Strengths are mentioned in the review.

None.

What a great car! Superb fit and finish, decent power and handling, perfectly layed out interior with just the right blend of luxury and functionality and (most importantly) very quiet while in motion. 2001 was the last year before the redesign that you see heavily advertised on TV these days. I prefer my 2001 even though there are more advanced features available on the 2002. The ES300 for 2001 was loosely based on the Toyota Camry; at the same time, there are noticable differences between the 2001 ES300 and the 2001 Toyota Camry (e.g., Lexus has frameless windows and the Camry has framed windows; the lines of the two cars are markedly different). The 2002 ES300 and Camry are practically identical in appearance.

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Decent looks, soft seats, real quiet inside, good resale value

needs hid lights on all models, steering vague, soft suspension needs about 30 more horse to compete so could my Catera,

The Toyota Camry it is a nice car O wait I mean Lexus ES300 it''s so easy to confuse them sorry. (Just a joke) Ok I drive a Cadillac Catera and I was trying to decide between a Lexus Es300 and the Catera and I drove both 3 sperate times. I found the Lexus suspension was a bit soft and floaty and steering wasnt very responsive. Dont get me wrong Toyota builds a fine car but one thing that got me was the Fact its a rebadged Camry and look Identical. And yes I know the Catera is based on the European Opel Omega. The Catera rides a bit firm but with a good set of tires you can say good bye Beemers when it comes to a sharp turn yes the handling is that good and once you put on strut bars and sway bars forget no one can touch you. well back to the lexus it rides like a dream, comfy seats, decent stereo but the Catera''s Bose system and HID lights and 12 disc changer and single slot cd up front really take it to the lexus. I did like the lexus for it elegeny style its subtle but I kinda like it, its hard to explain it just is a sharp looking car.

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I would have to say the engine is very smooth and the ride is great compared to the camry .... the heated seats still work great ... the sport / comfort suspension controller works great ... all these still work even after 63000 miles i am very impressed i havent had to take this car to the auto shop at all ....

Lights are weak ....the windows motor are getting weak ... the air pumps for the hood is getting weak ... thats about it

Well i think she is a really great car for a luxo / sport car i think she couldve gotton more HP but shes doing ok with 200 hp, her ride i very smooth and you can feel big bumps but say good bye to pebbles and little things on the road ( she ignored them ) this car is very powerful at times when she wants to be hehe i mean sometimes when i floor her she doesnt goes as fast as she is supposed to but she does on most cases....

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Acura TL is a very nice car but its like a honda to me ..... Lexus ES300 is like a toyota ... Toyota or Honda? .... Lexus Is Way Better Then Acura ... So i will deff buy the ES anytime

-- excellent reliability
-- silky smooth engine and steering
-- soft, comfortable ride
-- good (not great) stereo
-- overall luxury of cars costing more

-- cruise control loses memory below 20 MPH (subtle but very frustrating)
-- lack of in dash CD (6 changer in glove box)
-- awkward placement of cupholders in center console

The Lexus ES300 is an excellent value. It is incredibly reliable, like most Toyotas. Despite popular chat from auto enthusiasts and armchair "experts" who merely monkey what they have read or heard, this is not a Camry in a different body.

Biggest complaint is cruise control losing memory below 20 MPH. Toyota drivers will be acclimated to this; drivers of other cars who depend on or use cruise control frequently will be frustrated. Considering this is the biggest complaint, it is a wonderful car. If this is the nicest car you've owned, you'll feel like you have arrived.

If you want a sports sedan, this ISN'T your car. The ES300 has good pickup and takes freeway onramps with muscle, but it isn't a sports car. The handling is too cushy, the steering too loose, and the horsepower too low for a sports car. This car achieves its goal very well. If you want a sports sedan, look into an Audi S4 or nicer BMW 3 Series.

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-- Lincoln LS is sportier, more expensive, lacks refinement and dependability of any Lexus
-- Volvo S80 (but 2001 model has significant reliability problems)
-- Acura 3.2 TL (styling not as attractive, IMO)
-- Audi A6 (I wanted the Audi, my wife preferred the Lexus; I would get the Audi but in turbo model only, knowing I would sacrifice Lexus dependability)

Very comfortable and reliable car. I drives and looks better than most new cars. Not expensive to repair becuase I purchased Toyota parts instead. Also, there are plenty of aftermarket parts for this model.

Sunroof noise.

Very reliable at 150,000 miles. No major problems except for normal repair such as replacing the timing belt and radiator.

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This car looks a drives better than most luxury sedan.

quality inside/outside
comfy ride
prestige - will satisfy your vanity and willingness to show off your success at the beginning of your carier ( will not do,however, for a mature professional)

lack of real luxury features, like power tilt/telescopic steering, rear A/C vents;
heated seats are really HOT, may cause your hemorroids to act up.

A nice car for a young professional. Ride quality is excellent, descent handling and acceleration. Luxury feel. Looks best in black on black with chrome wheels. Overall, it beats M-B, Audi A6 2.8 in terms of luxury. Stereo is nice ( but not awsome). Back seat legroom and headroom is inadequate for large adults. In my opinion, it's the best choice in near luxury segment.

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Just few weeks ago, I returned my leased ES 300, and got 2002 Acura 3.5RL.
Acura is a superior car, is smoother, has more features, real luxury bargain.
Audi A6 2.8 is not as smooth and responsive as Lexus, but there you have quatro and german quality.
BMW 525 and M-B E320 are much more expensive, and everything there is optional, which makes them even more pricey -- and after all they feel cheaper and less luxurious than Lexus.

Excellent quality vehicle! Fit and finish are superb throughout. Extremely quiet and more than enough power. Great Stereo (Nakamichi) and the HID headlamps are wonderful.

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These are not inexpensive vehicles, but they are very high quality vehicles and dealer service is the best. The interior enhancements on the Platinum Series version take the ES to a little higher level. The HID headlamps are super at night and the Nakamichi Stereo is a nice upgrade, although the standard system is excellent. I would recommend the ES-300 to anyone. You will enjoy this car while driving it, washing it, and waxing it and you will be surprised at its resale value when you are ready to buy the next one!

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1993 Lexus ES-300. My '93 was a great car, 118K miles with only normal maintenance required. The car remained solid and tight and could have easily gone another 100,000 miles.

good dealer service

The handling is horrible. The nose dive and plow around the corner when breaking is very disconcerting. I originally thought this car was a quality luxury car, it is basically a leather ladden camry. The design and engineering of this car is not at the level of BMW or Mercedes-Benz. When my lease is up, I am going to get a BMW or Benz.

Engineering and design is not at the level of Benz or BMW.

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C Class, 3 Series

Smoothness, quietness, comfort, quality

Small back seat, price (when optioned out), wheels are downright UGLY unless you get the Millennium edition

Many criticize the Lexus ES300 as being a 'guised-up Camry', but really, what's wrong with that?? The Camry has an excellent reputation for reliability, and quality, it looks good (for 2000 anyway) and its quiet. The ES300 has all of these qualities, but even extends on them. The suspension on the Camry is a little too firm, but the ES300 corrects that problem. With the Millennium edition, the interior is gorgeous (black leather with bird's eye maple wood trim) The car can get pricey though, and its a little tight in the rear seating area....but still a wonderful car

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decent engine? gets attention from others

Engine too small, no torque. The car has no class, it's just a Camry, all plastic, no chrome, everything is flimsy and cheap. The A/C isn't strong enough. Too much wind and road noise. The car floats at high speeds and could be better in the snow. Trunk is too small.

The ES300 isn't worth a dime. My '91 Caddy blows it away in every area, including reliability. 130k miles, and no problems on the Caddy. Guess I didn't really need to buy the new Lexus after all. I already had the world. Hope the Lexus never bones itself, as I don't want to pay $7000 for an engine.

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1991 Cadillac Brougham. It doesn't compare to my Caddy. The Caddy is smooth, and powerful, and classy. The Caddy seats are more comfortable, the interior is bigger and quieter, and the trunk is big.