Lexus ES 300/ES 330

ripinrocket · July 2001

And the September 2001 issues of all the major magazines should have pictures of and maybe, a short test drive of the 2002 ES300 and Camry.

The Sept. issue is due in my mailbox in about a week!

ecaf · July 2001

http://www.clublexus.com/vb/showthread.php?s=00c77bc4f4e7e363b0beac2a2df0a73a&threadid=18579

Enjoy

afinegold · July 2001

Thanks for posting the drawings, ecaf, but to me it looks like the wordsmiths that created the translated text for the drawings worked harder than the designers did. I can't say that I'm impressed with these pencil drawings, and hope that if they're the Real McCoy, that the car itself, in person, looks more elegant and desirable.

Al--

jamrock4 · July 2001

Good job ecaf. I have to agree with afinegold. I was expecting Lexus to do a better job with the redesign (assuming this is the real deal). However sometimes a car will actually look more impressive in real life than a picture. Therefore I am still hopeful that I will be satisified with the look of the finished product.

ripinrocket · July 2001

From the pics, it looks like Lexus is finally tossing the frameless doors for the ES300. Yeah!

ripinrocket · July 2001

Duh. Forget to mention, I think from those sketches, the ES300 will look pretty good in real pictures.

Waiting, waiting, waiting for that issue of MT in a week.

s852 · July 2001

I don't see anything wrong with the way the new ES300 looks in the "official pics."
It looks similar to the currect ES300 in front and more like an LS400 in the rear.
Pricing is my only real concern. It does not have hideous looks.

robert_s_22 · July 2001

It actually looks like I thought it would i.e. scaled down LS430. I think it will surprise everybody with it's new interior, options, and refinement. I'm sure it will be smooth as butter just like the new LS. I talked to the dealership though and he's heard mid to high 30's in price. This seems a bit steep, anybody know for sure ?

s852 · July 2001

If it is as smooth and quiet as the current LS, then the price will be fine since it will nicer than all the competition. Even the current ES sticker can get to high 30's if you completely load it with every option. The difference is that the current ES can be had with hefty discounts from that high sticker.
The current ES300 is nowhere near as smooth and quiet as an LS, in fact it isn't even as smooth and quiet as a 2001 Acura TL. The age of the design really is showing in the 2001 ES300 models.
If anyone here knew the exact pricing and could disclose it, I'm sure they would post it with needing to be asked.

strapper1 · July 2001

Just what you have all been waiting for.... get down to your favourite book store and find a copy of Consumers Magazine titled 2oo2 car and truck reports September issue and they list the 2002 es300 with a nice picture and description.It looks very nice has framed windows,5 speed auto,same size engine that has been tweaked to give better gas consumption,side curtain airbags.It has 2"longer wheelbase,1"longer overall,1"wider and 2" higher.Consumers has already tested it and gave it an excellent rating. Glad to be able to give all you Lexus loyals this information Better get your orders in soon.regards strapper1

peter7777 · July 2001

I can't quite decide whether I like the front headlamps on the 2002 ES, but I am fairly certain that I like the 2001 design better. Perhaps the front design will look better over time. What I really want to see is the instrument cluster on the 2002. The 2001 designers did a really fine job with the electroluminescent display on the ES. Can the 2002 improve on that?

s852 · July 2001

It's a little early to be making any strong judgements on the looks of the headlights or the whole car for that matter.
When there are some clear, real, color photos or you can see one in person, then it will be worth debating.

ved3 · July 2001

Thanks Ecaf,

that's the same 2002 ES design pic first
introduced by Tomkun and then Mathtype. but it's
in black/white here. yet no one really made
comments on it before. Now everybody believes
that is truly the 2002 ES. Why? because of the
ClubLexus logo on top of page which makes it
more believable?

If it is the all new ES, I'm not disappointed
at its looks. It does look like a scaled down
LS430 but more sporty flavor up front. People
asked for the return of clear lens and I guess
Lexus again listened and delivered. It should
be a success and the price should remain
competitive as this is part of lexus formula
for success.

ecaf · July 2001

"Now everybody believes that is truly the 2002 ES. Why? because of the ClubLexus logo on top of page which makes it more believable?"

Hee hee hee hee!!! The ClubLexus logo hardly makes it more believable. Unlike previous pictures, these appear to be dealer literature as opposed to "just" sketches and enhanced spy pics. Then again, I could be wrong...

About the forum at ClubLexus.com, it's a great resource for ES300 owners. I supposed edmunds is better for potential buyers. Besides ClubLexus.com, I encourage all to check out the forum at CamryMan.org and the forum at teamsc3.com. You'll learn (and maybe share) a lot about your ES!

About the new ES300, I commend Toyota for the gutsy new peeled-back headlamp design. Plus, there is a family resemblance to the SC430, Celica and (maybe) the LS430.

afinegold · July 2001

Believe the headlights depicted are called Gatling Gun or semi-Gatling Gun headlights, aren't they? One of Lexus' competitors (can't recall which one) already has them or is putting them on its 2002 model.

Al--

ecaf · July 2001

"Gatling Gun" is Nissan-speak for its seven-lens Xenon HID headlamps on the Infiniti Q45. It consists of seven little projector lenses that supposedly eliminate the need for foglamps. Yeah, I'm a little skeptical. The 2002 ES300, on the other hand, uses freeform reflectors for HID, rather than projector beams. Nonetheless, HID puts out 2.5 times the light of halogen. It's been available on the ES since 2000 (and GS & LS since 1998). It will probably be standard for 2002.

lenscap · July 2001

I found the Consumer Reports guide on the 2002 cars -- and the all-new ES 300 is in there! (The cover of the magazine, by the way, has the titles in metallic blue.)

The picture of the car does like beautiful.

Some of the new standard features:
1. Curtain side airbags
2. 5-speed auto transmission w/gated shifter
3. 16-inch wheels
4. Trip computer
5. Dual-zone auto climate control
6. Auto up/down for all windows

Available options:
1. Navigation system w/3-position tilt (it sounds like there's a power-operated cover for the screen)
2. Mark Levinson audio
3. Power rear sunshade
4. HID lights w/rain-sensing windshield wipers
5. In-dash or console-mount CD changer (location must depend on if you get the nav)
6. Brake assist, vehicle stability control and traction control (the last item standard in 2001)
7. Adaptive variable suspension w/4 settings

Unfortunately, the engine is carried over from 2001, although gas mileage does go up by 1 mpg.

Overall, love what they have done to the car. I only wish they had bumped up the power a little, but considering all the other stuff offered not even available on the competition I'm okay with it. Besides, if they had made the car one second faster 0-60 would I really have noticed much? The car should be as fast as the 2001 because the weight only went up 66 lbs.

domettg · July 2001

The picture in the consumer magazine is not that good so I will reserve judgement on styling only to say at this time that I had hoped it would look a little sportier. However, I will again express my extreme disappointment that the engine has remained the same. I can't believe, with all of it's wonderful technology, that Lexus didn't "find" another 10 HP and 10lb/ft of torque if for no other reason other than marketing. They say the engine was tweaked for better mileage. I one more mile to the gallon going to make the difference whether of not you buy a Lexus? Also, the magazine stated that the 5 speed automatic is very smooth but a little slow to downshift when passing, etc. This compaint has been lodged against almost every Lexus model including the LS430 by almost every car rag and review and it is certainly a problem on my '99 ES300. The lag is so bad that it is sometimes dangerous when going to change lanes on the highway and you go to kick it down when you realize the person coming up in back of you is going faster than you first thought. Is Lexus getting away from one of the things that made them great and not listening anymore? Are they not reading the car rags? Everybody has been asking for more power so what's up with this? An ES330 with ~250HP would have been right on the mark. I love [non-permissible content removed]. cars but they always seem to hold back when it comes to engine size and power. The Toyota T100 truck is a perfect example. It missed the mark because it was underpowered compared to it's American counterparts. They finally got it right with the V8 Tundra. The orignal GS300 is another example. Very nice car and very nice design but the performance was not worthy of a Lexus costing ~$50K. Then they got it better with the re-design. The 1990 LS400 and Q45 were notable exceptions. Maybe Lexus has too many offerings now and they are starting to crowd out one another. Maybe the ES should have been moved slighly upscale, say an ES330 or even ES350 and discontinue the GS300 and just keep the GS430. Anyway, I think they are going to lose the younger demographic with the new ES. There is the 30 - 50 year old group that wants a luxury performance sedan but can't afford a GS and wants something larger and more luxurious than the IS300. IMHO, that group is going to switch to the Acura 3.2 TL-S or maybe even the 3.5L 260HP Maxima even though they are not as refined ( and save some money in the process) and the ES will be bought by the 50 and up crowd. Again, just my humble opinion.

alpha01 · July 2001

just for reference, so anyone else can find it more easily, the publication with the 2002 Lex ES is CONSUMER GUIDE, September 2001 edition, NOT Consumer Reports. (the two publications are thankfully unrelated, but often confused) There is a pic of the Ford Thunderbird on the cover.
~alpha

alpha01 · July 2001

I fully understand and respect your opinion, but I don't feel that "losing" the younger demographic (with the new ES) is something that concerns Lexus. To that end, they offer the IS, now with manual shift and sportcross (read: miniwagon)models available. I too am disappointed that the ES gains no power, but I don't think this will hurt the car at all. 8.3 seconds to sixty (Car and Driver, March 2000) is not by any stretch slow, and more importantly, passing times are swift enough if not class leading. About the auto and downshift issues: there are times that the tranny won't downshift even when the accelerator is floored? If so, I understand your upsetment, but I have never encountered this problem with any Toyota 4speed auto trannys I've driven. Also, can't you just downshift on your own by moving the gearshift level (if you want a two gear downshift, for example, from 4th to 2nd at like 50-60mph...anything significantly higher than that would probably overrev the ES engine(?))
~alpha

ripinrocket · July 2001

The 2002 ES300 should be quicker even though weight is up 66lbs. and power remains the same.
The extra cog in the transmission will help it accelerate more swiftly. I would say about a 1/2 second should be shaved with the 5-speed automatic.

I'm sure Lexus is holding off until 2003 for a new engine & power increas.e

qibble · July 2001

Hello all,

Just wanted to let everyone know that MotorTrend has a detailed review of the 2002 ES 300.

IMHO the car doesn't look that great, interior as well as exterior. It really looks camry-ish if you ask me.

ctrowland1 · July 2001

I take it pricing was not mentioned in the Consumer Guide.

lenscap · July 2001

Sorry about the mix up betwwen Consumer Reports and Consumer Guide. There were no prices listed.

Here are the reasons why I'll buy the new ES even with the existing engine:

1. Since I have a 1995 ES, I am totally spoiled by the dealer service. No other dealer of another make that I have been to comes close.

2. I really love my current car, and the new one will just be better and updated.

3. There really is no other car I'd rather have. I like the BMW 330Ci, and while I could afford it I won't buy one because I don't think the car is worth it (the one I priced was about $42,000). Besides, the car is SMALL. The Infiniti I30/I35 I won't consider because Infiniti, while good, has a terrible lineup and does not market their cars well, which hurts the perception. Besides, there is almost no difference between the I30 and Maxima; many shared parts inside and out. The Acura TL-S is nice and well-built, but lacking in the luxury department. The car just does not feel special. To me, Lexus has a certain aura. I love being in the showroom and gazing at the LS and SC. I can't say that about Acura. The Benz C320 is overpriced and small, and for business reasons I wouldn't want a car with the three-pointed star. Anyway, a lot of people must feel the same way I do. I am in my early 30s, and two of my close friends have ES 300s (one is on his second). And I know of two other early 30-somethings who also have ESs. It is a prestigious, (realtively) affordable car; really the perfect car for a lot of people my age.

domettg · July 2001

1. The IS300 is fine for the younger demographic looking for a fun, small sports sedan. However, I for one want a larger, luxury sports sedan that I can take on long trips, i.e., roomy and comfortable with a quiet, smooth highway ride but is still fun to drive when I put it through it's paces. I think with the right styling and right engine, the ES3XX could be that car. It pretty much is that car now and if the competition wasn't raising the performance bar, we probably wouldn't even be having this discussion. I aggree that 8.3 sec. 0-60 is not slow but we're talking about a Lexus and shouldn't it be class leading in most all categories?

2. Regarding the transmission, I'll give the basic scenario that many others have also complained about. You are drving along at about 40mph when you decide that you want to pass someone or just pickup speed quickly. You depress the gas pedal enough to cause a downshift into 2nd gear but there is a hesitation of almost 1 second before the downshift actually occurs. It's as if the car takes a deep breath, thinks about it a bit and then finally does it. I have been trying to find out if this is a software issue with the electronically controlled transmission or if it is a limitation of the mechanical design. It might be part of a Lexus design philosophy because I have driven many other manufacturers cars that downshift alot more responsively. Yes, manually dropping into 2nd is an option and I do that on occasion. But sometimes in busy traffic, I forget to do that since I am driving an automatic. If this delay is a design philosophy, I would love to know what it is because if it is not, I'm sure that Toyota has the technology to correct this.

3. Maybe Lexus has a midlife kicker planned in another year or two that will increase the engine size the way they did with the GS400/GS430. Could it be that they were kinda caught by surprise and didn't realize that the competition was going to be upping their engine size and power by so much and they didn't have time to address it now?

ved3 · July 2001

Hey all,

Domettg is on a "relentless pursuit of making
a point". Lexus might put a larger engine in
the ES just for you. wait til next year. I
don't think they will ever ignore consumer
testimonials. Being passionate about customers
needs made them #1 with their customers. loyalty
has to be mutual. And the IS300 is very luxurious
inside more so than in magazines. I think they
will increase its dimensions to compete with
BMW. Teens seem to like it and they will be
young adults soon. So I think the IS is geared
for future lexus customers. The ES has its own
type of customers. It should be fine.

Lenscap are you trading in your 1995 ES for your
new 2002 ES? It would be really difficult for
me to replace my beloved ES too. don't think
I'll do it.

about tranny,
I don't know what you guys mean about manually
downshifting. you're talking about an automatic.
We're probably splitting hair if "1" second is
considered slow in downshifting. I've not had
the problem you mentioned you had on the highway.

Quibble,
I can't find the 2002 ES news on the Motortrend
website.

Ecaf,
I'm glad you understood my joke about the ClubLexus logo. I tried to enter that site before
but you need a membership to get in.
Thanks for giving us the link.

qibble · July 2001

ved3 - Since it's the latest issue of MotorTrend it won't be on the web site. You have to go to your local magazine shop for the article. If MotorTrend were to put it's latest magazine on-line then there would be no need to buy the magazine. The article will probably appear on-line in about a month when a new issue hits the stands. For those who can't wait you go to the news stand.

mathtype · July 2001

Just for fun, I compared the Consumer Guide ratings for the ES 300 2001 model (in the June issue) and the 2002 model (in September). I say "just for fun" because CG, by its own admission, only had a preview drive of the 2002.

The ratings were the same with three exceptions:
Instruments/controls -- 2001 wins by 1 point (compared to the 2002 w/o nav; 3 pts with nav)
Front room/comfort -- 2001 wins by 1 pt
Cargo room -- 2002 wins by 1 pt

On another issue, my wife drives a '94 ES 300, I drive a '00 BMW 323ci, and we both love our cars. As the French say, chacun a son gout -- to each his own. Moreover, at the moment it looks as if we'll soon be replacing the Lexus with a 2002 ES 300.

jamrock4 · July 2001

Saw the 2002 ES300 in Consumer Guide and the car just seemed so-so. I believe qibble described the car as being camry-ish which is a perfect description. It just does not seem to have the aura of a luxury car.

Everyone has already expressed disappointment with the engine no need for me to add any comments there. On the positive side of things I like the fact that they included side air bags. Brake assist is another positive option as well as vehicle stability control (I am kind of suprised these options including traction control are not standard).

Have not seen the interior and so I cannot comment on that. I only wish I did not have to wait until October to see the actual vehicle and do a test drive.

I was hoping that seeing the first picture would motivate me to plunk down a $500 deposit but I am just not turned on right now. Perhaps after a making a date for a test drive in October I might be wooed by her personality and at that point I might consider a long term relationship.

brian42smith · July 2001

I just saw the photo of the 2002 ES300 in the Consumer Guide and.....was disappointed. How BORING. I kept thinking "I hope this photo is a mistake - maybe it is a Camry". It sure looks like one.

I put a $500 deposit down 2 weeks ago, and will wait to drive the car, but likely won't buy now. I expected much more from Lexus. We have a 1999 RX300 and a 2000 LX470.

I think the 2001 ES300 is much sportier looking than the 2002 and appears, based on the photo, more luxurious. Right now, I'd say the odds of me buying one of these is 10%. Last week, it was 90%. I expected a car that had some styling pizazz, like the SC430 (love it or hate it, it isn't BORING).

I hope I'm wrong, and that the photo is deceiving, but I think Lexus missed on this car.

Brian

s852 · July 2001

You guys sure are putting a lot of faith and weight into some pictures that are not gauranteed to be correct. Obviously the car is not going to be made less luxurious than a 2001.
It's time to calm down and wait until there are official real and clear photos (not drawings or guesses by artists of what it might be like) of the actual car.
People will have plenty of time to cancel your deposit when the real photos come out.

dardson1 · July 2001

One of the pleasures I get by having a wife who drives an '01 ES300 (me??? I drive a Sienna)is hopping into the thing occasionally and running to the store. There are many parts that are common in her Lexus and my '01 Sienna XLE. The darn things even smell the same (leather I guess); but you guys who drive them on a daily basis don't get to experience the fun of rediscovering what a delicious car Lexus makes.
I suppose the "guts" are the same, and while I'm in deep "like" with my Toyota, I absolutely love that darned Lexus. I've had more than my share of gotta-have vehicles since 1980, and I've never driven anything that comes close to the to the Lexus blend of drive/ride/quiet. Best of all, I get to rediscover it once a week.
Toyota and/or Lexus have a tall order, trying to up the current ES300. Could it be a bit bigger inside...I wouldn't complain...does it need to be a bit faster....fine by me, but how much faster does it need to go.....I just hope they don't screw it up.

afinegold · July 2001

Hey gang, it may be a little too early yet since we haven't seen the 2002, but does anyone think we could figure out a way to get a Lexus or Toyota rep on this board to do Q&A after the ES300 is publically released?

We'd have to keep the questions friendly and "professional," so as not to irk anyone, but wouldn't it be awesome if we could actually get a designer, an executive, or even a PR representative to have an occasional dialogue with us?

Al--

dfb2 · July 2001

I have a 2001 ES300, purchased 3/01 with 3500 mi, now at 7000 mi. I have observed a noise similar to your description whenever the AC compressor is on. It sounds like a vacuum leak would sound if a vacuum line were disconnected. It begins just after starting from a stop and is noticable up to about 35 mph. It seems most noticable in the morning when the car just warming up, weather is cool, and the fan is on low. I may simply not notice it at other times because of higher fan speeds and definitely would not be aware of it with the sound system on or a higher speeds. I intended to ask the dealer about it at the first service check but anticipate an answer similar to the one you received.

dfb2 · July 2001

I have a 2001 ES300 with 7000 mi. Overall I'm very pleased with this car but want to post questions on two areas:

1. I'm used to the newer electronically controlled transmissions performing such that the driver has little feel of downshifts taking place. I've noticed on this car that a downshift caused by engine loading, such as accelerating coming out of a corner results in a noticeable lag before the transmission attains the lower gear and a noticable feel of the downshift. The feel is reminiscent of older transmissions with strictly vacuum control and throttle position. I will question the dealer on this at the first service but don't expect much satisfaction unless there may be a factory service bulletin affect, etc. I believe I've seen postings about ES300 transmission issues but don't know if they were quite the same. Sorry if I'm resurrecting a topic already discussed. As far as I'm concerned, the transmission in my 1996 Camry 4 cyl is smoother and yet I'm comparing to Toyotas. Any comments?

2. When going over a bump, I expect to feel the bump but expect the sound from the impact of the tire and suspension to be abrupt and muffled, sort of a lower pitched "thump". This is the case with the three other cars in my family, ranging from a 1993 Taurus (69K mi), to a 1997 T&C (40K mi), to 1996 Camry (25K mi). The sound from the ES300 seems to radiate more thru the body as if there is insufficent isolation of the suspension to body. It doesn't sound like anything loose, simply that there is not enough sound deadening. I though maybe part of this was the 60 profile tires compared to the 65 profile tires on the other vehicles simply transmitting more of a shock to the suspension. Any feedback is appreciated.

thornel · July 2001

Hello everyone;
I recently bought a '96 es300 with about 40K miles on it, it's a beautiful car! Unfortunately it didn't come with the owner manual and I can't seem to find where the switch to operate the headlight washer, could someone enlighten me?

john319 · July 2001

I don't believe the ES300 has headlight washer. At least on the 96 since my 99 even doesn't have one. I could be wrong tho.

ctrowland1 · July 2001

dfb2: I own 01 Coach edition. Can't say I've notice hesitation on downshift. But I have not tossed it into many corners yet. I have however notice a "flat spot" when getting hard an accelerate off line. 1st comes on quick then auto shifts to second............ slight pause.......... then pulls hard into 3rd then 4th. I think it may be high final gear ratio, 2.69?, engine probably not in power band after shifting out of first.
Concerning suspension, I have noticed some noise going over bumps and a little more harsh than I would expect. The reason, I suspect, are the 16" tires. 16" tires have very little side wall. Sidewalls "soak" up alot of rough surfaces and hence some noise. Very little side wall means the suspension must absorb much of the shock. If you were to test drive an ES with 15" tires, I have not, I think you would notice a difference.
I am not an expert, so take this for what it is worth.

Chip

afinegold · July 2001

To Thornel Davis and others,

For a place that sells owner's manuals, including those for Lexus, try http://www.tmcpubl.com/Owners%20Manual.html.

For more possibilities, search in Google.com or any other good search engine for a term like "Lexus owners manuals" or "car owners manuals."

Al--

gc123 · July 2001

Folks,
If you are in the vicinity of St. Louis, MO, and are in the market to buy a Lexus, I would like to recommend a Lexus sales consultant, Jeff Johnson at Lexus of St. Louis (dmlsl@earthlink.net). I bought two Lexus vehicles from Jeff during the last eight months. In both cases, I could strike a deal with Jeff quickly, without any hazzle. My car buying experience was so pleasant that I thought of droping this note to all Lexus lovers. regards.

es300soon · July 2001

After looking at 2002 ES300 info, I decide to buy 2001 instead. I do not think it is worth paying more for incremental improvement. Here is my question: Do you guys think Lexus will give out more generous incentive in the next few month? At the end of 1996, did they bump up the incentive at the end? I think there is $1500 dealer incentive right now. Does not sound too much for a 5 years old design. I am trying to decide to buy now, or wait for a couple of month, your help is appreciated.

BTW, carsdirect.com at LA has terrific price (use zip code 90066), I have not found any dealer in Northern California willing to beat it, the best I got is $1000 below invoice. If you had better luck, please share it. Thanks.

lenscap · July 2001

jamrock4 -- Side air bags have been offered for a few years on the ES. I think you mean that side CURTAIN airbags are new for 2002.

brian42smith -- The 2002 is definitely more luxurious than the 2001. It has many luxury features not previously offered (rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade, dual zone climate control, etc.), plus the 2002 will use the same leather as the LS 430.

s852 and afinegold -- There are many official pictures out there right now. Check out Consumer Guide Buyers Issue and Motor Trend.

I have been invited to test drive the new ES along with its competitors on a race track. I am going August 25, so I'll report back after it's over.

Also, as for the engine, the new ES engine is classified as ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) in all 50 states. For comparison, the Acura TL is only classified that way in California, and the TL-S not at all. That was a big goal of the engineers, and an impressive achievement considering the car is about as quick as the TL (the ES has more torque) and only about one second slower than the TL-S 0-60.

brian42smith · July 2001

I've been trying to locate a 9/01 MotorTrend, but it hasn't hit newstands in our area yet. If anyone has a photo, could you post it?

Lenscap - Thanks for the information.

After I posted my comments, I realized I should have worded them differently.

I'm sure the 2002 ES300 will have a more luxurious interior, with the options you listed. What I meant to communicate is that I perceive, from the Consumers Buyers Guide photo, that the exterior lacks an image of luxury. The LS430 and existing ES300s have distinct styles. The 2002 ES300, with its Camry-looking exterior, looks more conservative....and reminded me of a newer Ford Taurus. Not quite what I was expecting.

I am anxious to see what it looks like in person.
Quite frankly, I am tired of bland, boring luxury sedans and hope that Lexus would be aggressive with style. If the car is boring today, how will it look during its fifth year? Terribly boring. The current Camry is an example. That can be expected with a family sedan, but shouldn't be the design goal of a luxury sedan.

brian42smith · July 2001

I saw these on the Club Lexus web site.

http://www.clublexus.com/vb/index.php

1) go to ES300 Model

2) 2002 ES300 Official Pics

brian42smith · July 2001

Note - color photos are at the end of the forum, go to pages 2 and 3

s852 · July 2001

The featured dark colored model in the photo seems to be missing chrome trim (the grill etc.). Maybe it is supposed to be a "sport" version model.
I think that is why people say it looks like a Camry.
That is assuming the photos are really of an ES300 at all and is not a Photoshop prank.

alpha01 · July 2001

From what I can see, those "Club Lexus" pictures look very much like what I would expect the rear of the car to look like, judging from the Consumer Guide pic. Have not yet seen the Motor Trend issue, but Motor Trend is a trash publication anyway... Automobile and Car and Driver are the only ones that mean anything to me.
~alphaboy

spfotey · July 2001

agree with comments on this new model. Lexus ought to be able to provide luxury and performance within the same car. Go hire a bmw guy for performance and keep the luxury guys around already. i hope the car has some soul and is fun to drive -- i am also very tired of bland, boring drives at this price level...

jms9 · July 2001

http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/2002-LexusES300/index.htm

s852 · July 2001

It had better drive like a dream. It surely cannot get by on looks.
I like the looks of the current 2001 model better, but I cannot stand the way it drives or the cramped interior, so it looks unlikely that I will get either now.
The interior loks pretty good though.
Maybe a 2002 Camry XLE V6 will be a better choice for some since it also has optional navigation, may look a little more attractive outside and should be nearly as smooth and quiet for less money.
In the old body style the ES300 was much more attractively styled than a Camry, but in the new style, I think the Camry actually looks a little better.

Lexus ES 300/ES 330

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