By this eighth model year for the entry-level luxury sedan, the ES 300 had become the best selling Lexus. Nothing was added for the new model year, but two new exterior color choices became available. The ES also was offered in a limited production Coach trim, which was entirely aesthetic. By this time, Lexus had added a forth series of car: the sporty GS. The arrival of the GS seemed to signify a concession by Lexus, that the ES as it was could simply not compete with the BMW 5-Seies or the Mercedes E Class. The GS 300 was needed to fill that gap.
Still, the ES series sold as it did for a reason. While marked by reliability that stood well above many European competitors, the ES was quite luxurious and a fine performer. The 3.0 liter V-6 provided 188 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The ES 300 reached 60 mph off the line in 8.4 seconds, and completed a quarter mile in 16.4. Powerful brakes brought the ES from 60 to 0 mph in just under 140 feet. Firm but forgiving suspension and responsive steering rounded out the ride. When inside the ES, outside surroundings including traffic, wind, engine noise, and road hums are very muted.
In numerous consumer reviews, drivers report that their ESs have reached the 100, the 150, and even the 200,000 mile marks. While the ES 300 may not have been up to par with German sports performance, it had kept a steady pace in establishing its own image. The sedan had been hampered by its similarities to the less elegant Toyota Camry. However, 1996 was the final year for the second generation of the ES. After years of gradual improvements since its debut in 1989, the 1996 ES 300 might have been the last in the series that could be labeled as synonymous with the Camry.
4.2 Overall rating
(10 reviews)I've had this car for six years and have put 62,000 miles on it since I bought it with 104,000. In that time, the major expenses have been timing belts, a new starter, suspension, brakes, and one fuel injector. Recently replaced the alternator and belt, but did it myself. For a Lexus, it was actually an easy job. Good gas mileage; upper teens for city, and around thirty on the highway. This car has performed flawlessly on three cross country trips.
This car drives like a bat out of hell! But its looks are deceiving... The car looks good, but it has one major flaw... The cup holder and the cigarette lighter cant be used at the same time... very ridiculous. The car has good milage if you drive it calmly, but its hard not to with its v6. This car is very fun and very reliable. I have only had a few problems since I got it.
Acceleration is great along with the handling, appearance i wouldnt say is great but deff not horrible. driving a lexus is like driving on a cloud. if i had to get another car i deff would only want to get a lexus. no matter how old, as long as it has low miles
springs r way too soft. crazy ass body roll. acceleration is great but is very lacking on hills. braking is good but there is enormous amounts of body roll. still handles alright though. My car specifically does not handle bumps AT ALL. need to go less than 5mph for ANY bumps. hopefully this is just my car and not the whole lineup. Seems to be of great build quality as the chassis has gone through 170k miles and is still doing great. Few squeaks but i think its more from the suspension than nything. Interior is very good, I have full leather with premium sound system stock. Exterior is fine... not much to say. The car takes any grade of gas because the ecu learns to adjust for it. however, you get better performance and reaction time from the car with premium gas. You may also get better mileage with premium gas. Maintenance-wise, its normal wear and tear from more than 10 years of use with 170k miles. there are things that need repairs. The car is fun to drive to some extent.... definitely not a sports car. However, recommend it very much as lexus puts many features in the car.
1996 Lexus ES 300, was a beautiful car, drove well and was nicely appointed, just a bit too floaty, comfortable though.
1996 Lexus ES FAQs
What is the fuel economy of the 1996 Lexus ES?
Depending on the engine and options, the 1996 Lexus ES gets between 20 and 20 MPG (or MPGe).
What fuel types are available?
Gasoline engines are available.
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