2003 Lexus ES

Not perfect, but close

By Nick (San Francisco) on Thursday, January 01, 2009

"I bought my first Lexus, a certified 2005 ES330 with only 10,000 miles on it. I owned a Toyota Camry before and wanted to step up. The ride is smooth and quiet. The styling didn't do a lot for me, but it grows on you. I love interior the best. The generous use of birdseye maple and the nicely stitched smooth leather are unequaled for other cars in the same price range. The car is very reliable as all I've had are the routine oil changes. The only big issue is the gas mileage has been terrible for me. I only get 25 at most on the highway and I always use premium. This may be related to the acceleration problem I have with the car. I got the dealer to look at it and was told that the transmission was reprogrammed to eliminate a hesitation during slow speeds. This is a common problem with the 2002-2006 Lexus ES. Although it fixed the hesitation, I have to live with poor fuel economy. Interior is very comfortable, but one minor issue is the center console squeaks because of a cheap plastic latch. This is unforgiveable for a car in this class. Overall, it's not perfect, but there are little features here and there that redeem the car. Things such as one touch window switches, auto climate control, steering wheel radio controls, rain sensing wipers, heating AND cooling seats, and rear sunshade. Oh, and the free car wash, lattes, and the wifi at the dealerships are great, too. I have gotten spoiled with these items and I miss them whenever I drive a rental car on trips."

15 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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Superior Vehicle

By JC (NC) on Saturday, June 21, 2008

"Best car I've ever owned. Now has 175,000 miles on it, as I'm in sales and drive approx. 35k miles yearly (I've had it for 4 years and have driven 148k of those miles). I just now spent the first cent outside of normal maintenance I ever have, and that was nothing but a fluke (some road debris underneath knocked the line loose going to the A/C evac. chamber, leaking onto my passenger floor). Quiet, silky smooth ride, decent power for anyone other than a NASCAR-wannabe, and simply pampers its driver in luxury."

13 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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very reliable worth every penny

By bj (MI) on Sunday, May 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 122,500

Pros: "ride , low maintenance costs"

Cons: "paint , scrathes easily"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased my 2005 es 330 in 2010 with 87000 miles and now have 122500. It has only required regular maintenance and those costs were minimum.After owning two bmw's that's a pleasure, i absolutely love this vehicle it still rides like a new car probably better than most. I will only buy lexus from now on."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Great car and great value.

By vjs (FL) on Friday, November 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 230,000

Pros: "Good on gas and comfortable to drive."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I will probably keep it for another 100,000 miles. I bought it used with 25,000 miles and it runs as good as the day I bought it."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Best Car for the Value and You Can Use Regular Gas

By Lisa the lexus lover :) (Encinitas, CA) on Sunday, September 28, 2008

"I test drove every luxury car you could imagine and kept going back to this car. The stying is great. The gas effiency is great for the size of the car and it drives like butter. I have not had ANY mechanical problem with this car. Any warranty proplems were cosmetic and taken care of (leather seats wore). I will never buy any other car than a lexus again. I feel safe, beautiful and stylish in this car. Best value over all!"

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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