great car for being a decade old.

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  Nice Car, bad paint - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Gladys Arnold - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car is nice, but the paint. Ive notice several spots where the paint is chipping. First, I thought it was caused by treesap, but the other cars were not affected. I will discuss this problem with the dealer.

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  Great car - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By coronado75 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus, I bought the Coach Edition, black in color. Ive always owned Toyota cars and trucks for the past 26 years. I wish I bought a Lexus when they first came out. The ride is smooth and comfortable. This is my weekend car, and I enjoy taking it for long dirives to the coast in GA.

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  Perfect... Even after the Crash - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Okus1984 - April 29 - 8:43 am

  The car was orig. bought at 115k in 04 by a relative. She totaled it out this winter. I bought it from her, and put work into it myself. The car looks brand new now. (only cost me $550 in parts) Even after the crash this car drives like new! Its fast enough to get up and go. The gas mileage is great! Its comfortable to drive. Its been on numerous 8 hour road trips. I love Lexus. I have owned a Sc400, Ls400, 96 ES, and I have a RX300. I love Lexus! No wonder they are the TOP Luxury Car company in America! BTW nite and day difference from the 96 and below ES.

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  ES300 - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By awesome - April 26 - 10:00 am

  excellent power and handeling. very reliable and comfortable. rides on air and breaks well too. seats five adults comfortably

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  JP - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Ashok Vamsi - April 26 - 10:00 am

  During my first month of owning Lexus ES 300, I am real happy for the comfort, convinience and luxary interior of the car. Few people that I know says this is exactly like Toyota camry and money I paid was waste, but I dont agree with them. Few other friends said why didnt you buy Honda Odessay for that price. I belive buying Lexus is a better choice than paying sticker price for Honda Odessay. Top of the line Honda Odessay costs slightly more than Lexus. I bought my Lexus for $ 32250.00 which includes premium package including Highdensity lights and 6 disk changer. I really enjoy the ride.

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  Luxury and Performance - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By bigredman - April 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is sweet. It has excellent styling, inside and out. The attention to detail is unmatched in its price class. I definitely recommend the leather, steering wheel and wheel upgrades. Additionally, it handles very well. The acceleration wont break your neck, but it is decent. The navigation system and Mark Levinson stereo are added touches well worth the additional expense. I like the CD magazine under the drivers arm rest.

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  Worthy of the reputation - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By green hornet - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 10 toyotas from the lowly corolla to the Land cruiser including several camrys and quite pleased with all of them. Well the Lexus es300 takes you to a new level. while the camrys are good the ES is great!. You are in a world all to yourself when you get in the ES. First trip with the car was JaxFl to Tx no problems. Buy one you wont be sorry, no buyers remorse

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  ES 300 vs. others (Audi, Acura) - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By lucky charm - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Wanted luxury with reliability, roominess and performance for a good value. After a lot of research, including reading lots of these notes, Lexus ES 300 was the winner after test driving Audi (A6 3.0), Acura, Nissan Maxima, Linclon LS, and CTS. Would rate the others in that order. Just feels good to get into and drive the ES 300. Drive is solid yet smooth, and we have the comfort of Lexus reliability. Have had car for 2 mos, and wouldt change my mind. It delevers what we were told it would. Lexus dealership a pleasure to do business with.

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  A very stylish and reliable used car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Kevin Maturey - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Lexus and I am hooked. This car has lived up to my expectations. I have put over 50,000 miles on the car in under 2 years and it rides and drives the same as when I drove it off the car lot. The Certified Pre-Owned warranty is a worth-while investment. I had to have the left heated seat element and the motor mounts replaced. I have had no mechanical problems at all. I have kept up with the scheduled maintenance and it has cost me roughly $1500 for the 50,000 miles that I have owned it.