Faults:

No problems so far.

General Comments:

One week after I bought this Lexus, I had new tires installed. I went with Michelin Hydroedge. The car had 4 brand new Coopers on it when I bought it. I hated to get rid of 4 new tires, but they were awful. They were so noisy I could not take it.

The car also had all new brake pads on it when purchased by me. I just know they were too noisy and squealed too much for me. I changed these two weeks after buying the car. I changed them to Raybestos Quiet Stop brakes.

I really love the instrument cluster in this car. It is so nice and bright which makes it really easy to read.

The carpet is too low quality for me. The carpet in the ES300 is something that should be put in a $15,000 economy car, not a Lexus.

The steering is nice and tight. The ride is on the stiff side.

I think it is strange that there was no automatic dimming rear view mirror offered since this is considered a luxury car.

It will take about another 100,000 miles before I can give a better opinion on how good this car is to own, but it does look promising at this point.

Faults:

The transmission failed at 91,000 miles, necessitating a complete replacement.

The original equipment tires had to be replaced three times within the first three years that I owned the vehicle.

The battery has had to be replaced twice.

General Comments:

The car handles well.

The car is comfortable to ride in.

The interior is fairly roomy.

There were virtually no mechanical problems with the car for the first three years that I owned it.

However, during that three-year period, the original equipment tires had to be replaced three times, and the battery twice.

Since the car has gone off warranty, the transmission has failed completely, the rear main engine seal has had to be replaced, and the front struts are also due for replacement.

Faults:

Barely perceptible noise from the sunroof cover early on. Dealer (Mission Viejo, CA) was all over the problem immediately with two testers in the car with me. They could barely hear it, but promptly gave me an RX300 to drive while they replaced the entire sunroof ass'y. Only problem so far.

General Comments:

It's fast, very quiet and luxurious. All 4 C-Series owners I know readily admit that the ES is a very impressive car; all express regret that they didn't buy or lease one.

Local dealer service is great. Neighbor owns a Mercedes S500 and goes on and on about how great her service is. Listening to the details, it sounds like that great service is normal for a Lexus owner.

When I bought it I heard MANY comments regarding Camrys, but always from people who, for some reason, drove comparative junks. Biggest differences I'm aware of with respect to the XLE would be sound, styling, trim line-standard equipment and ride.