Back when Lexus made smooth and quiet vehicles with simple and timeless designs. Now it’s all about being sporty, large grills, huge wheels and more screens. 😎
I do agree, I feel like the 2013-2018 ES Wes the best. Still elegant and simple. Truth is, they couldn't have stayed this vanilla though. Buick did so, where did that get them? They lost their brand recognition. Sadly they've got to keep up with the times...
I drove a silver 2005 ES330 with black leather and red wood trim.. what a beautiful drive. That’s the car that woke me up to old school Lexus refinement and comfort.
Absolutely incredible car. Extremely comfortable and quiet. Also survived being hit head on by a fully loaded 18 wheeler on the highway. Emergency services told me I was supposed to be dead.....I'll never forget the look of relief that washed over them as they got to my window. I wasn't even wearing a seat belt.....great car in every aspect. They genuinely never let you down.
This is an amazing car, I hate how people don't buy these because they consider it a ''old people car'', it's annoying, I guess it's their loss that they are missing out on a reliable and comfortable car.
@@Mrjack8118 correct since this model is not in high demand like the Lexus GS 400 and the Lexus coupe it's easier to find the es330 for reasonable price
Last year I bought a 2020 Camry LE and love it...This year, I bought a 2002 Lexus ES300 and love it even more. This is a timeless car that you will never stop loving if you are a fan of it...I can't get over how comfortable and quiet it is...Every time I get inside of this car, it feels like sheer relaxation and the trips I make feel therapeutic.
I stole mine for $3400 a few years ago in the same color scheme. It now has close to 250K on the clock, and still looks/drives like new, save the worn driver seat bolster. I don't care if it looks late to the party; it's the best damn car I've owned.
omg thank you so much for reviewing this gem!!!! I remember this car WELL from my university days in 2000s, there was one parked by one of the buildings and I always take notice whenever I walked by.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I drive an 03 ES300 I got for 4k, 165k miles. It’s my fourth car and I honestly love it. Super comfortable ride, quiet engine that gives me some acceleration when I need it, reliable, and I know most people hate on the styling but I do think it looks really nice. I just tinted my windows and updated my sound system and I wanna get as much life out of it as I can.
Literally same, got my older brothers lexus: 2003 es300 with 180K, hard on the eyes and I was skeptical but 2 months later and Im ordering tint and installing my subs and want to make this car last!
Bought my daughter this exact car with 116,000 mi. Incredibly well made car, quiet, well maintained, easy to work on, plenty of power and comfort. Drove it across the country from CA to Lake MI. Great mileage too. Now I'm shopping for one for myself!
Just found an '05 ES330 w/57K mi. 1-owner. Looks brand new. I don't even think the rear seats were sat in! Fully loaded and everything works. Very comfortable and QUIET. Never would know it's a 17yr old car. My kids make fun of it and call me an old man. I don't care! Probably one the best commuter cars I've ever owned. Should have many more miles ahead of it.
A 2003 ES in this exact color and spec but with chrome wheels and hids was my first car. I loved it so much and i wish i kept it forever. 215k on it when i sold it and it was bullet proof
Bro my 06 ES330 has 300k miles and still going. Everytime I go to discount tire for rotations/switch winter tires, they are amazed at how many miles are on it.
Lol mine too! I have “only” 250k on mine, but when I take it in for service everyone is amazed how clean it is. Literally looks almost brand new and drives the same too
Trunk release button is probably on the valet lock out feature. Open the glove box and push the button to turn that off then it should work. Happened to me once and took me a while to figure out why it wasn’t working
Thanks for this comment! I got this car over 6 years ago and my trunk button suddenly stopped working. I had no idea about the valet button! I can access my trunk now :D
I have a 05 ES330. 137k miles. Runs very well. There's a video on here of the same exact year with close to 600k miles on the original motor. Not sure about the transmission but I wouldn't be surprised if the transmission is the original as well. Definitely a keeper.
Just bought mine, same year and color. Did my homework and got to say this car rides so smooth and quiet. Real luxury and the car in my opinion has nice lines. For under 6k I got it with only 137k miles and it will run a very long time....bullet proof. Oh and no payments, not paying over 30k for any car.
Bought one yesterday for my GF , ‘03 with 137K miles that was priced at $4300 and I have to say… I should’ve bought it for myself! Drives like a dream!
Thank you so much for doing these reviews of the new and used Lexus. I recently got a 2006 IS350 and I am so pleased with this car. Your videos definitely helped me amp up while I was waiting. Great job man!
Just bought one of these (2005 Special Edition) last week as a winter beater and I love it. It has adjustable pedals, sport/comfort mode suspension (dunno what it’s called), heated and ventilated seats. A few dings here and there but nothing major. Love it. Got it for 5000 CAD with 140K miles on it.
Yes Scotty K approves !! Love this gen. Too. My cousin’s first ES was this model, I should’ve followed him and bought and stayed with the ES’s back then. My 2013 ES350 just turned 42k a few days ago, barely broken in. Next month I’ll have it 2 years and I haven’t sunk a dime into it for repairs ! Reliability is unparalleled. Changed 1 TPM and thats it. Will need a new set of tires next spring, but. Still rides amazing, super quiet and lush This ES300 would be a great purchase if i was in the market for one ! Great review.
I posted on one of your other videos just last week that I just bought this same car with 160,000 miles last week (black on black leather). The interior is so fresh it looks like nobody ever sat in the backseat. Yes that’s real Canadian Walnut wood interior trim ! At least that’s what I read. Most likely it was garaged, the bolts in the door jams don’t show any rust. Love the 16 inch rims, gives it a nice cushy ride. I sold my 2013 ES 350 to Carvana. They picked up my car a few days ago, I had them come straight to my home. Gave me about $2k more than I got quoted for trade in. Very happy with them, Everything was done through their website on my iPhone Mine is a one owner, Serviced at a local Lexus dealership in South Jersey for the first 110,000 miles. The timing belt, water pump and valve cover gasket were all replaced at 88,000 miles. The ride is so smooth and solid there’s not one creek or rattle in the interior. I’m upgrading the sound system removing the six CD changer and radio and using a digital interface alpine touchscreen unit. Rear legroom is definitely tighter than the 2013 (Camry vs. Avalon platform).
Actually I think the exterior looks very good, better than some of styles of today, plus, the styling still looks contemporary. I installed performance plugs & air filters that help increase quickness & passing performance.
Personally it’s a really soft but elegant design : but if you want looks, get the 3rd gen ES (1997-2001). Thing has a lower drag coefficient than most exotics. Genuinely a gorgeous car.
So I was RE watching your LC 500 6 month review after getting to drive it....and this notification pops up and here I am.........Thanks Kevin keep them all coming....
Great car. I have a 2002 with 240,000 miles. Runs great. It has been very well maintained. Everything works. I payed very little for it 1 year ago. I would not have considered any other brand with that mileage but I know Lexus is very good. It’s not a race car and the transmission is wonky but butter smooth. Great car.
Awesome review!! I couldn’t have been anymore honest about the car myself. Cons; small side-view mirrors, slim door space, dumb cup holders I bought a 2002 Lexus ES300 with 70k miles, for $6900 on 02-09-22. It’s very solid, exhaust and struts recently replaced, and has 2-year unlimited mile warranty 👍🏼 So far, couldn’t be happier.
I recently did a move and Stuffed my backseat, my trunk and added a 200lb loaded cargo carrier to my ES330. I Drove from the east coast to the west coast with my ES330 and my rear suspension was pretty much slammed the entire trip. After removing all the cargo after finishing my trip, the suspension went back to its normal height with zero issues. I had Zero problems after the trip. This car is an absolute tank and was the best purchase I've ever made.
The electronic boot button DOES work. It has an immobilizer button inside the glove compartment. It's for when you leave your car for service etc you can immobilize the boot with you possessions in there. You then lock the glove compartment and hand over the service key (does not open either the boot or the glove compartment). Check out about 13:15 on the video. Top left there is a switch.
I purchased a '06 Diamond Edition ES330 7 months ago because I liked the solid feel of the car and it's reputation for reliability. I'm surprised how much the car has grown on me, I'll be keeping for a while.
Toyota launched Lexus in 1989 with the LS and ES, and the ES is the vehicle I usually always think of when you want a comfortable, smooth, luxurious, and perfect luxury mid-size sedan. It's the epitome of what made Lexus so well loved and famous. And for me, this car looks timeless really. It's nothing too flashy, which is what most people want. They don't want their luxury car to stand out too much, and Lexus being the conservative company that they are, they did perfect on its design. Plus old Lexus vehicles are in my opinion some of the best cars that were made during their time, and this ES 300 is no exception. That interior is spot on: the wood, the materials, the comfortable aspect of the seats, and the simplicity. It looks just as gorgeous as any other car now.
@@MeynMotorGroup ohh ok I kinda felt that being it's more based off the Camry thanks for answering back I think I'm a be patient and find a old GS400 instead since I prefer a performance oriented Lexus there just so rare that it made me consider the es330
@@MeynMotorGroupI personally love this car mine I changed cylinder head gaskets since then it cranks but doesn't start will assist with some advice plz
Just stumbled across this after a quick trip to my trusty old Lexus mechanic in Northeast Arkansas to get the valve cover seals changed on my 2006 ES 330. They were getting gummy and started to leak a little bit of oil up top. My mom bought the car new when she was working at Parker Lexus in Little Rock. She traded it to me for my 2001 GS about 7 years ago. I have since doubled the miles to 257,000. Drove it to the Grand Canyon and then down to Mexico right before the pandemic. I made it all the way back to Missouri without skipping a beat and then a coil went out. I often regret trading for my RWD GS300. But you just made me feel all big pimpin' with this video. lmao, mine is ragged out as hell tho...my mom burned cigarette holes in it before I even got it and I've done worse, whipping it through a huge hailstorm and ramming it into various things over the years. P.S. Wonder if you noticed the trunk lock/CANCEL button that is in the glove box of these cars. It disables the internal trunk button and allows only entry with the master key. This functionality can be paired with the included valet key. And is meant to keep valets locked out of trunk. If that button really is broken that could prove to be a major inconvenience because the trunks have no keyhole. Only way to open them when the car/remote battery is dead is using a long stick/broom or something shoved through the back seat passthrough to trigger the glowing emergency trunk release inside.
my dad has a 2003 with almost 340,000 miles, that car has survived long commutes everyday and me driving it in high school. neutral drops would make the tires spin so i would have my fun with it. it’s been abused but still runs better than it should
@@faarouqmahdimuhammad I always recommend these cars! Just make sure it’s been serviced regularly and ask about the timing belt (pricey to replace) take care of the car and it’ll take care of you
I have the 03 version of this car with just over 50k miles in the same color- it’s a keeper. Definitely has nothing on the newest ES in terms of looks but it makes you feel way better than sitting in an equivalent Camry. Only complaint with mine is gas mileage- I can barely break 20 mpg on mine.
I have owned this gen lexus for 4 years and its one of the best cars I've ever had , its one of THE SMOOTHEST MOST COMFORTABLE MOST RELAIBLE CAR you can find , it drove better than some brand new cars I have driven , having said that I sold it recently to buy a newer 6 speed manual corolla YES I REGRETED that decision so much that I only owned the corolla for 3 weeks then... GUESS WHAT haha i bought a 1999 Lexus es300 , yes my older lexus es300 was newer and smoother but I personally didnt like how it felt very electronic in the driving experience.. the older gen es300 1997 - 2001 feels more pure to drive and in my honest opinion is much better built and has a sleeker low shape compared to this "fat" model, it's built more like a tank than this model - the door slam/thump on the older 99 model i have is way different to the door shut on this car , it feels like youre closing an old Mercedes door , another thing that I found is better on the older 99 model es300 is the 4 speed gearbox and wired throttle in comparison to the weaker 5 speed auto and drive by throttle in this generation.. some people have had issues with it.. HAVING SAID ALL THAT this model definitely drove SMOOTHER than my current 1999 es300.. i think I have the right to make this comment as I have owned both models and yes I am a toyota/lexus enthusiast who works on my own cars so i know what i am talking about both mechanically and aesthetically regarding these vehicles By the way.. THE WOOD USED IN LEXUS IS REAL WOOD SOURCED FROM THE YAMAHA PIANO COMPANY IN JAPAN
hey I almost make a deal for 2000 and 2005 model with less mileage. I like the looks of 2000 model. please advice me which one to buy. I have to decide to choose one asap. I appreciate your reply
@@nisharana566 Hi , both can be very very reliable , in my opinion based on my experience with these engines I suggest you get the 2000 model as it is built a bit more simpler with less electronics , having said that , if the 2005 model is well taken care of and drives ok then it will be a good buy also , both models are very well built cars , if you are after a smoother drive then i suggest getting the 2005 model , if you are after a more "solid" built car then get the 2000 model , i personally like the 2000 model shape and design (very sleek) more than the 2005 model , the 2000 model also feels faster and "less electronic" in terms of acceleration
I have an 03 in black that I do Lyft with. Tinted the windows, changed the interior lighting as well as the outside with LEDs and always keep it clean. I get compliments all the time from passengers about how much they love it. They're always surprised when I tell them it's an 03.
I fancy the previous gen myself. I just got my 01 last October. It had 105k. I'm at 110 now and drives like it came of the showroom floor. My 01 has exceeded my expectations in every way!
I used to own one of these. A 2002 in the wine red color. I had the mark Levinson navigation system and I loved this car. It had such a luxury posh feeling to the interior and build quality is impeccable. Very nice to drive and very reliable but a little under powered and heavy. The camry V6 of the time with the 4 speed auto felt more peppy IMO. I upgraded to a 2010 IS250 and i am happy. Lexus are great.
The 05 and 06 models had cooled seats too. Kinda funny I took my friend car shopping and he test drove an 08 or 09 Acura TSX and then one of these ES and it was insane how much quieter/smoother of a vehicle it was
@@MeynMotorGroup yep!! for sure acura and lexus were going for different things back then. Lexus was soft floaty smooth but kind of sloppy ride. Acura’s were more sporty better handling but rougher riding. Depends on what you want right lol
Got a 2005 ES330 as a gift…227000 miles, iridiums are clean, clean Lucas synth…put a new timing belt, water pump, 2 new struts.. AC ice cold, my mech says I scored big time…step on it and leave most behind in Honolulu.
I Had A 02 ES300, I Got For $1700. That I Ran Into The Dirt. I Never Changed The Oil, I Never Did Anything To It, Other Than Put Cheap Gas In It. Even With The Knock Sensor Needing Replaced. She Cranked Up Everytime! And Some days I'd Never Turn It Off. Because It Was Also My Home...
Got 250,000 on my 06 ES330. It’s an absolute CREAM PUFF I love it !! Every option on mine too. Chrome 6 spoke 17” wheels, power rear sunshade, heated AND cooled seats, driver AND passenger 2 person memory memory seating, sport tuning suspension, touch screen navigation infotainment system with voice command, mark levinson premium audio system, automatic wipers, 6 disk CD changed, and so much more. I am absolutely in love with it, couldn’t have asked for a better first car. The ride quality is on par with the 2008 LS460. My mother drives the LS460 and it just feels a bit heavier and more substantial. But just as smooth. I ALSO just picked up a sweet 2002 GS430 for $1000!
I have a first gen IS. It's a lot of fun to drive because you can really throw it around and have a good time despite it not having a ton of HP. For anyone seriously looking to buy one though make sure it's an 02 and up
Hey Kev you're right they're getting harder to find. I just bought a 03 ES 300 2 months ago on Capital Blvd not to far from Cary imports. That car probably be sold before the end of next week. The only con with the car is no key hole for the trunk.
Lexus was an absolute goat in that mid 2000's era you can tell the quality and the materials was top notch before they went cost cutting on the next generation.
I owned a 2013 ES350 & my parents owned several Lexus cars! LOW maintenance costs, GUARANTEED LONG TERM RELIABILITY...if you stay on top of the maintenance, and they’re comfortable! Tell the fan boys to find a $7k, 20 yr old BMW for the avg consumer & lets see how many repairs are needed, at 85k miles 💸💸
Recently purchased a 2005 ES 330 with 80k miles fully loaded. Lovely car, nicknamed "baby." V6 is silky smooth, beige interior with burl walnut wood trim is beautiful, Mark Levinson audio is amazing. Couldn't be happier with my purchase. Each wood trim piece is different, ergo real wood. Looks amazing at night when street lamps illuminate the interior. My theory as to why Lexus prevents the back seats from folding down is to maintain its image. If Lexus allowed the rear seats of the ES to fold down, certain types of people would use the rear seats to store garbage. Lexus would prefer its cars to be owned second hand by people who take good care of their cars.
It's because there is a structural rigidity brace in the back lol that's typical for RWD cars but FWD cars they should have figured something else out.
This is considered the most reliable Lexus ever. The drivetrain is bulletproof and there’s just no technology to break, and no infotainment screen to look terribly aged. I’ve always appreciated this and would consider it if I needed a cheap, reliable, smooth car.
Are you stalking me??? I mean whichever car I plan to try out, you have that car's review up right away on RU-vid.... great work brother. Keep them coming
I've owned mine for the last 5 years. Easily the BEST car I've ever owned. I hope to keep it for another 5. Hell, why not 20? I absolutely love my ES300.
EXCELLENT...im looking into buying one this week...120k miles for $4500 in great condition. Owner did a ton of needed upkeep with all records...hope for the best. Your video sealed the deal...very high IQ for a younger guy and focused...thanks
@@MeynMotorGroup i mean not all used cars are okay to be purschased , but most Toyota products are trustworthy . This ES seems to be the perfect mechanic car , all the confort with no bullshit.
I don't drive to impress anyone I drive what I want when I want for myself and the thrill of driving I have driven cars people only dream of but I decided after many years of all different cars I prefer a nice luxurious dependable sporty ride and I find a lexus rwd 350 and up my preferred mode of transportation the GS 350 fills that bill for me
That's noble of you but 99% of the populous is here to flex and to put others down need big brand names, lots of swagger, big LEDs and a nice fat grill to let you know they're paid
@@JoseFernandez-wu8pj 220 XXX for about $3500 and the Body is Kardashian fine. I would have kept driving my '97 model but its giving me electrical issues even with a new battery and alternator
Great review- honest. I bought one about 2 years ago with 85,000 miles. I bought off the original owner and the window sticker was in the Lexus owners manual. The price was 36,200. back then. With inflation that car today would be around $54,000. Crazy how our money loses value and now more and more cars make plastic crap engine parts. I will never sell my 2004 es. Its great on gas I can do most work myself and its easy without all the bullshit. All these cars today with tv screens and computers running everything well I think that will be a problem as they get older. What mechanic can fix dashboards and electrical crap due tv's interior lighting shti.---none so your option if dealer and pony up or live without it.
I just got my 02 es300 with only 94k miles and I love it. It's not like the turbo Hondas or Nissans I had as a kid but it is a comfortable car that I enjoy driving
I do appreciate this model. I wasn't initially attracted to this model as it looked so much like the 2002 Toyota Camry. I'm not into looks but I still want to date the Prom Queen....
My parents actually had a 1st gen ES, an ES250. The car that was mostly thrown together just so the LS400 wouldn't get lonely in the showroom. The Infiniti M30 of the Lexus showroom. Anyway, I actually really liked the 2nd gen ES, when it became the ES300. Your review car was never one of my favorites. I actually see some Ford Taurus in it's front styling. The Lexus still looks better though. The newest ES is without a doubt the best one by far. That grille looks microscopic in comparison to the spindle and has zero character or aggression.
Yea I always hated how this car looked one of the worst looking Lexus models to me but after I saw this one cleaned up and looking mint, and seeing some press photos of the time..it started to look strangely elegant 😅 although this design is still by no means my favorite
Es250s are extremely rare these days. Due to bad transmissions these cars ended up in junk yards. I have been looking for one for a while and all are in bad condition.
@@hobolyf Ironically, my parents now have a 2012 Camry, and a 1999 4Runner. I take full responsibility, when I talked my father into buying a 1983 Toyota Celica GTS. He has bought Toyota's and that one Lexus ever since. I learned to drive manual on his 1986.5 Supra. That was an incredible car. Not quite as good as the MK4 Supra though.
