2002 Lexus ES 300 Review
2002 Lexus ES 300 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Nice array of luxury and convenience features, strong and silent V6, advanced safety technology.
Cons
- Many of the desired features are optional and expensive.
What’s new
Lexus has introduced a completely redesigned ES 300 for 2002. The new car is roomier and quieter than the previous car, and in many ways has become more closely aligned with the LS 430 flagship model. Safety and feature quotients have been increased, and the car is wrapped in a svelte new body.
Edmunds says
Packed with features and safety equipment, the redesigned ES 300 sets a new standard for entry-level luxury sedans...as long as "luxury" is the most important part of this segment for you.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A) 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
$190/mo for ES 300 Base
ES 300 Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
These are salad days for the folks at Lexus, which has surpassed stalwarts Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac and Lincoln as the best-selling luxury brand in America. Within a one-year span, the company revived its entire car line with the excellent LS 430, the brand-new IS 300 and SC 430, and the shoehorning of the buttery 4.3-liter V8 into the GS. Now Lexus' bread-and-butter sedan, the ES, is the beneficiary of a redo.
Like its predecessor, the 2002 ES 300, now in its third iteration, shares its basic architecture with the redesigned 2002 Toyota Camry, though its appointments reflect the high levels of comfort, convenience and refinement that have become trademarks of Lexus luxury.
A longer wheelbase and increased height provide greater passenger room than the previous ES 300. It is also quieter thanks to new sound-absorbing materials. Many of the features are similar to those found on the LS 430, such as the new dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filtration system. Occupants of the cabin are also treated to the same California burled walnut that graces other Lexus models as a standard feature. Optional equipment is taken to a higher level with the availability of a DVD-based navigation system, a premium Mark Levinson audio system, a powered rear sunshade, high-intensity discharge headlights and a six-disc CD changer.
The ES 300 rides on a MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension. Around town, it floats plenty and absorbs road anomalies, providing a cushion-soft ride. Lexus also provides an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The '01 car also had this feature, though the new car's system has been improved to offer better road and steering feel and quicker turn-in response.
Still powering the ES is a 3.0-liter V6 engine, which produces 210 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. It is now certified as an ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) and a new five-speed automatic transmission helps the car earn EPA fuel mileage ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, versus 19/26 mpg for the 2001 model.
To slow the car down, Lexus offers standard antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), which helps prevent dangerous spins and skids, is optional and includes traction control and brake assist. To measure up to the other vehicles in this class, Lexus has installed full side curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers to protect precious noggins from impacting the side windows during a serious collision. These augment the dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags.
With the sporty IS 300 now available, Lexus feels secure enough to push the luxury envelope for the ES 300. Though many of the features are optional and will jack up the price if ordered, the redesigned ES is an intriguing choice for 2002.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Lexus ES 300.
5 star(68%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(1%)
92 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Dependable, High Quality Sleeper
lexusboy9, 10/23/2013
2002 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
So I purchased my ES300 about too years ago with 109K already on the clock. She was mint condition and had one owner..She was flawless even with the mileage and years on her. I purchased her and never looked back! To date she has ran flawlessly, always their when I need her. I had one time where she did not start and it was because of a bad battery, slapped a new one in and she fired … right up! Lexus really built this car for the long haul, Sheila (My ES300) currently has 129K on her and each mile has been timeless on her. She continues to get better with time. I plan on driving her until she tells me, I can't go any further! LONG LIVE THE ES300 I love her!!!
4.13 out of 5 stars
Never was a Lexus fan but
Chris, 10/28/2010
2002 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
I have always steered clear of Lexus thinking it was more hype then anything. But I bought a 2002 ES 300 with 90k on it. In 6 months I have already taken it over 100k with trips to Dallas from Houston and also Houston to Chicago. It has performed really good. I have a couple issues the cup holders broke, the interior trunk/gas release doesn't work and the cd player jams occasionally but … considering the car is 8 years old and has over 100k miles I can't really complain. It's quiet. Rides smooth and has averaged 23 mpg pretty much since I got it. Avg almost 30 mpg on the road. All in all a very nice vehicle that seems like it last quite a while. My previous ride was an 07 m35.
4.75 out of 5 stars
2002 Luxury Lexus
SC Senior, 07/14/2007
2002 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
I love this car. It is comfortable and has a beautiful interior (burgundy and wood). The rear window shade keeps the car cooler in the SC summer heat. Great on long trips, heated seats great for back pain plus gets good mileage (30mpg). City driving mileage around 18-19 mpg.
4.75 out of 5 stars
PERFECT SEDAN
*VERY NICE*, 07/06/2005
2002 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
This is our 3rd lexus, and each one has been wonderful! You can't beat the price and perfection that lexus offers. Any lexus easily can recieve 200,000 miles or more and run like a charm. The ES-300 is unmatchable by german auto-makers. This car is truely a nice riding mid-sized luxury riding machine period.
2002 ES 300 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $31,505 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $190/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the ES 300 include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic 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 – OriginalGood
- 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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