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Road Test

The redesigned-for-2002 ES300 is an easygoing, quiet, comfortable cruiser. With a nicely-furnished, accommodating cabin, it offers a well-rounded package, with very few flaws. As a result, it scored very high in its class.

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2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

$4,275
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,225 - $3,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG 22 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,075 - $3,725
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,725 - $4,825
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 3-liter V6 (210 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed automatic
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2019-
Current Generation

The seventh generation Lexus ES retains its comfortable, quiet demeanor but steps up its game in terms of handling and interior quality. The V6 is mated to an eight-speed automatic that contributes to a prompt throttle response and a linear power delivery. We attained 25 mpg overall. A hybrid version is also available. We tested the hybrid powertrain in the similar Toyota Avalon and got an impressive 42 mpg. The ES absorbs bumps very well and yet the body stays composed. The cabin is quiet and luxurious and the front seats are very comfortable. However, the touchpad controller for interacting with the infotainment system is fussy and distracting. The ES has Apple CarPlay compatibility. The news for 2022 is that all models come standard with BSW and RCTW. The infotainment system was also upgraded to include a touch screen. All 2023 models received an updated infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability.

2002-2006
2002 Redesign Year

Solidly embodying the traditional Lexus values, the ES300 is an easygoing and comfortable cruiser. With a nicely-furnished, accommodating cabin, it offers a well-rounded package with very few flaws. The V6 provides powerful acceleration, the transmission shifts flawlessly, and the ride is isolated and composed. While handling is far from sporty, it is ultimately secure and the cabin is exceptionally quiet. The front seats are supportive, but the rear is crowded for three, though two will be quite comfortable. Fit and finish are well executed and luxuries abound. Acceleration is brisk and handling is predictable. A more powerful 3.3-liter V6 for 2004 improved acceleration and fuel economy only slightly over the previous model.

1997-2001
1997 Redesign Year

The ES shares major components with the V6 Toyota Camry. It did just about everything well in our tests. The V6 provides powerful acceleration, the transmission shifts flawlessly, and the ride is isolated and composed. The cabin is exceptionally quiet. The front seats are amply supportive, and the rear is fine for two adults, with three being crowded. Acceleration is brisk and handling is predictable.

2013-2018
2013 Redesign Year
In an effort to inject more emotion into its mainstream mid-size luxury sedan, Lexus muted the qualities that made previous versions of the ES perennial winners. The 2013 ES still provides a comfy, quiet interior and gets good fuel economy. But the cosseting, easygoing nature has been dialed back with a less plush ride, cuts in interior refinement and more complicated controls. Further, despite the attempt to infuse more sportiness into the ES, it's not agile, nor is it fun to drive. However, the rear seat picked up more room, a hybrid powertrain was added and the navigation system got 3D maps. Available active safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning with front braking, lane-departure warning and audible front and rear park assist. We recommend going with the hybrid ES 300h with the Premium and Luxury packages, plus the optional blind-spot monitor.