Lexus

ES 300

Midsize Cars · model years 1992 to 2003

The verdict

Best year: 2003. complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Lexus ES 300
Year	Trims	MPG	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints
1992	2Gas	18.5	$3,375	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
1993	2Gas	18	$3,450	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
1994	1Gas	18	$3,450	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
1995	1Gas	21	$2,950	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
1996	1Gas	21	$2,950	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
1997	1Gas	19	$3,300	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
1998	1Gas	20	$3,100	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
1999	1Gas	19	$3,300	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2000	1Gas	20	$3,100	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2001	1Gas	20	$3,100	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2002	1Gas	21	$2,950	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2003	1Gas	21	$2,950	0	0
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median1992: 18.5 to 2003: 21

Owner complaints1992: 0 to 2003: 0

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Lexus ES 300 to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.