1993 Lexus ES300 ES from North America - Comments

Dash board indicator lights went out twice.extremly costly

Radiator tanks cracked causing over heating at 90k.Installed a 3core from a Camry, lots better

Engine mounts broke and replaced at 70k.

Alternator/regulator burnt out at 71k.

Antenna malfunction at 89k.

Transmission shift problems at 100k.

For 6'2" people tight to sit into, once in leg room OK, head room short.

With 4 people in the cabin, and some luggage in trunk, vehicle bottoms out often.

Front seats with lower lombard adjuster are very comfortable.

Sound system very nice.6 CD changer stops functioning in the summer heat.

This vehicle travels well at 80+ speeds on freeways.

Wow, all the yellow smiley faces for these older Lexus ES300s is REALLY misleading when you start reading the reviews regarding the type of problems they have. I'm shocked (and quite frankly disgusted) to read review after review stating that the transmission crapped out around 100k miles and numerous issues with oil leaks. I think people don't realize how crappy of a car it truly is because they drive so nicely. It's misleading. My current '89 Chrysler Lebaron (yes, you read that correctly!) has NO OIL LEAKS and I've never had to replace seals. The transmission is original. And my oh-so-antiquated traditionally lit gauges don't give me issues. Even if they did, it's $2 to replace the bulb. These Lexus cars sound highly overrated, just like my old '87 Mercedes 300E was. Man, that was a truly unreliable car and NOT worth the money. My experience with Volvos has been better than most reviews I'm reading about these ES300s. I was considering one, but I think I've changed my mind. The '85 Volvo 240 I had several years ago was an exceptionally reliable car when I sold it at 164k miles. All it ever needed was 1 inner tie-rod, a new master cylinder, brakes, and tires in 164k miles of driving. Only reason I bought it because my Mom had just sold her '89 Volvo 740 turbo with 224k miles, with no issues from the engine or transmission. She replaced it with a '95 Volvo 940, currently with 164k miles and she's done NO WORK to it yet! Yes, the ES300 sounds very overrated with failing transmissions, failing $600 gauges, and issues with engine leaks. I'm royally unimpressed and dissapointed. Well at least its a pretty car.

I would rather be paying money to fix a Lexus than driving an ugly Chrysler Le Baron, even if it is reliable. And the people having problems with their Lexus don't maintain them properly. If a Lexus has all its services done it will go for 250K. My 1996 ES300 was traded 2 months ago with 212K miles for a new 2007 GX470. I had had no major problems with the 96 except for the needles. Car was always maintained on time at Lexus.

I also had a radiator crack at about 110,000 miles. The engine overheated at 150,000 & needed to be replaced.

My antenna also crapped out, & the transmission is now feeling mushy. Seems like quite a few recurring problems with this car.

Lexus has a 92% return customer buyback percentage-2nd highest in the auto industry next to Acura NSX's. Enjoy your lebaron. I would be worried people would confuse my sexual orientation if I drove one. Viva Lexus.

I have own a 93 Lexus ES300 for 14 years. Although purchased in 1993, it had 3500 executive driven miles when purchased.

It still looks and rides great. However, because of safety advances, if and when I find a make and model that measures up to my 1993 ES300's styling, front wheel drive, driving visibility, gutsy performance, and comfortable ride, I will replace it.

Yes, it has some problems. The dashboard lights were replaced several years ago, and there has since been an ongoing issue of flickering indicator bars. Also, since purchased, the ceiling dome automatically lights only when the front, not the rear, doors are opened. Lexus has not been able to fix this problem.

QUESTION:

The screw on my remote key came loose and the button fell out. Does anyone know if it would be possible to make my key operable by removing and then installing the remote button from another 1993 ES300 into my key?

HAPPY OWNER