2003 Lexus ES 300 Review
Fuel Economy
21 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Packed with features and safety equipment, the ES 300 sets the standard for entry-level luxury sedans -- as long as "luxury" is the most important part of this segment for you.
Pros
Comprehensive array of luxury and convenience features, superb ride quality, smooth and silent V6, advanced safety technology, excellent reputation for reliability.
Cons
Bland driving characteristics, less powerful than most competitors, many of the desired features and options are expensive, no split-folding rear seat.
What's New for 2003
Completely redesigned last year, the 2003 ES 300's only change is the addition of power-adjustable pedals.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Excellent car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
My first luxury car purchase, used of course so someone else can take the depreciation hit, and I don't think I can ever go back to another less comfortable car. It is very quiet with an incredibly smooth ride. The cabin is classy, with high grade leather and wood grain accents. The steering and handling can best be described as silky. Keep in mind this is a luxury car, not a sports sedan, so it doesn't drive like a sports sedan. Highway mileage is 28 to 32 mpg, depending on speed and head wind. I had some warranty work done, (catalytic converters btw) and was VERY impressed by the Lexus dealer's service. 83,000 miles and appears as good as new. I will definitely look into a Lexus again.
Favorite Features
The quality of the interior. The silky smooth ride and handling. The very quiet cab. Very sharp looking car. High quality workmanship.
Suggested Improvements
Lights for the Homelink buttons.
Best Car of My Life
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This is the 18th car of my life. Previous car was Toyota Camry - sold after 9 years and 292,000 miles. This Lexus is better and I expect to keep it a full ten years. Reported mileage by Edmunds is too low. Without Ethanol mix I typically get 34 MPG highway at 65 MPH and 26 MPG city. This car is almost six years old and looks and rides like it's brand new. Lexus service is unbelievably efficient - you get spoiled real fast.
Favorite Features
Long lasting quality in all respects.
Suggested Improvements
My 2nd (used) ES200
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought this car after my 1994 ES300 transmission quit going into overdrive & couldn't be fixed. But I had nearly 175K miles on that one so couldn't really complain much about that. I have not had any of the problems with the 2003 transmission that others have written about in their reviews. I did look at some other cars before getting this one - none of them compared to a Lexus. Guess the 94 spoiled me for any other car (that I can afford, lol).
Favorite Features
Extremely comfortable ride, great sound system, easy to read & use controls, lots of storage & huge trunk.
Suggested Improvements
I do miss the little sun visor over the rear view mirror that my 94 had, lol. Not sure why they deleted that small but VERY useful feature.
2003 Lexus ES300
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Traded in my 99 Lx470, which I loved, for a 2003 ES 300 in 2006...50,000 miles. I never thought I'd go back to a car but with gas prices on the rise and the amount of miles I drive I decided I would. I have now had my car for 24 months and not one problem. It currently has 121,000 miles on it and drives perfect just like the day I got it. Very pleased of course, as I was also very please with my LX470 before this vehicle. Gas mileage is great, 23 average in town, upper 20s-31 mpg on highway. Highly recommended :)
Favorite Features
Handles well. Smooth ride, navigation.
Suggested Improvements
First time lexus owner.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought my 2003 es 300 lexus used with 39k miles on it. I have now had it for a year and I love it. The ride is very quiet, with all of the windows rolled up and sunroof closed driving 70 mph people in the car can whisper to each other and be heard.
Favorite Features
Ride, quiet cabin. Style, comfort of the leather seats. Nice sound system.
Suggested Improvements
Transmission and more engine power which they did for newer models.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2003 Lexus ES 300
- 2002 Lexus ES 300
- 2001 Lexus ES 300
- 2000 Lexus ES 300
- 1999 Lexus ES 300
- 1998 Lexus ES 300
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