Used 1999 Lexus ES 300 Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used ES 300 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Real nice car
Steve Gaylor, 06/17/2005
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
My 1999 Lexus ES 300 is a real nice ride that has given me no problems in six years. It's very comfortable to drive, performes well, has a great sound system, and is still like brand new after six years. It has 46,500 miles on it, and I have only just now had to replace one tail light and one front blinker light. The original battery lasted 5 years, as did the wiper blades. The car has traveled around the country some, and has performed flawlessly, it's very dependable and enjoyable to drive. I'd like to trade up, but find it hard to part with such an exceptional car. I highly recommend the 99 Lexus ES 300 for. I see the car remaining in the family for many years to come, it's barely
1999 Lexus ES 300 4 Dr Std Sedan
Steve, 01/26/2010
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
25 of 28 people found this review helpful
I bought the car used about a year ago because I had great luck with my 1994 Toyota Camry, 350,000 Miles before the engine quit. Unfortunately the engine is not even close to reliable as the Camry. I have spent over $2500 on repairs. Oxgen Sensors, 1 Coil, 1 Mass Air Flow Sensor, 2 VVT Actuators,2 Knock Sensors, Cam Seals. I consider myself a good mechanic and was not as concerned when I purchased the car. Edmunds dead correct when they say this engine is a problem and the parts are very costly. I read that Coils, VVT Actuators, MAF, including the transmisson are an issue and should have listened. Also the LCD displays go out. If you must go to the dealer it is $200.00 diagnostic and $$
1999 Lexus ES 300
Don Sherman, 04/04/2009
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Car is in excellent condition save a slight mar on the driver's seat and a few parking lot dings. Everything works as new except for one digit on the LCD multi-CD disply. Excellent handling. Amenities are numerous and dependability is excellent. Quality control is evident throughout. Good acceleration and stopping. Great car for being a decade old.
Best car I ever owned
John H, 05/04/2009
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This car cannot be beat! Has 148,000 miles without one mechanical problem. Did not have to replace fw brakes for 120,000 miles, like wise front struts--rw brakes and struts still good. I took a test drive in a 08 ES350, but decided there was no good reason to trade.
Good car, but recently getting worse
NS, 09/14/2009
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I owned this car since 2001. From 2001-2008: was really happy with the car. Reliable, quiet interior. Comfy seats, good pickup. In 2009: my ES-300 started giving all kinds of problems. Power steering pump leaked-replaced it, O2 sensors went bad-replaced it, alternator died - replaced it. Check engine lights are on almost every month. Follow the routine-go to dealer, they do the diagnostics, find the issue, replace the part, pay those hefty repair charges, and next month repeat the same thing. Just yesterday, heard that it's giving heavy knocking sound from engine. Within past 12 months, the repair cost has gone through the roof to almost $6000. Now I am seriously thinking about replacing the car.
Get Something Else
Al, 06/30/2009
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned many different cars and heard nothing but wonderful things about this model. The truth is, the Oldsmobile Aurora and Lincoln Continental both outmatched the Lexus hands down in both creature features and driveability. The Lexus has been a major disappointment and I will never own another one. Buy the Toyota Camry and save some money... or better yet buy an Avalon and get more room. Also, for what it's worth the check engine light has been on more than off for the last 50k miles. This car has annoying (expensive) problems with its emissions/fuel vent system design that I've never had with any other car owned.
Great Car
jblynn, 08/26/2011
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
12 yo, 142K. New noc & MAF sensors in 11th year @ about $1K. Alternator died at 52K mi, just out of warranty. W-pump died at abt 100K. Other than that, routine maint. White pearlcoat looks as good as it did in '99; few very small dings on hood - touch-up paint works. Beautiful car & design, IMO. Very difficult to develop a scratch on exterior. Leather wearing very well. Wood appliques on dash aged a bit due to moisture/cleaning. Interior dash 'boring'; roomy in front; headroom bad in rear for 6 ftrs. Cup hldrs useless. Nakamichi superior. Good perf.; gas mileage 21/28. We all have good days and bad. No day is completely bad if I get to drive this car at the end of it. Great buy.
Transmission problem with 1999 ES300
spcinca, 12/12/2009
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
My 1999 ES 300 has 67000 miles on it and I am told I need a new transmission and knock sensors. ABS off and check engine light pop on. It sporadically will not downshift at higher speed. At 60mph rpm's will be close to 4000. I have done trans fluid exchanges, replaced valves, seals and air intake hoses. Lexus says they will not cover any repair because it falls out of their warranty. Every mechanic that has looked at it claims it is ridiculous for me to need a new trans with this low of miles and the great condition the car is in.
they don't make 'em like this anymore
hawaiijoe, 02/15/2010
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought it used form a lady who only put 4000 miles on it in 10 months. (guess why she was selling it.) cons: only a four-speed auto -- old school. lexus stereo is average. cup holders are junk -- they don't keep your cup or bottle from tipping. pros: everything else. quiet, ride, reliability, fit and finish, room in the cockpit up front. A snap to wash because it's low and doesn't have the slab sides the newer models do. I only have 75,000 miles on it now, but I'll trade it in for a new 350 -- as soon as Lexus makes one I like better than this one. I don't like the 2010, and I sure didn't like the body style before that. I'll keep my '99, thank you very much.
Reliability Rating?
Esdrvr, 11/21/2008
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Disappointing reliability. I had to replace the transmission (failed solenoid pump) at 150k mi. You have the option of "rebuilding" or "replacing". Lexus wanted $3400 for this, I rebuilt it for a hefty $2600. The "new" 99 tranny is twice as expensive to fix as a 99 Camry due computer chips in the transmission. All 4 struts needed replacing at 150k mi as well. The "check engine" light has proven quite annoying as it appears a few times/yr due to a fuel system anomaly. This automatically disables the Traction control system and a dummy light appears for it as well. 21-23 mpg as I would guess this is standard for a 3 ltr V6. Poor turn radius. Disappointing reliability overall.
The oldies are goodies
hawaiitom, 06/03/2010
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
We've had this car for over ten years and use it as our second car for my wife to drive once or twice a week. I'd buy a new es-300 in a minute, except the newer ones are an inch too long and have poor rear-quarter vision. Lexus is due out with a redesign of the es-300 in 2012. Hopefully, it'll be better than the current model -- none of the redesigns look as good as our 1999. If you can find one, get it. Edmunds says dealer retail is under 6k -- good luck finding one so cheap!
Absolutely Solid
bobsobi, 02/17/2004
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought mine off my lease in 2002. I was considering getting a new one, until I saw what they did with the ES exterior - how unfortunate! Plus, the ride got even softer, although the interior appointments were very impressive. This car is a great combination of reliability, comfort and utility. Plenty of cargo space, excellent gas mileage, snappy acceleration, an excellent sound system, quiet ride (although so quiet that side mirror wind turbulence is distracting at highway speeds), and many other features and refinements that out-class the other "entry-level-luxury" cars from the '99 model year.
Great, reliable car.
JB So Org Cty, 02/10/2009
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a great car with a nice ride. And the power is surprising for a V6. Very reliable and the highway mileage is great. In town mileage is good for a sedan. It has a smooth ride and is quiet running with just a little wind noise from the window at times. Large trunk space. Leather seats are nice and durable.
I will buy another
Kevin, 10/05/2005
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car may not be the sportiest or fastest sedan to drive, but comfort and reliability are excellent. I can't wait to buy my next one but since this just keeps running with no problems, it may be awhile.
dreamdancer
baronface, 03/19/2002
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
driving a lexus is a driver's dream come true. the Coach-leather seats are great (i have lower back pain)and i love the lumbar control on the seat. i have an injury to my hand/arm and the ease in wheeling this baby puts no stress on the injury, provides ease in parking, and performance to pass safely. most of the "bells & whistles" come standard and the size of the trunk is adequate and comes with a first-aid kit. all my friends who own a Lexus all comment on the great service and free car washes you receive at a Lexus dealer. try it, you'll like it! p.s. my driving tends to be city/highway and i generally get 18-22 mpg and 24-26 hwy only.
I love my ES300
Jazzman, 09/30/2003
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I can't say enough about this car. I love it so much I bought out my lease. I drove the new model and did not like it as much. I have the chrome wheels and dark blue color which I think looks sporty. The coolest thing is that I have never had to take it in for repair. Not once!! I change the oil and thats it. I love smooth silky ride. The sound system is great. The cabin quite. It is very relaxing to drive. The leather seats are very comfortable. The new model drives more "boaty" and lacks the spark. I may hold on to mine for another 5 years. I want to get a new car but can't find anything I like as much.
8 yrs old and still WOW
Kemah Coder, 06/16/2007
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
To get out of debt, I sold my 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT and then used the proceeds from the sale to buy my 1999 Lexus ES 300. 202,000 miles and 8 years and old and it's better than any other used car I looked at. Nothing can touch this car in terms of comfort and reliability. I have been told by three shops now this car is just the Toyota Camry with a lexus name and a little more interior comfort. I agree and am thankful I bought this car for $5800 cash.
Better than any malibu
jdm699, 04/23/2014
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
10 of 26 people found this review helpful
After my head gasket blew on my malibu, and I was broke as a joke I had to buy a reilable to and from work car. With $600.00 I was super suprized I found this Lexus. It is decently fast at the drag strip runs in the low 12's. Better build quality then any Ford, Mercury, Chevy, GMC or Honda! Thinking about giving this car to my sun but it is to fast. I believe it will keep up with any Turbo Honda on the road.
Overall very good, but not perfect
DCAir, 06/17/2009
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and have taken care of it ever since. All complaints have been fixed or I'm able to live with for a 10 year old car. Still looks excellent and drives very well.
My third lexus and very happy
jss, 06/13/2002
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my first lexus in 1992 (es300 - first year). I alway liked the look and feel but alas, it was a standard and my wife didn't want to drive it in traffic. I had fun on the winding roads though. Ended up giving it to my son. My second was a 1996 LS400. Eats gas and its much wider then the es300. Smooth ride but couldn't get past the size and gas cost. Never got so much door dings. Gave it to my other son. Now 1999 ES300 coach. To me, rides just as smooth and as quiet as the LS. Does not feel as heavy. Great fit and finish. A little more boxy than the 1992 model (which I loved). Would buy another 1999 in a heart beat. Its great.
HEY, IT'S A LEX
KANE, 08/10/2003
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is car is a beautiful car. I upgraded from a 1994 Pathfinder XE so all the amenities that this car has are a bonus to have. My Lex is a Coach Edition so it has the nice perforated leather which is great for summer. The car runs as if new and the seats are still intact. The car runs smooth. You can't even tell the car is on. All the safety features are great, like the Traction Control and the engine immobiliser system. I always get stares when I drive by. And although this was the #1 selling car for Lexus I don't see it that often on the streets where I live, which may or may not be a good thing. But hey, it's a Lex with Toyota reliability.
Awesome
spxchrome, 03/26/2002
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Always wanted one, now that I have one I wish I would have bought it sooner. Only bad thing is that if the window is cracked when its raining the water from the windshield will come back into the car. they need to redesign the door guters which I think they did on the new model. awesome 6CD changer with bose comparable sound system
Will not buy another Lexus
MaxK, 05/24/2004
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had to replace the front strut mounts at 50,000 miles. The lexus service advisor told me it is common to have this problem. I still can't believe it. Paint chips off very easily (2004 ES330 has the same problem), lot of wind noise at high speeds.
Lexus ES 300, 1999, UAE
N'Shaan, 01/15/2005
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Poor front and rear struts, wind noise in average to high speeds, doors and boot lid feels and sounds very flimsy.
great car
rich carguy, 05/28/2003
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
great car, will buy again and again
One of the Best Cars I've Ever Owned
LCD44, 03/15/2009
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've driven nothing but Toyota products for over 30 years; and to me, the ES300 is one of the very best cars ever built. The only thing better than an old Toyota is a new Toyota... so ten months ago, we traded in our old Camry for a Lexus RX 400h, and 10 years from now, I am likely to be here praising it also.
ES 300-
Saaammy, 01/01/2003
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1999 black ES 300 in November 2001. The car is a certified used Lexus, so that it has the exact same warranty as a new vehicle. The ride is very nice and the car looks great.
Dull car
Ken Collins, 04/23/2010
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 7 people found this review helpful
The car's electrical a continual problem. Lexus dealership and other mechanics cannot extinguish VSC, check engine, and flashing seat belt lights. Drivers seating for shorter person, at six feet dtall my legs are cramped. Hit head at times when entering drivers side. Semi-quiet, seats are comfortable. Styling is cookie cutter blah. Does not feel like an upscale car. Would not buy another one.
Bought with 43K Miles
Jonathan T, 10/31/2002
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Upgraded from my 1997 Camry that I left with 130K miles. This ES300 has been a dream with ride and comfort. I get upset with the flow of normal traffic because it doesn't seem like we are moving fast enough. Traction control is outstanding in wet conditions!!! Compensates both at stoplight take offs and in fast slow downs. I feel very safe. Dealership was great, Salesperson OUTSTANDING.
Underrated!
Giuseppe, 12/05/2002
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is amazing. OK, so it looks a little like the Camry, but it is very distinct in providing itself a unique personality. The ride is quiet and the acceleration is silky smooth. The Coach Edition is the one I bought and I really enjoy the fact that the leather is perforated, you don't sweat as much in the summer.
A Driver's dream car
dolores2k@mediaone.n, 01/04/2003
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love the free car washes and the way i'm treated at the dealer. i like the roominess of the trunk; my CD-changer and the sound from the 7 speakers; the comfort of ALL the seats; the bright map light and the eyeglass holder; ease in closing doors, opening windows, and locking doors. the overall ultra- smooth ride and handling in traffic and on the highway is the ultimate, but the dependability and reliability can't be beat!
Best car I have ever droven.
Anton911, 09/21/2003
1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wow, what a shoker. Did not expect this comming. This was the best car I have ever driven. Suspension is the best, great engine and acceleration. Superb handling. Very, and I mean very good interior quality build. The most impresive was the suspension and the quitness.