1996 Lexus ES 300 Review
1996 Lexus ES 300 Review
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Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$194/mo for ES 300 Base
ES 300 Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Based on the hugely successful Toyota Camry, the ES 300 is the 'entry-level' Lexus. Priced at about the same level as larger, more plush premium American sedans, the smaller ES 300 is more nimble, solid and refined, and is as reliable rain in Seattle.
The only options available on this car are leather trim, a sunroof, heated front seats and a CD player. Everything else is standard. A 3.0-liter twin-cam V6 powers the front wheels, providing swift acceleration. Four-wheel antilock brakes haul the ES down from 60 mph in short order, and your choice of Goodyear, Dunlop or Firestone V-rated tires keep the ES 300 glued to the road.
The cabin is well insulated from the buzz of the outside world, and a premium Nakamichi sound system does a fair impression of the Boston Pops performing at the Hollywood Bowl. The optional leather seats are well bolstered and provide an excellent seating position. Ergonomics, in the Lexus tradition, are unbeatable.
For 1995, the ES has undergone a slight revision of the front and rear fascias, and chrome wheels are optional. The ES 300 is a remarkable car, but we have a difficult time justifying buying one. The Toyota Camry XLE V6, outfitted with leather and all the trimmings, is powered by the same drivetrain and rides on many of the same underpinnings for thousands less. If a Lexus badge really means that much to you, the ES 300 is a great car, but we'll opt for the less prestigious Camry and use the savings to go white water rafting or something.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Lexus ES 300.
5 star(90%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
41 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Reliability is out of this world
adam2009m, 12/06/2013
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
Everyone thought I was stupid when I decided to drive this car from Chicago to Miami when it had 328K miles on it.
I had 0 incidents during my round trip of over 3500 miles.
Enough said, the best car ever built in my opinion.. I have more confidence in this car than driving a brand new car from any manufacturer.
I change my oil every 5000 miles and it has a minor oil leak which I decided … isn't worth fixing.
I just top it off and it has been like that for couple years now.
I bought this car used with 254k for 1700.
I have already put 100k on it lol.
I definitely got my money's worth.
4.88 out of 5 stars
the best car I have ever owned
Luvmylexus, 01/15/2005
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
I bought this car used in oct of 2004-- I have had the timing belt done and there was an oil leak in the engine which I had repaired---and a cv boot- the past owner never did any up keep-- oil was filthy etc---but now I couldn't be happier--I drive many miles and in fact have already put 14,000 on this car in three months. I t goes great in the snow too. The acceleration is awesome and I … am thrilled to own this car. I will never ever own anything but a Lexus again in my life. I am 59 and have owned a lot of cars. The only one I loved this much was my 1969 GTO. Oh I hate the cup holder <smile> but minor detail.
3.88 out of 5 stars
My Second Car
Drew P., 08/09/2004
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
I've had this car for a little over a
year now, and haven't had any major
problems, but being a college student
it's starting to become hard to keep
up with the $100 repairs. I had to
change the cv boots, o2 sensors, rear
shocks, and the CD changer quit
working. It is a great car though, but
I'm going to try another Lexus model
after this.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Baby LS400
L.Redden, 10/25/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
This car is FLAWLESS, my father owned
the car before me and he works for
Toyota corporate. When I purchased the
car from him it had a little over 200k
on it. It now has 272k on it and it
drive like new. Sill gets looks ,
compliments. It looks alot newer than
it is. Build quality is FIRST RATE.
Resale value is also very good. The
only problem ive had with it was a …
valve cover gasket leak which was
fixed. I have only had Honda/Acura
products before which are great cars
also, now Im adding Toyota/Lexus to the
list.
1996 ES 300 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $194/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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