2002-2006 Lexus ES 300: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2006 Lexus ES 330
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2002-2006 Lexus ES 300/ES 330 ▼
- Price Range: $9,900 - $23,000
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2006 Lexus ES 300/ES 330 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Quietness
- Ride
- Acceleration
- Interior materials
Cons
- Navigation-system controls
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned for 2002 along with Camry models at parent Toyota, the ES 300 gained a greater emphasis on luxury. New curtain side airbags were installed, along with front torso side airbags, and a five-speed automatic transmission replaced the prior four-speed. A navigation system joined the options list, with a three-position tilt screen. As before, this Lexus model shared its basic design with the Camry. A 3.0-liter V6 engine returned, with the same 210-horsepower rating. In addition to new styling, the sedan grew 2 inches in wheelbase and about an inch in length and width. Height increased by 2.4 inches. New 16-inch wheels replaced the previous 15s. The 2002 model also featured a trip computer, dual-zone automatic climate control, and automatic up/down operation for all side windows. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes were installed. Lexus options included leather upholstery, premium Mark Levinson audio, a power rear sunshade, and an in-dash or console-mounted CD changer. High-intensity headlamps were packaged with rain-sensing windshield wipers. Lexus's Adaptive Variable Suspension option featured driver-selectable shock absorber settings. This near-luxury sedan from Toyota's luxury division competes against the Acura TL, Audi A4, Infiniti I35, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Lexus ES 300 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 64 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2006 Lexus ES 300/ES 330. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2006 Lexus ES 300/ES 330.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Lexus ES:
Optional power-adjustable pedals were the main 2003 addition to Lexus's luxury-oriented entry-level sedan. Lexus's optional Vehicle Stability Control antiskid/traction system included a full-power brake-assist feature.
2004 Lexus ES:
Lexus substituted a new 3.3-liter V6 for the prior 3.0-liter, prompting a name change to ES 330. The new engine produced 15 more horsepower and 20 additional pound-feet of torque. Curtain side airbags grew in size this year,and optional power-adjustable pedals gained a memory feature.
2005 Lexus ES:
Lexus' best-selling car gets minor styling changes and several first-time features for 2005. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard, but 17s are a new option, as are heated/cooled front seats. Newly standard for '05 is a memory system for both power front seats, not just the driver seat, plus power door mirrors that automatically tilt down when selecting Reverse. The extra-cost navigation system gets more-detailed screen graphics and a larger DVD database. It also now offers optional voice control, activated by steering-wheel buttons, for its navigation, audio, and climate functions. And the audio system is now preconfigured to accept dealer-activated satellite radio service.
2006 Lexus ES:
2006 brings the additional option of satellite radio.
Our road test for the 2002-2006 Lexus ES 300/ES 330 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2006 Lexus ES 300/ES 330 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2006 Lexus ES 300/ES 330 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
An ES 300 delivers strong standing-start acceleration, measured at 8.2 seconds for the 0-60 mph dash. Midrange pickup also is brisk, though the smooth automatic transmission hesitates to kick down for passing, and its zigzag selector gate frustrates manual shifting. When new, test cars have averaged as low as 17.4 mpg (with gas-eating performance tests), up to a high of 21.1 mpg. Both engines require premium fuel. Yielding a remarkably isolated ride, the ES 300 is the class benchmark for near-luxury comfort and absorbency. That benefit is compromised only by mild pattering on broken pavement and modest float on big humpbacks. The optional Adaptive Variable Suspension is too soft in Comfort mode, a bit too hard in Sport, and feels like the regular chassis on in-between settings. It delivers no ride/handling advantages. Competent, drama-free front-drive behavior is an ES hallmark, but the ride-biased damping precludes the controlled cornering poise of an Acura TL or BMW 3-Series. Steering could use better feel, too. Braking is powerful and swift, but substantial nosedive prevails in "panic" stops. Perhaps the class leader in quietness, the ES is highly refined. The V6 is nearly silent at idle, and subdued in hard charging. Wind and tire noise are exceptionally low. Instruments and controls are simply exemplary, in the Lexus style. The optional navigation system takes less time to learn than most. It governs many audio settings, but no climate functions. The screen has a three-position tilt for daytime legibility, but must be powered open to access tape/CD slots. Interior assembly is hard to fault. Front seats are comfortably supportive, but might hug larger persons too tightly. Leg room is ample, but head room is just adequate for six-footers beneath the available sunroof. Styling hampers visibility aft and over-the-shoulder. The back seat is wide enough for two adults, who will ride slightly knees-up with front seats fully rearward. You get good under-seat toe room, but just adequate six-footer head clearance beneath the sunroof. Entry/exit is easy. Though usefully roomy, the trunk's opening isn't tall enough to swallow big boxes. Bulky trunklid hinges intrude, but are covered to prevent damaging cargo. Fold-down rear seatbacks are absent. In-cabin stowage is good, but not great.
Value for the Money
Few consider it an excitement machine, but the ES 300 is a highly civilized near-luxury sedan. In fact, it's almost a baby LS 430, with its own high levels of comfort, refinement, and amenities. Impressively delivering all that it promises, the well-built ES 300 is a solid Best Buy, new or used. Still, a Camry XLE V6 approaches ES polish at a far lower price.
Few consider it an excitement machine, but the ES 300 is a highly civilized near-luxury sedan. In fact, it's almost a baby LS 430, with its own high levels of comfort, refinement, and amenities. Impressively delivering all that it promises, the well-built ES 300 is a solid Best Buy, new or used. Still, a Camry XLE V6 approaches ES polish at a far lower price.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Lexus ES 300 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 64 |
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.
Battery:
The battery dies on cars that spend a lot of time idling or driven infrequently for which there is a revised alternator. (2002-03)
Brake noise:
Noisy front brakes are fixed by replacing both the pads and rotors with improved parts. (2002-03)
None:
The gas cap can be occasionally hard to remove and replacement caps are being provided. (2002-03)
None:
A squeaking, creaking noise from the front end is caused by a rubber tube on the spring and the spring upper insulator, which may be replaced. (2002)
Steering problems:
The tilt steering wheel may not release after being fully lowered requiring repositioning of the wiring harness in the steering column. (2002)
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 | $570 |
| Alternator | $370 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,205 |
| Brakes | $490 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,105 |
| Exhaust System | $625 |
| Radiator | $435 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,540 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $620 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| ES 330 | $23,500-25,000 | $21,600-23,000 | $15,300-16,300 |
| 2005 | |||
| ES 330 | $19,300-20,800 | $17,800-19,100 | $12,500-13,500 |
| 2004 | |||
| ES 330 | $16,000-17,300 | $14,600-15,700 | $10,200-11,100 |
| 2003 | |||
| ES 300 | $13,200-14,500 | $12,000-13,200 | $7,700-8,400 |
| 2002 | |||
| ES 300 | $11,000-12,200 | $9,900-11,000 | $5,900-6,600 |
|
|
|||
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. | 107.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3439 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 2002-03, a 210-hp, 3.0-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine went into the ES 300, working with a five-speed automatic transmission. For 2004, Lexus exchanged the 3.0-liter for a new 3.3-liter V6 that produced 225 horsepower, prompting a name change to ES 330.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 183 | 210 | 220 | 5-speed automatic: 21/29 | 5-speed automatic: 17.4 |
| dohc V6 | 3.3 / 202 | 225 | 240 | 5-speed automatic: 20/29 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
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
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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 2002-2006 Lexus ES 300/ES 330 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2002 ES 300:
If the airbag deploys, it could cause a section of the horn cover on the steering wheel to strike the driver. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002 ES 300:
Vehicles may have a deformed left front brake tube, leading to possible brake fluid leaking and impaired stopping ability. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004-05 w/front passenger power seat:
When installing certain rear-facing infant seat bases onto seat with excessively high belt tension, buckle status switch could become unseated and system might not suppress deployment of the front airbag.
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