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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  2000 es300 - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By wp2ztrs - March 3 - 3:43 am

  Very good car! But the only issue I have is the engine torque bar rattles. Overall its a great car. Very reliable!

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  Very excited - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By 16 yr old lexus ownr - February 13 - 11:00 am

  Im a 16 year old and just got my license. My grandmother unfortunately just passed away. She had this car and I was lucky enough to be the one that would get it. The car drives amazingly... it will be 12 years old in October and has only 55,000 miles on it and Im very excited about it. The car has been no less than perfect for us. Low maintenance and great gas mileage.

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  This car rocks!!! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexo16 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  this is my first car. I have had this car for about a year now and every time me and the friends decide to go somewhere, guees whos car we take....mine They love my car When I was in the market for a car I was iffy on buying a lex because I thought it would be expensive to drive one Its actually not as bad as Id thought The only thing Ive actually done to it was wash it and change the windsheild wiper blades My friends drive SUVs and they drink gas REALLY badly which is another reason why we take my car my car is really classy I myself carry around a KORG Keyboard and it fits in the trunk pretty well for a car Lexus has great build quality

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  the best used car to buy - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By alexstano - January 23 - 10:00 am

  already over 230,000 mile still drives like a dream.

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  Four Months Review - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Dr. Stan Edelman - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Gorgeous car inside and outside. Extremely quiet ride. Pick up could be better. Front window fogs up easily, while back window defogger is poor. Brakes are excellent. Fuel mileage so far is only fair, averaging 15-16 mpg. Heated seats are excellent. Driveability is excellent. Next year they should increase the power of this wondeful car.

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  A very good automobile - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By N2DOOWOP - January 6 - 10:20 pm

  One of the better built automobiles. It is very reliable. Only two negatives. One is gas mileage. I get better mileage in my SL500 MB which has more hp, is 700 lbs heavier and has a V8. The second negative is the rear power windows (sometimes one works and the other has stopped working). This car is one of the most comfortable cars to drive.

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  Transmission problem with 1999 ES300 - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By spcinca - January 3 - 7:40 pm

  My 1999 ES 300 has 67000 miles on it and I am told I need a new transmission and knock sensors. ABS off and check engine light pop on. It sporadically will not downshift at higher speed. At 60mph rpms will be close to 4000. I have done trans fluid exchanges, replaced valves, seals and air intake hoses. Lexus says they will not cover any repair because it falls out of their warranty. Every mechanic that has looked at it claims it is ridiculous for me to need a new trans with this low of miles and the great condition the car is in.

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  well worth it - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By vsalib - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Since the minute I waslked into the dealership door, this car was nothing but good experience. The car is excellent drive, easy to handle. all controls and buttons are in the right places. the car looks and is sturdy. The best of all is Lexus superb customer service

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  Overrated - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By dempsey - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Transmisson shift from reverse to drive is sluggish.Has slow pickup when passing.It looks too much like a camry.

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  Lexus is worth the extra Camry $ - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Jim - December 16 - 12:23 pm

  Everyone appreciates that Lexus is built on the Camry platform. BUT, theres a world of difference in the feeling of luxury, ambiance and drivability. Its the sort of car that buying used or certified makes sens e... you just cant go wrong. The fit and finish, engineering and reliability are truly amazing. Try it ... youll like it!