amf1932

I'm a little disenchanted with my 2003ES after driving it for 900 miles. The transmission is terrible! Would you buy one knowing that? I know they're trying to come up with a fix, but give me a break........this started over a year ago with the 2002 model and they haven't addressed this dangeous hesitation problem. I traded in my '94 ES which shifted and ran beautifully. I'm afraid to pass somebody on the road because of this.

Alan

lexusk8

I've never test driven a '02-'03 ES, but even so, if I knew that the transmission problem hasn't been fixed for the '03, I don't think I can see myself in the mindset of purchasing the car. Lexus can thrill me all they want with the exterior and interior improvements of the ES, but it really comes down to one word: driving. If I don't see any changes in the engine and transmission, then I see one critical component missing from the Lexus ongoing enhancement checklist. Just my two cents.

juan01

What a coincidence..... I got myself a 03 ES300 loaner two days ago. My 96 is gonna be in the shop till probably next Tuesday. Anyway, it's cool that I got another cool car to drive (last time they gave me an IS300).

Everything about the 03ES I like. I didn't know that little "stall" when accelerating was a problem, it's definitely noticeable though. Meh, I really don't care about it, I would trade my 96 in for an 03. But maybe it would be best to wait.

Yankees Diva

i really thought the redesign of the es was a great job, i didnt know it was having trany problems though that really sux and its a def. turn off for buyers. if they fix it thought that car is a nice car to buy.

~ Stella

RX300-BV

I feel the 03 ES's are under powered. When the ES gets the 3.3 enginge, and becomes the 330, then the car would be more appealing. But overall, I'm disappointed with its exterior styling, but still like the interior. With that, I would not purchase an 03 ES.

musicman

Until they fix and I mean really fix it (the tranny) I would wait. It needs more power like the others have said. Looks aside, when you are driving, you want 0 complaints from the "pursuit of excellence" mfg. They should admit a problem exisits with the trans, and go for an all out fix. The power can come in later.

steviej

iTrader: (1)

Most defineately YES. However with the knowledge that a 330 is coming, I would wait for the bigger powerplant. Even with the tranny issue, I would still consider it. I bought my car in Sept of 02 and waiting was not an option since the 330 is not supposed to be here until the next year. Will I trade to a 330? don't know. I have seen the 3.3L V6 that will be used, it comes in the 04 Sienna minivan. It looks identical to what I have got.

I feel the tranny issue is an inconvience and does not perfom shifting like I am accustomed, BUT the tranny does perform routine and even (some )panic shifting effortlessly, guietly, and smoothly. I have adapted to the car and know how it performs. I can accelerate the car just as someone would stomp a TL, or Maxima or what have you. Toyota says they are working on it, great, how do we know what we get won't be worse. Searching the literature/web has uncovered that this is not specific for the ES nor is it specific for Toyota/Lexus and most of all is rather common place in 5 speed and 6 speed automatics because of the increased number of gears to move to. I do feel it is an issue that need be addressed, but that does not deter from that the 02/03 ES is a solid well built driving machine that is very smooth, ergonomically functional, pleasing to the eye and ear inside and out. The motor is relatively easy to work on for the average driveway mechanic. The car comes with a plethera of safety features and ammenitites for the whole family not just the driver.

If I look at the car as a whole, and know what I know right now,
Yes, I would still consider buying a ES 300 or an ES 330. Without hesitation.

steviej

amf1932

I'd like to add that I love this car in every other respect other than this tranny issue.

Alan

jhenty

i cant tell if i like the 03 es styling or not, but when i went to an auto show and sat in the car i was extremely impressed with the fit and finish of the interior. By far it was the best looking, most solid looking, and luxurious interior for the money. If only the es was a better performer i would consider it in the future.

kreativ

The exterior of the new ES is not as conservative in design as the previous generations, and depends more on personal taste. But it seems most people can agree the interior is vastly more luxurious in the new ES than in its predecessors. Nobody called the ES a "Baby LS" before the '02 model year.

A previous-generation black ES with black pearl emblems and tinted windows looks really awesome. I didn't like the large, swept-back headlights of the new ES at first, but it grew on me.

XenonES3

I think of the ES300 as practical, reliable, luxury sedan with a dash of style thanks to the 02 redesign.

It's definately not the sexiest, quickest, or most nimble luxury sedan but it is very well rounded, and that's what people seem to like.

The sales numbers speak for themselves:
Here's data from www.autosite.com, for the month of April 2003, USA sales, comparing the ES to other notable luxury sedans

Lexus ES300: (5,299)
Lexus GS300: (852)
Acura TL: (4,899)
Mercedes C Class: (4,277)
Audi A4: (3,143)
Infiniti G35: (2,830)

In fact, the ES300 was just over 1,000 units back from the immensely popular BMW 3 series.

So, even if one wouldn't buy an 03 ES300, there were 5,299 people who did last month

amf1932

Xenon, Fix the link to www.autosite.com. You put in a comma after .com which prevents you from getting to that website.

Alan

njes300

I had a 03 es loaner for a couple of days and hated it . It drove like crap . But I love the interior . Exterior is iffy . IMO

XenonES3

thanks, didn't see that

gs400998

I got a 03 ES300 as a loaner for my recent visit to my Lexus service department. I like my 01 Avalon XLS better than the new ES300. I am not impressed with the engine performance and the A/T in this $36,000 ES300. Many 4-door FWD Japanese sedans have V6 engine with higher output ( ie TL Type-S 260HP, I35 255HP) and smoother shifts than my loaner. Lexus needs to improve the engine/transmission on the current ES300.