1997 Lexus ES 300 Review - The Early Days Of Lexus Reliability!

[@paulwagner4028]

Pleasure working with you as well, thanks for coming out and reviewing my car! Next project is to replace all the struts to make the car ride better. My goal is to reach 300k, should be achievable!

[@dhillaz]

The condition of the interior is remarkable for a car of *any* age, great job taking care of it and good luck for the future.

[@dannyv5317]

I still got my 2000 Lexus es300 with 80k miles. Had it over 12 years now. Super comfy & silky V6. Rides smooth over these broken WI roads.

[@AutoRevLife]

80k?! How is it so low?

[@collinhiggins5689]

Dude that’s basically new for a Yota/Lexus lol I don’t know how bad WI winters are, but I bet you the drivetrain outlives the body.

[@kncars7]

Had one in the family since new until it was totaled by a college student at 210,000 miles. What a comfortable car, and it rarely ever needed anything.

[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 2005 ES330!!! Amazing

[@Ibrahim_g80]

Bro I see your comment in almost every video of this Lexus😭

[@fmifu4100]

It was between this car and a 2003 civic si. Went for the si because of the manual but i know this car would have been so reliable and comfortable I also find the es300 to be a timeless and beautiful design, even in the beige on beige but my absolute favorite is the white upper and cream lower. Something so beautiful about it

[@LifeAfterLosing]

Another thing about this era of Lexus and Toyota that I forgot to comment about was the build quality. Look at the panel gaps on that car. It’s more than 25 years old and the panel gaps were perfect. The hood alignment, the trunk alignment, all perfect. Most cars don’t even come close today in 2023. In fact, even Toyotas aren’t put together as meticulously as they used to be.

[@bldontmatter5319]

The newer Toyota Tacoma and tundra have panel gaps up to 3 inches in variation from top to bottom. Especially at the bumper region. Embarrassing.

[@LifeAfterLosing]

@@bldontmatter5319 yes they are not what they used to be for sure. I think the best panel gaps these days are honestly on the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis products. The worst is Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram. The rear end of the new Wagoneer is horrible on most of them. The panels are so off.

[@faheemabbas3965]

@@LifeAfterLosingthe Koreans have the best panel spacing? Too bad so many people still prefer the Japanese…

[@faheemabbas3965]

@@bldontmatter5319I mean, those are American-built Toyotas. Not the same for Japan-built Toyotas like the Venza and Lexus GX and LX.

[@LifeAfterLosing]

@@faheemabbas3965 it’s not scientific at all, just my own visuals comparing cars at car shows, or even at stoplights. 😂 I still think Toyotas are extremely reliable and probably more so than a comparable Korean brand, but they have slacked on the build quality they had in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Even the paint quality is not as nice as it was back then. I worked in a body shop right out of high school for a year and I remember the bodymen would hate getting a Japanese car to repair because it was much harder to recreate those panel gaps than it was on a Ford or Chevy of that era. 😂

[@damilolaakanni]

This is a Toyota Windom ( only sold in Japan) with a Lexus badge, even though it's heavily based on the 4th generation Camry of the era. And if you're wondering where the parking brake is, it's down by the driver's left foot (it's a pedal). The Camry didn't get that kind of parking brake until 2002 (5th generation), and even then, only the XLE got it.

[@abhilasha8292]

Windom is 2.5 V6

[@dalynhoogs9396]

Not true my wife's 94 camry has a foot e-brake with a hand pull release.

[@damilolaakanni]

​@dalynhoogs9396 that's most likely going to be the wagon, only the wagons had that. All sedans had the parking brake lever behind the shifter.

[@davidp2888]

I owned a 2007 ES 350 for a few years and the only thing that failed were the tire pressure monitor sensors. Very reliable car.

[@jasonn4597]

Only negative part is that the generation of that ES was the only one that requires premium gas while ES (06 or older, 13 or newer) doesn’t

[@davinp]

This was based on the Toyota Camry, which in 1997, became the #1 selling car in the USA. Though the style more boring, it is the most reliable sedan

[@dogie8c]

Don’t forget that this model was called the Toyota Windom in Japan. It was also offered with two V6 engines 2.5 & 3.0 liter engines.

[@damilolaakanni]

​@Brian_Eugene_Lee the 2002 ES kept this engine. It didn't get the 3.3 until 2004.

[@davidglad]

I still stop to admire ES300s when I see them in my work's parking lot. (RX, GX and so many others here too.. and my 06 Camry that originally was my dad's.)

[@Li68686]

I love old Toyotas

[@LifeAfterLosing]

Damn that is still a really good looking car. I could see them selling these now if they were slightly updated with modern interiors, exterior lighting, wheels, so on.

[@Osmium192]

When Lexus was hitting their stride. Love my 2006 ES330.

[@sherwindcunha9239]

This generation of the ES is still very very very very common in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Most examples are USDM ones and their conditions are really good. The locals swear by this generation

[@g.c.brooks7214]

I got a chance to drive a V20 Lexus ES back in the early 2000s. I was actually impressed with it. Sure it wasn't the most exciting thing on 4 wheels but it was handsome inside & out, comfy, luxurious, and the 1MZ-FE V6 made some nice growling noises surprisingly.

[@Brodii07]

I have a 2000 ES 300 for 6 years now Only problems I had were sensors replacing the shocks and struts in the next 2 weeks great car.

[@Jmdp.94]

And this chassis came with a manual gearbox! They were very few optioned with it (of course not many people wanted a luxury car that you had to throw the gears yourself) but rest assured, they are out there!

[@fmifu4100]

And i think they only came in the first few years of this model

[@dustinprenger1374]

This generation did not, you’re thinking of the 2nd Gen. that ran from 92-96. The 3rd Gen. (This one) and ran from 97-01 did not come with a manual.

[@ryanshoup7832]

my dad owned one back in the day. i bought one with 190k for $1500, fixed a few things, delivered pizzas with it for 2 years, then sold it for $2500 with 230k. comfy reliable car

[@kwaza8574]

The generation before it was so iconic, I guess Lexus felt it was only right to replicate/upgrade the ES exterior design. But the Camry of both generations were totally different.

[@naed323]

I got a 2001 as my first car with 147k miles for $5k so far it's been a pretty good car, it does have some problems like my power locks sometimes don't work and I do have a check engine light for an evap leak, but other than that it's very smooth on the highway and the sound system is pretty good for a 22 year old car plus the interior is in really good shape

[@Rey-uw8my]

I have the same year lexus with the same check engin light 95k miles

[@maxpower9175]

My 10 year old Lexus ES 350 is absolutely wonderful, best car I've ever owned. So comfortable, power when I need it, spacious, nice features that regular cars don't have.

[@joshuawick5382]

I think that this model of the Lexus is a beautiful car. I really like it.

[@noble20xx56]

I honestly admire these older Lexus cars. Really the earlier Japanese cruisers like this or the Acura TL from the same era! Their style isn't super imposing but calm and collected. Also this ride really shines on the highway too. The smoothness makes it the ideal cruiser.

[@DC-jy4zr]

I used to own a 1997 Lexus es300 I loved that car cause of the engine and the interior and the ride quality of that car I miss that car everyday it was so luxurious and a beauty

[@KosmikGawdess]

What happened to it?

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

A guy at work has this exact car, same color & everything; he brags about it every day!

[@danmccarthy4700]

My Crown Vic has a trunk-mounted gas cap release and I'm really glad it does because the remote release on the driver's door failed years ago.

[@willyhwang1059]

my 1998 GS400's 6-CD changer is in the glovebox my 1995 GS300's 12-CD changer is in the trunk my 2007 ES350's 6-CD changer is built into the stereo itself

[@bold4536]

Hi Zach. I own a similar type of car as well except mine is a 98 model. Rides like a dream and had zero issues except needed to replace the altinator, a hose, starter switch, brake switch, crank and pully. And as you mentioned a new timing belt You forgot to mention the frameless windows, and the factory subwoofer. Also the key for my car does not ooen the truck. I have to open it from the inside. Keep up the good work.

[@paulwagner4028]

Owner here, I didn't know about the subwoofer... I guess that's why the bass sounds so good!

[@martialartsmom]

Have my 1998 Lexus es300 with 119,000 original miles. I bought it in 2015 from a old lady. Love it❤

[@willyhwang1059]

the quality of interior built in the first 2 gens of ES is VASTLY SUPERIOR than that came after (early to late 2000s)

[@damilolaakanni]

This is actually the third generation ES. Not many people know that because the 2nd generation and this third generation look so similar.

[@350zlover2]

I love Lexus vehicles! I just hope they continue to be a quality reliable vehicle!

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

These friggin cars refuse to die

[@phillyspitta8147]

I had a black 00 es300 with 84k sold it at 180k did all maintenance and person still has it . I bought a silver es330 with the mark Levi threw a blue tooth adapter for Apple Music never had a problem 4 years in only had oil changes tire rotation n brakes to get since and I also own a is350 2014 but nothing beats the comfy es .

[@losingmyfavoritegame8752]

This "ES" a good looking ES300!

[@doug6191]

This ES300 looked SO much better and felt significantly nicer than the Camry on which it's based. People love to say "iT's A rEbAdGeD cAmRy", but the reality is....the Camry is more like a rebadged ES. Lexus ES engineers had a seat at the table when the 1992 and 1997 Camry was developed, unlike the ES250. The Camry was engineered up to Lexus standards. 3:30 - It was before the Mark Levinson era, but the top notch system then was the Nakamichi audio, which was phenomenal at the time. Can't remember if the ES had it, but I'm pretty sure GS and definitely the LS did.

[@kimochi33]

98 Toyota Avalon owner here. Closely related to this ES. These cars scream granny cars and it’s a good thing. Found mine collecting dust in a garage. Mint condition, well kept by grandpa. Absolute gem. Drive like brand new.

[@paulwagner4028]

Owner here, yes! Exactly this! I inherited this car from my grandparents. They kept it in their garage its whole life, did regular maintenance visits (besides replacing the engine gaskets lol), and they never abused/neglected it. The underside has very little rust and as you can see from the video, the interior is still in great shape. Looking forward for this car to last many, many more miles!

[@herniagaming]

This is easlily one of the best lexus design so simple yet unique

[@radudeATL]

I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I was “of a certain age” at the time when this came out. But I always thought this was a super-handsome design. I remember trying to convince my dad to buy one, even though he has never made Lexus money 😂

[@paulwagner4028]

Agreed. I love the taillight design, big and boxy! Kinda reminds me of modern cars with their light bars across the entire length of the trunk/tailgate. Classy and timeless.

[@Iuta]

great timing, been looking at this

[@nobleemperor9469]

a 3 years ago I was given this car as my first car. It was a 2000 black on grey only 30k miles. showroom condition. Sadly after a day of work A 78 year old man ran a red and totaled her. RIP Sexy lexy. insurance was a nightmare as they compared me to 200k mile cars. Great first car amazing sound system good good memories in that car

[@TheIsaeldelgadojaime]

Literally just purchased a ‘98 300 yesterday with 144k. Cosmetics could use a little TLC but as far as driving, it’s absolutely smooth and oh so comfortable to sit in for my daily commutes. Don’t love the color scheme, beige on beige but this far that has been my only complaint. Oh yeah my trunk doesn’t open either lol

[@Spiritual_DriverAE101]

Had a 2001 ES300. “Platinum edition” silver/ gray exterior. Black on black interior.

[@timothydowd4180]

I always liked the quality and reliable reputation these cars have and I saw them for many years as a teenager in my suburban neighborhood decades ago... they seemed quite popular. Also I like the conservative, more mature and sedate luxury looks with this era of Lexus cars.... the refined silvers, champagne golds, grays and whites... instead of the bright vibrant colors you see on less luxurious cars and economy cars. But I never bought one of these cars because I was always told they have little soul and are not fun or sporty to drive.... like a plush and gussied up Camry. I ended up in high school with my first car in 2003 as an Audi A6 2.7T and never wanted a Lexus.... I prefer German driving dynamics over a Toyota Camry like experience. After all of these years, I still have never owned a Lexus because of this thinking and I see so many other cars I would rather have, which are usually BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Infiniti, etc... cars that are more driving enthusiast oriented.

[@Bawvers]

just sold my lexus, exactly this spec/color. i regret it.

[@damilolaakanni]

The previous generation of the Lexus ES300 (looks very similar to this) was the last one to get a manual transmission (it was a five speed). Tyler Hoover had one.

[@devincolon7690]

i want one so bad, looking for my first car and it’s so hard. all these people wanna sell their beaters for premium😭

[@mikeoxlong9009]

I got one in 2017 for $950 now I look and they’re $3000

[@xBeeGee]

Bought mine for $3200 last year with 159k miles

[@CookingEmail]

How is it treating you ?

[@xBeeGee]

@@CookingEmail sold it but it was a solid car would definitely own another. Upgraded to an 06 Lexus LS430

[@Lynn-ph2gf]

Bought one of these at the auction with 303000 miles and 1 fuel injector needing to be replaced and it still runs strong

[@Metalodeath]

This Is definitely my favorite Lexus es generation and yes I do miss when leather seats were actually comfy and not rock hard!

[@s52pana]

Just bought one. Needs rack and pinion replaced but it rides so smooth and just feels comfortable.

[@SUB-Entertainment]

My favorite car. I drove till 240 k sold ..missed it. Never gave me an issue. Gare ratio is not the same as today's 4 speed I used to get 60 mph at 2k rpm

[@joey86bu1]

Funny story... The L stands for luxury... The ex stands for export... the us stands for the US.

[@xFactoryUSA]

Yeaaa except other countries got Lexus vehicles at the same exact time the even older ones came out.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Apparently it’s based on Latin words, not the whole Luxury export for USA thing. Plus, in Japan this car was sold as the Toyota Windom. LS 400 as the Toyota Celsior. First gen RX as the Toyota Harrier.

[@coolbud356]

I am driving 2000 es 300 with 43.1k miles on it.

[@dave11686]

What a neat car. I drove one a few years ago

[@PopcornPorkrinds]

We had a 98 untill a few days ago . We put that car trough hell and did 0 engine maintenance . About 120k miles on it . We just picked up an RX traded in our car for a whooping $250 cause the car was also leaking oil for a few years. I couldn't believe it didnt die . I do have a good bye video but im unsure if i want to upload it. Id like to also mention I drove it into a ditch and my wife rear ended a vehicle last year .

[@gm12551]

A couple of reasons!? You mean something other than 2!!!?

[@robertvance1873]

My 02 Camry XLE V6 is basically this Car

[@damilolaakanni]

Not quite. That's related to the 2002 ES300 which had a new design but the same engine.

[@robertvance1873]

@@damilolaakanni what I meant was my car had basically every option the Lexus had of the same year because my neighbor had a Lexus same year as my Camry and options were identical

[@jetsgo66]

@@robertvance1873next time you replace your suspension struts use the Lexus model and it’ll ride like one too. The sound dampening would take a lot more work to replicate though

[@ghettomist1575]

Wow the interior is very nice for the mileage. You could tell me it has 100k miles and I would believe you. Good owners!

[@rafterman02]

Back when the Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES both shared the 3.0 and 3.3L 1MZ and 3MZ-FE V6 but not the 2.2L 5S-FE or 2.4L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder, which would have been a ES220 and ES240.

[@Bob-kp6sp]

The only car I have owned for under 24 hours 😂

[@faheemabbas3965]

What happened with it?

[@phillyspitta8147]

Had one these with 60k n bought a trd supercharger kit and it was stolen n stripped bare 😭 when found . Got a es330 mint condition from insurance money but I still like this gen body style better then mine .

[@yourpillow454]

I have a maroon 97. Best car I have owned period

[@za4117]

The 99-01 ES300's that have the VVT-i 1MZ engine used the U140E transmission, rather than the A541E in the non-VVT-i 1MZ, and there are a significant number of transmission failures when Toyota used that transmission in this model and the RX300.I think it was a bearing issue in these but yeah, if you are looking for a 99-01, be wary that they have weak transmissions.

[@RakeshPathak-lu8yc]

I am planning to buy which year should I I have to buy between 1990 to 1999 so which year should I avoid not to buy Thanks

[@MrFallingstarr]

I always know if I'm wondering about an older vehicle I see on the road, Zack always comes through. So thanks for this!

[@miguelpaul1164]

This is my car and i love it. 190k. Was my mom's. Its rare navy blue color.

[@ruzzelladrian907]

Current Lexus leather isn’t genuine leather. They use synthetic leather now called NuLuxe, which is unfortunate, because that was the point of buying a Lexus over a Toyota - you get genuine leather.

[@bwofficial1776]

You could do a lot worse for a used car than a Lexus. It'll still carry you around in comfort and reliability for cheap. These cars last forever. The front and side look Camry-ish but the back could be mistaken for an LS400. This car looks to be holding up far better than my old 2001 Mercury Sable with a third of the miles.

[@johnnydubb]

The reason you couldn’t unlock the trunk via the remote is because there is a switch hidden in the glove box that locks and unlocks the ability to open the trunk.

[@paulwagner4028]

Owner here, yes the glove box button was in the locked position. Regardless, the button on the fob does not work even if the glove box button was in the unlocked position. Good catch!

[@mc_sim]

One and only one thing pisses me of in Lexus of that era (and next also) is lack of auxiliary port. Why? You Can't connect phone to it amd have to use some sort of workarounds. 😢

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Such a cool car! First time I even knew of this cars existence was when HooviesGarage bought one for $200

[@nickster102559]

When you opened the glovebox the valet switch was activated for the trunk That’s why it didn’t open

[@ShootingCars]

Tried it both ways, but good eye!

[@paulwagner4028]

Owner here, yes the valet switch was activated in the trunk, however the trunk button on the key fob doesn't work regardless.

[@willyhwang1059]

Gen 1 and Gen 2 ES look the best to me. everything that came after, were/are trying to hard.

[@SolfernandoGomez-ud3qb]

Lexus es300 1998 Black in color with Baige interior Leather seats

[@wandreslopez30]

Hello, thanks for the Review. Do you know if it is still possible to get all its spare parts or parts, example transmisión, electrónics, engine internal parts, thermostat, water pump, oil pump etc? or is it difficult? I very much appreciate your response. Greetings

[@simslim28]

Very clean example ! wow

[@paulwagner4028]

Owner here, thanks! I inherited this car from my grandparents and they did a great job at keeping it clean. I'm very grateful to own such a clean example!

[@1994CPK]

my es300 has 254k and it looks like a turd with peeling outer coat and a grill that fell off due to the plastic breaking. I will keep driving it and maybe repaint it. The power steering leak is atrocious.

[@kiraleaf]

I want a debadged RHD IS 300.

[@dogie8c]

Isn’t that a Toyota Altezza?

[@gertstolk]

Yes it is, I've seen them in New Zealand

[@faheemabbas3965]

Toyota Altezza.

[@damson_jmonay42069]

Why do the radio sound adjustment buttons pop in and out? Is it just so that they're easier to grip when adjusting, or does it have a secondary function? Very fun and cool gimmick either way lol

[@paulwagner4028]

You're exactly right. They pop out just to make the buttons easier to grip and twist. I find it very useful tbh!

[@nickhudson4726]

So also it prevents the settings to be adjusted when you press it in, so you can “lock” them in

[@damson_jmonay42069]

​@nickhudson4726 that's so thoughtful!!!!

[@Spiziked23]

This was my first car. I totaled it. I regret it. I'm sad now.

[@15voltz]

I used to ride one… until my dad retired it in 2023…

[@luban2214]

My first car is it's brother Toyota Windom

[@Anderson-ky6ps]

sensacional 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Rebadged Camry, as most Lexi were then.

[@hampter2005]

Hampter

[@willyhwang1059]

LEXUS Luxury EXport to US

[@CoolAce1]

You keep saying old car. You don't know what you're talking about. This car is just about as modern as a brand new car.

[@tpolerex7282]

Drives like a Buick.

[@xBeeGee]

Zach I sent you a request to review my 99 ES300 Coach Edition but you never responded 🥲

[@bl1nk]

"2nd grade is a really good age" ayo.