1997-2001 Lexus ES 300: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2001 Lexus ES 300 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride
- Quietness
- Build quality
Cons
- Rear visibility
- Price
Vehicle Highlights
For 1997, Toyota's luxury division redesigned its least expensive--and most popular--model. As before, the basic structure and mechanical components were shared with the Toyota Camry. Wheelbase grew by 2 inches, yielding an extra 1.3 inches of leg room in the back seat. Although the body measured 2.4 inches longer, weight actually dropped a bit. The "near-luxury" Lexus sedan rode a front-drive platform and held a 3.0-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine, which developed 12 more horsepower than before (now 200). Four-speed automatic was again the only transmission. Dual airbags were standard. A new 3-point lap/shoulder belt replaced the former lap belt for the center rear position. Antilock braking was standard, and traction control joined the option list. A newly optional "semiactive" suspension was designed to improve ride comfort and reduce body lean in curves and turns.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Lexus ES 300 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2001 Lexus ES 300. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2001 Lexus ES 300.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Lexus ES:
Little-changed for 1998, the ES 300 gained standard door-mounted side airbags and an engine immobilizer.
1999 Lexus ES:
For 1999, the ES 300's V6 gained 10 horsepower (to 210). Also, a newly designed automatic transmission had revised ratios and shift logic. Electronic traction control, formerly an option, now became standard.
2000 Lexus ES:
Revised front/rear styling and more wood dashboard trim marked the 2000 models. New this year were rear child-seat anchors, electrochromic mirrors, a trunk pass-through lock, and automatic volume control for the sound system. The available driver's-seat memory now incorporated mirror settings, optional heated seats now had two warmth levels, and the extra-cost Vehicle Skid Control system was bolstered by a new Lexus Brake Assist feature. New options included 16-inch wheels, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, and a ventilation microfilter.
2001 Lexus ES:
For 2001, ES replaced its previous major option groups with six new ones, each with leather-trim interior in combination with various other popular extras. Newly standard was an in-trunk emergency release with glow-in-the-dark handle. A new model was waiting in the wings.
Our road test for the 1997-2001 Lexus ES 300 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2001 Lexus ES 300 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2001 Lexus ES 300 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is more than adequate. We timed an ES 300 at 7.6 seconds, accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph. Better yet, the engine is silent at idle speed, and almost silkily silent when rolling along under power. Quietness, in fact, might be this Lexus's single greatest asset. Wind rush is no more than a whisper at highway speeds, and road noise rarely amounts to more than a muted hum. This is one truly quiet sedan. Gas mileage isn't bad. Even hard city driving failed to push our overall figure below 20 mpg, though premium fuel is required. Steering is firmer than before, and quick, but lacks some road feel. In the same way, the Lexus suspension furnishes capable handling and offers more isolation from bumps and holes than a BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, yet the ES 300 is not as nimble as those competitors. Braking is swift and sure, except for marked nosedive in "panic" stops. The additional 1.3 inches of rear leg room is barely noticeable, but the Lexus interior is as inviting for four adults as any luxury automobile's. Six-footers can sit comfortably in tandem, although the back-seat occupants must ride with knees raised and have little toe room beneath the front seats. Visibility is fine all around, except that the high parcel shelf and narrow rear window eliminate any view of the trunk and rear corners while backing up. The driving position is excellent, with clear gauges and handy switchgear. Cargo room shrunk by 1.3 cubic feet with the redesign, but the trunk still qualifies as roomy and usefully shaped. Workmanship is first-rate.
Value for the Money
The ES 300 does just about everything a sedan of its class should, and does it very well. For shoppers who value comfort and elegance over sporty road manners, there's no better near-luxury sedan on the market.
The ES 300 does just about everything a sedan of its class should, and does it very well. For shoppers who value comfort and elegance over sporty road manners, there's no better near-luxury sedan on the market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Lexus ES 300 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Lexus ES includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lexus ES .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Blower motor:
The blower motor fails when water from the windshield leaks past a seal and into the motor. (1997)
Check-engine light:
The check-engine light may come on because of a problem with the fuel vapor emissions system. (1997-00)
Dashboard lights:
A defective EVAP (evaporative-emissions control) system charcoal canister causes the check-engine light to glow. Both new-car and emissions-controls warranties apply. (1997-98)
Electrical problem:
Using the wrong size cigar lighter or accessory plug causes the fuse to blow or damages the socket. (1997-98)
Oil consumption:
Excessive oil consumption caused by sludge buildup on the cylinder heads. Company is extending warranty. (1997-2001)
Steering noise:
Steering rack is noisy on early models. (1997)
Sunroof/moonroof:
Moonroof makes a throbbing noise when open unless revised deflector has been installed. (1997-98)
Suspension noise:
Noise from front suspension could be due to problem with strut support. Revised support with new bushing is available. (1997-2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $990 |
| Alternator | $410 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,410 |
| Brakes | $205 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $680 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $710 |
| Exhaust System | $560 |
| Radiator | $660 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $890 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $210 |
Our price chart for this generation Lexus ES details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| ES 300 | $9,000-10,200 | $8,100-9,200 | $4,700-5,300 |
| 2000 | |||
| ES 300 | $7,600-8,600 | $6,800-7,700 | $3,800-4,300 |
| 1999 | |||
| ES 300 | $6,400-7,400 | $5,600-6,500 | $2,800-3,300 |
| 1998 | |||
| ES 300 | $5,300-6,200 | $4,600-5,300 | $2,200-2,500 |
| 1997 | |||
| ES 300 | $4,500-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,600-1,900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Lexus ES include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3296 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain has been available in the ES 300: a dual-overhead-cam 3.0-liter V6 engine, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 200-210 | 214-220 | 4-speed automatic: 19/26 | 4-speed automatic: 20.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lexus ES include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 ES 300 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2001 Lexus ES 300 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997:
In extreme cold, accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in brake-vacuum hose.
1997-98:
Steering-wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened; could result in vibration and looseness in steering wheel, and ultimate-separation.
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