Lexus ES 300

Price Paid:  $33500.00 from North Park Lexus

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 ES 330

Summary:
OK, I didn't buy the car...yet. My wife is going to go back to the dealership and get the thing tomorrow (the same wife that wanted a Lincoln LS...yuck!!). I drove the ES 330 this morning and was not impressed in the least. I will admit that the motor and transmission are both very good and work well together. However, the horsepower should be higher and other detractions cannot be ignored at this price. The suspension is spongy, it soaks up the first bump well but cannot handle multiple road corduroy. I know this car is for luxury and not sport handling, but there has to be a better compromise than this. Does the word land yacht ring a bell? The thing reminded me of my parent's old Buick. The seats are comfortable but other sedans that I have drive offer seats that are every bit as good for $10K less. The amenities on our test model didn't have heated seats and the ergonomics weren't up to the level of the Honda Accord. You get the picture. The bottom line is that this ES 330 does not provide much bang for the buck. It looks like and drives like what it is, a tarted up Toyota Camry. But for those out there that are satisfied to have Lexus written across their car, this one will do as well as any I suppose.

Strengths:
Smooth powertrain and transmission. Fit and finish. Lexus cache.

Weaknesses:
Spongy suspension. Lighweight doors do not convey an expensive feeling. Not much bang for the buck.

Similar Products Used:
Nissan Maxima Infiniti G35 Acura TL Honda Accord

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.83 of 5, 6.00 votes

Price Paid:  $33000.00 from Orange CO., CA

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 LEXUS S330

Summary:
There are definite frustrating transmission problems with the driving of this car. Jerking, long changing of gears, etc. There is some computer malfunction, I am told. While the agency repair people are sympathetic, they say these problems are inherent to the model and they can't fix them. They told me that Lexus knows about them. With a name like Lexus, it's a shame I can't have a pleasureable ride.

Weaknesses:
Transmission

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Price Paid:  $62000.00 from GoldCoast Australia

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 ES300

Summary:
This car is the best I can find. I'm an arthritic grandad and want a smooth, comfortable, QUIET car. The Lexus looks beautiful inside and out and I love the smoothness and quality. In traffic I drive in 4th gear rather than 5th and the transmission seems to behave better; more certain downshift when I accelerate quickly.Could be a bit more responsive though, but the car is for us oldies, not for young bucks and it behaves accordingly.

Strengths:
appearance, finish, sound system, predictable handling (soft and easy)seat comfort.

Weaknesses:
no memory for driver's seat positions (do US models have it?) no telescopic steering wheel, only tilt, no stereo controls on steering wheel.Looks a fair bit like a Camry

Similar Products Used:
Volvo S80, Lexus GS300 (sports) Mercedes "C" class,

Price Paid:  $32000.00 from Lexus of Orlando

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 es300

Summary:
Had transmission issues since day one. Brought car in for transmission "fix", but it had no effect on performance. Avoid getting rear spoiler on car as there are no hydraulics on trunk & it causes trunk to slam shut with the slightest touch. This major problem was reported to dealer because of the high risk to anyone leaning into trunk, however, they stated there is nothing they can do. Right now I am searching for another vehicle even though I have owned this car for less than 1 year.

Weaknesses:
transmission & trunk issues (with spoiler)

Similar Products Used:
1998 es300 (leased & enjoyed that car)

Price Paid:  $33298.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 ES 300

Summary:
After driving European sedans for the last 7 years, I bought the ES 300 because I was getting tired of all the repair bills on my 1999 Saab 9-5 (about $4000 in repairs over the last six months of ownership). The ES 300 is a much more refined car than the Saab. The engine is powerful but very quiet. I am very impressed with the transmission and have had none of the sudden acceleration stalling problems that others have noted. There is considerably less road noise than in the Saab. The seats are even more comfortable than the Saab's (which are quite good also). Handling is a bit different, but the ES 300's steering is still quick and responsive. The ES 300 also has much less body roll than the Saab. The only problems I've had so far have been rattles inside the car, which stand out more than in other cars because there is so little road and engine noise inside the cockpit. The dealer takes noise problems very seriously and has eliminated them all. I'm very pleased with the dealer experience so far. The Saab had a few features that are missing on the ES 300, but overall I'm very pleased and trust that I will spend considerably less time and money on repairs.

Strengths:
Excellent build quality, quiet, comfortable, responsive engine, good handling --did I say quiet?

Weaknesses:
No radio/CD controls on steering wheel -- a big disapointment

Similar Products Used:
Acura, Volvo, Saab