2002-2006 Lexus ES 300: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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2002-2006 Lexus ES 300/ES 330 ▼
- Price Range: $9,900 - $23,000
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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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 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 |
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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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| 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: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%.








