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2001
Lexus ES 300

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$31,505
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2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300 2001 Lexus ES 300

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Expert 2001 Lexus ES 300 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

I met the Lexus ES 300 a decade ago, when we both were young and looking for different things.

It wanted stardom, but it was a celebrity without talent, a gilded remake of the workaday Toyota Camry sedan.

I wanted spark and authenticity. The first ES 300 had none. We parted company, and remained apart over the intervening years.

Chance brought us together again. I inadvertently agreed to put the 2001 ES 300 on the test schedule. I was thinking BMW, as in 330i sedan, when the scheduler was saying “Lexus.” I realized my error when the car arrived — too late to say “No” without embarrassment, or inconvenience.

We were together for a week, the initial portion of which I spent in denial. The new ES 300 was good, discernibly better than its predecessor. It no longer looked or felt like a Camry, though it shared many Camry components, including structural elements and electrical switches.

But bias has its comfort zone. It prefers not to be disturbed by facts or other developments that challenge its hold on the mind and soul. Yet, some things are hard to ignore. They include excellent ride and handling, tightness, the beauty of polished California walnut trim, and the rich smell and feel of supple leather — all of which are part of the new ES 300.

The car also had something the Camry never had — sex appeal.

My wife, for example, never marveled over a Camry, which she likened to a shopping cart. But she drove the new ES 300 and fell in love. “I could drive it forever,” she said.

When your wife says something like that, and says it with a mischievous smile that seems to be saying something more, you take note. You say, “Yeah, baby. Ummm, hmmm. Wanna go for a ride?” I mean, if you have any sense, you say that, which is what I said. And, so, we went for a long ride.

It was a great date. A cheap one, too. The ES 300 didn’t use much gas. It got a teeny bit more than 26 miles per gallon on the highway — not bad for a car equipped with a 210-horsepower V-6 engine. The car ran well on regular unleaded gasoline.

It occurred to me that I no longer cared that the ES 300, stripped of its finery and mechanical tweaks, was just a good, solid family car. Hot-rodders won’t like it, but that’s okay. They can buy the flashier Lexus IS 300 sport sedan and pretend they’re driving a BMW 3-series model, or something better.

But I no longer need such pretense, which is fruitless anyway in comparisons of Lexus and BMW. The two makes are palpably different. Lexus is more genteel, more accommodating. It is to driving what a southern drawl is to speech. BMW is excruciatingly precise, demanding. Its speech is terse, guttural. It does not pretend to be anything else, let alone a Lexus.

No matter. Things worked out with the new ES 300. I did not want to argue or fight with or conquer this car. I wanted comfort, beauty and a goo d ride. It gave me what I wanted. I was happy.

2001 Lexus ES 300 review: Our expert's take
By

I met the Lexus ES 300 a decade ago, when we both were young and looking for different things.

It wanted stardom, but it was a celebrity without talent, a gilded remake of the workaday Toyota Camry sedan.

I wanted spark and authenticity. The first ES 300 had none. We parted company, and remained apart over the intervening years.

Chance brought us together again. I inadvertently agreed to put the 2001 ES 300 on the test schedule. I was thinking BMW, as in 330i sedan, when the scheduler was saying “Lexus.” I realized my error when the car arrived — too late to say “No” without embarrassment, or inconvenience.

We were together for a week, the initial portion of which I spent in denial. The new ES 300 was good, discernibly better than its predecessor. It no longer looked or felt like a Camry, though it shared many Camry components, including structural elements and electrical switches.

But bias has its comfort zone. It prefers not to be disturbed by facts or other developments that challenge its hold on the mind and soul. Yet, some things are hard to ignore. They include excellent ride and handling, tightness, the beauty of polished California walnut trim, and the rich smell and feel of supple leather — all of which are part of the new ES 300.

The car also had something the Camry never had — sex appeal.

My wife, for example, never marveled over a Camry, which she likened to a shopping cart. But she drove the new ES 300 and fell in love. “I could drive it forever,” she said.

When your wife says something like that, and says it with a mischievous smile that seems to be saying something more, you take note. You say, “Yeah, baby. Ummm, hmmm. Wanna go for a ride?” I mean, if you have any sense, you say that, which is what I said. And, so, we went for a long ride.

It was a great date. A cheap one, too. The ES 300 didn’t use much gas. It got a teeny bit more than 26 miles per gallon on the highway — not bad for a car equipped with a 210-horsepower V-6 engine. The car ran well on regular unleaded gasoline.

It occurred to me that I no longer cared that the ES 300, stripped of its finery and mechanical tweaks, was just a good, solid family car. Hot-rodders won’t like it, but that’s okay. They can buy the flashier Lexus IS 300 sport sedan and pretend they’re driving a BMW 3-series model, or something better.

But I no longer need such pretense, which is fruitless anyway in comparisons of Lexus and BMW. The two makes are palpably different. Lexus is more genteel, more accommodating. It is to driving what a southern drawl is to speech. BMW is excruciatingly precise, demanding. Its speech is terse, guttural. It does not pretend to be anything else, let alone a Lexus.

No matter. Things worked out with the new ES 300. I did not want to argue or fight with or conquer this car. I wanted comfort, beauty and a goo d ride. It gave me what I wanted. I was happy.

Safety review

Based on the 2001 Lexus ES 300 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
6 years / 70,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase.
Basic
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase. Coverage begins after completion of the 4-year / 50,000 new vehicle Basic Warranty.
Dealer certification
161-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.5
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • My 2001 Lexus es300 sat from 2021.

    My 2001 Lexus es300 sat from 2021. It's a horribly unreliable car, but only because after it got tossed around the owners have not been responsible for it and ruined it. 189k miles rebuilt motor, axles, alternators, cooling system, over 5k in parts and labor. It was tough, and now the transmission is clearly giving out. I can't say the car is trash because its one of many that were junked, I just wish it was taken care of. That's how much maintenance and history matters people!
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Dream car!

    I bought this car 20 years ago, and I have never once regretted it. I have driven it almost every day, and managed to rack up 446,000 miles. I kid you not! This car is a keeper!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • winner winner chicken dinner

    I purchased my 2001 Lexus es300 from a friend about 2 years ago for a big sum of $1000. It needed tires which I found at walmart for $40 each new. This is my first Lexus and definitely won't be the last. The Lexus has been very reliable even with 355,000 miles on the odometer. I took it to street night at the drag races and won the shoot out in it. It's not a speed demon with the amount of miles it has but it does ride smooth and I've had it going 115 mph. Everything works in the car, power everything and leather. The leather does show signs of age with a few tears here and there on the front seats but the rear seat is still perfect. The chrome on one of the wheels is coming off but with the miles I'm not complaining. Tune up parts are reasonable and I use 5w-30 full sythetic oil in it. It uses less than a quart of oil between changes but I spare no gas pedal with this car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I love this car. We have 3 people in the family wi

    This is my answer to my 57 Chev that I used to own. It goes in the snow beautifully! It's just a fun car to own.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • very reliable, always gets the job done

    good in all weather, stylish, comfortable, affordable, and overall, a great car for its price. wouldn't trade it for the world. I was driving down the road in my mom's 2014 Ram, and saw one of these baby's pulling 115 while the driver was huffing on a cigar, sunroof down, and the windows too. he had 2 kids in the back, and they looked like they were having the time of their lives. I thought to myself, that could be me and the boys! I was driving home, and saw a silver, 2001 Lexus ES300 for sale, by my friend's grandpa. I took him up on the offer, and now, I and the boys drive fast, eat fast food, and do fat burnouts in Walmart parking lots, across California. would recommend
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Off-roading
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very Reliable

    Excellent car, Reliable, comfortable, great sound, very happy with car. I bought another Lexus so I’m selling this if no one buy it I’m going to keep it as a second car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car

    I find its a great riding car but I have to sit closer to the front to reach the pedals and have trouble seeing out the mirrors. Do not like the cup holders, very inconvenient.car is 18 years old and still driving it. Awesome A!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable car I have owned

    I love it! Fits all my needs! This car is reliable, good on gas, lots of leg room, interior is in great condition! The best car I have owned!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Lots of extras

    The car met my needs, lots of extras. Great for traveling and great for extra luggage. Accommodations were super for 5 adults with lots of head room, back-seat air -conditioning and heating vent. Beverage and food accommodations for front and back-seat. Great head room space for the 6-feet and over people. cruise control was awesome.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Buy a Lexus!

    My 2001 Lexus has given me 17 years of excellent performance and driving pleasure! I paid $35k then and would pay double now to buy one again!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Clean always garages senior driver gorgeous.

    Perfect car we?ll taken care of Senior driver who made sure it was always perfect. Washed waxed and detailed continuesly perfect car for someone.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • BETTER THEN NEW .......SUPER....CLEAN

    ONE OF KIND ........WON'T LAST LONG........I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE...IT IS BETTER THEN NEW.....
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Lexus ES 300?

The 2001 Lexus ES 300 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Lexus ES 300?

The 2001 Lexus ES 300 offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2001 Lexus ES 300?

The 2001 Lexus ES 300 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2001 Lexus ES 300 reliable?

The 2001 Lexus ES 300 has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Lexus ES 300 owners.

Is the 2001 Lexus ES 300 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Lexus ES 300. 95.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.7
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