2000 Lexus ES 300 Review
2000 Lexus ES 300 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Nice array of luxury and convenience features, strong V6.
Cons
- Many of the features are optional, no GPS navigation system offered.
What’s new
The Lexus ES 300 sports new front-end styling and taillights. The rearview and driver-side mirrors are now electrochromatic for improved nighttime performance. The interior gets new colors and additional wood trim on the audio/heater panel. The mirrors are added to the memory seat function. High-intensity discharge headlights are optional, as are 16-inch wheels. BrakeAssist is included in the Vehicle Skid Control option. A particle-and-odor air filter is a new option. The ES 300 also receives child seat-anchor brackets and three new colors.
Edmunds says
A car that coddles but makes no attempt to invigorate.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$226/mo for ES 300 Base
ES 300 Base
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
More than just a fancy Toyota Camry, the ES 300 is an entry-level Lexus worthy of its nameplate. The most prominent feature of the ES 300 is its aggressive snout, which juts forward with a large lower air dam and prominent fog lamps. The ES 300's deep character lines along the hood and door panels work well, giving this car a distinguished appearance. This is backed up by a Lexus claim that 75 percent of its major components, including engine, transmission and interior components, are unique to the ES 300 or other Lexus models.
Last year, the ES 300 received a more-powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine. It produces 210 horsepower and 220 foot-pounds of torque. Even more impressive is the variable valve timing system (called VVT-i), capable of making 80 percent of peak torque available at 1,600 rpm. A four-speed automatic transmission uses computer control to adjust upshift and downshift patterns for improved responsiveness when climbing hills and enhanced engine braking when traveling down steep inclines.
2000-year changes, such as the electrochromatic mirrors and the high-intensity discharge headlights, only add to the ES 300's list of luxury convenience features. For example, a twist of the key fob will lower both front windows and open the power moonroof. A seven-speaker audio system with 195 watts of amplification is standard, and a 215-watt Nakamichi sound system is optional. Then there's the usual array of heated mirrors, automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and California walnut wood throughout the interior. Front and side airbags, standard electronic traction control, daytime running lights, and three-point safety belts in all seating locations are the main safety features.
It's nice to see the people at Lexus taking their entry-level car seriously. Be aware, however, that many of the options on the ES 300 are standard on other vehicles, such as the Acura TL. Adding these features can quickly jack up the ES 300's price past its competitors.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Lexus ES 300.
5 star(82%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(3%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Straying from European Imports
Roy, 07/07/2018
2000 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
I am 26 years old and have already owned 15 cars and 9 motorcycles. About half the cars I've owned were domestics, but bought my first & only toyota, or japanese car for that matter, about 5 years ago (like 2013?). It was a 1996 Toyota Celica and was a great car that I bought in a pinch because I wrapped my Mercury Grand Marquis around a telephone pole during a bad ice storm, had barely … any money to my name, and needed something that was cheap to purchase, maintain, insure, and operate. It was a phenomenal car for the measly $1000 I paid for it, really fun to drive with the 5MT (had no power but was great in the corners. Kinda like a FWD Miata), and that was it. I bought a 2005 BMW 330XI and sold it. I did look back however and really missed the driving experience that the Toyota gave me, and yes, even over the bimmer. I actually had someone make me an offer on the BMW of about twice what I paid for it one day while pumping gas, and given the fact that I was managing a car dealership at the time, I was under that mentality of "everything is for sale" and of course, sold it that same day. After selling the BMW, I got into volvos and have been in a Volvo for most of the last 4 years. This last october of 2017, I sold my prized possession and to this date, my favorite car I've owned - My ULTRA rare 1998 Volvo S70 T5M (only 363 manual T5 S70's were brought into the states in 1998) in order to buy a truck as I took a job working construction. I've never liked trucks and a couple months ago, received a service truck through my current job and was informed I no longer needed a truck for work. I couldn't wait to get out of the truck and traded it almost immediately for my current car, a 2000 Lexus ES300. I drove many Lexus cars while working the dealership and the one thing that always blew my mind was how it simply didnt matter how many miles these cars had on them, they always look, felt, drove, and even smelled new. 100, 200, 300, even 400k miles couldnt bring these things down. You take what are arguably the most reliable cars on earth (Toyota) and then put EXTRA attention to detail, sparing no expense to build quality. My ES300 has quickly become my 2nd favorite car I've owned (behind the Volvo S70) and I just cannot believe at almost 150k miles, how pristine and perfect the car still is inside and out. Again, EVEN THE SMELL is still there. Sure, it wont win any races and in fact, it's actually rather sluggish, handles alright, stops decent, but boy is it quiet and holy crap does it ride well. The stock stereo sounds great with all sorts of music, everything is easy to figure out and control, I guess the punchline of the car to me is that everything just makes sense. I changed out every single light on the outside of the car, high beams, fogs, HID's and all the rear lights, in about 45min combined with no tutorial or anything. Its a solid, great, reliable daily driver that has aged extremely well. Still looks modern and sleek and sexy even at 18 years old.
4 out of 5 stars
Lexi
Dave Adkins, 10/16/2015
2000 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
Just purchased this car with 180,000 miles and short of the clunky struts and wind noise above 60 it is like driving a marshmellow dream. Decent acceleration if you can wait for it. marginal handling on corners but dreamy smooth almost everywhere else.
Did I mention how awful the cupholders are - talking awful !
If I can figure out how to install an audio input I will like it even … more
4.88 out of 5 stars
After 145,000 miles
thomas, 07/15/2009
2000 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
Bought my ES300 at 83,000 miles. No troubles, absolutely no troubles at all. Never been to the shop at all except for regular maintenance oil changes. At speeds above 75, wind noise gets appreciable higher through the window. The car has lots of pep only when floored. The tranny thinks for about a second before shifting and then the car flies. A very smooth ride and smooth steering. … Absolutely disgusting cup holders. I have given up on the floor mat after numerous spills. There is a noticeable body roll during cornering at high speeds, but that's due to the soft suspension bug - again the ride is magnificently soft. If you are looking for a soft, plush, trouble free ride. This is not a sports car.
4.75 out of 5 stars
best car ive owned
mike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 09/22/2008
2000 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
The Lexus es300 is one of the best cars I've owned. After 8 years I have had no problems with it. It drives smooth and is pretty fast. The seats are comfortable and it's quiet and gets decent fuel economy. (I get about 19/24 mpg.)
2000 ES 300 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $226/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- 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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