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Lexus ES: Difference between revisions
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The third generation (designated MCV20) appeared in 1997 with a 200-[[HP|hp]] 3.0L [[V6]] and a 197-[[HP|hp]], 2.5L [[V6]] in the Windom. The new cars featured a design that was an evolution of the VCV10, and possessed a more rakish profile, sharper body lines, reflector instead of projector headlights, and a more upscale interior. The new ES was also slightly longer but weighed less than the previous generation. The power rating would grow to 210-[[HP|hp]] in 1999, and the model would receive a mild facelift in 2000. | The third generation (designated MCV20) appeared in 1997 with a 200-[[HP|hp]] 3.0L [[V6]] and a 197-[[HP|hp]], 2.5L [[V6]] in the Windom. The new cars featured a design that was an evolution of the VCV10, and possessed a more rakish profile, sharper body lines, reflector instead of projector headlights, and a more upscale interior. The new ES was also slightly longer but weighed less than the previous generation. The power rating would grow to 210-[[HP|hp]] in 1999, and the model would receive a mild facelift in 2000. | ||
===Second generation ( | ===Second generation (1991-1996)=== | ||
Assembly of the ES 300 commenced on September 9, 1991. Completely redesigned for the 1992 model year and now based on the VCV10-series [[Toyota]] Windom, the model was renamed the '''ES 300''' to reflect the half-liter bump in engine displacement. | [[Image:esgen2.jpg|frame|right|250 px|Second Generation '''[[Lexus]] ES 300''']] | ||
Assembly of the ES 300 commenced on September 9, 1991. Completely redesigned for the 1992 model year and now based on the VCV10-series [[Toyota]] Windom, the model was renamed the '''ES 300''' to reflect the half-liter bump in engine displacement. This second generation was significantly larger and more curvaceous than its predecessor and sported a 197-[[HP|hp]] engine. In Japan, a 172-[[HP|hp]], 2.5L version of the Windom (VCV-11) was made available in 1992. The 1993 ES 300 was the last [[Lexus]] sedan to offer a 5-speed manual transmission until the introduction of the [[Lexus IS|IS 300]]. | |||
===First Generation/Origins=== | ===First Generation/Origins=== | ||
Revision as of 16:07, 11 July 2006
The Lexus ES series is a family of mid-size sedans produced by the Lexus division of Toyota from 1989 to the present and built in Tsutsumi, Japan. The series has always been built off of the Toyota Camry platform with a V6 engine and automatic transmission. For long, it had been Lexus's entry-level car, competing with the Infiniti G20, I30 and Acura TL until the arrival of the Lexus IS in 2001. The ES 250, built from August 30, 1989 until July 5, 1991, shared the body style of the contemporary Camry, while the Toyota Windom, a Japan-only model, shared the ES's body style from the second generation onwards. The fifth-generation ES 350 was unveiled in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model, and is a major redesign.
See Wikicars' comprehensive Lexus ES Review.
Recent Changes
Styles and Major Options
Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Lexus ES can be found at CarsDirect.
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Lexus ES Trims |
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Base |
Base w/ Nav. |
Premium Plus Package |
Luxury Package |
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MSRP |
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$33,170 |
$35,650 |
$35,650 |
$38,550 |
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Invoice |
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$29,410 |
$31,468 |
$31,468 |
$33,788 |
Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
- City: 21 MPG
- Highway: 30 MPG
- Combined: 25 MPG
Reliability
Safety
Occupants of the Lexus ES are offered the protection of the following safet features:
- Up to ten airbags
- Front and rear side curtain airbags
- Front side airbags protect occupants in certain types of severe side-impact collisions.
- Driver's and front passenger's knee airbags provide additional protection in certain types of severe frontal collisions.
- Vehicle Stability Features
- Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Traction Control (TRAC) systems
- Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
- Brake Assist
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution
- Lexus Tire Pressure Monitor System
- Run-Flat Tires, allowing the driver to drive up to a maximum speed of 55 mph for approximately 100 miles (comes standard on the GS 300 AWD, but optional on the RWD GS 300 and RWD GS 430.)
- Pre-Collision Safety (PCS) System, which uses radar to detect possible obstacles ahead. Sensors then determine in advance whether a crash is unavoidable.
- A steel-reinforced unibody structure with specific crumple zones in the front and rear that are designed to compress at a controlled rate to help absorb impact energy.
- Three-Point Seatbelts with front pretensioners
- Theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system
- Daytime Running Lights
Photos
Colors
Lexus ES colors can vary by trim, but include the following choices:
Exterior
- Blue Onyx Pearl
- Royal Ruby Metallic
- Aquamarine Pearl
- Amber Pearl
- Golden Almond Metallic
- Crystal White
- Tungsten Pearl
- Moon Shell Mica
- Smoky Granite Pearl
- Black Onyx
Interior
- Cashmere Leather Trim with Brown Walnut Accent
- Light Gray Leather Trim with Brown Walnut Accent
- Black Leather Trim with Brown Walnut Accent
- Cashmere Perforated Leather Trim with Brown Walnut Accent
- Light Gray Perforated Leather Trim with Brown Walnut Accent
- Black Perforated Leather Trim with Brown Walnut Accent
Main Competitors
Hybrid Models
Unique Attributes
Resale Values
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Lexus ES Trims |
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2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
1998 |
1997 |
1996 |
1995 |
1994 |
1993 |
1992 |
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Resale Values |
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$32,300 |
$31,500 |
$28,550 |
$25,400 |
$22,200 |
$17,725 |
$14,725 |
$11,850 |
$10,225 |
$8,900 |
$7,425 |
$6,525 |
$5,650 |
$4,925 |
$4,450 |
Criticisms
Generations
Fifth generation (2007–present)
The fifth generation ES debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February of 2006. It arrived at dealerships in late April, 2006 as a 2007 model.
The new ES, now called the ES 350, features the first use of a six-speed automatic transmission in a front wheel drive Toyota vehicle along with its sister car, the Toyota Camry V6. The engine is the 272-hp (203 kW) aluminum 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 engine with variable valve timing. Toyota estimates that this combination will accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 7 seconds. Fuel economy is estimated at 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) in the city and 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) on the highway.
New features include a three-panel glass sunroof, radar-based adaptive cruise control, and a parking-assist warning system. A keyless entry and ignition system which does not require the electronic remote to be taken out of the driver's pocket is now standard.
Fourth generation (2002-2006)
A year after the Lexus IS became Lexus's entry-level car, a larger, fourth generation ES (designated MCV30) debuted in 2002. The presence of the IS in the Lexus lineup enabled the company to give the ES a more upscale image and luxury feel by excising the sporting pretentions of the previous ES models. Compared to its predecessor, the new ES possessed a more luxurious interior, superior NVH isolation, larger, plusher seats, and improved interior materials. Nevertheless, despite the luxury enhancements, neither the acceleration nor the handling of the ES suffered. Other new features included a drive-by-wire electronic throttle, a five-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist as well as stability and traction control. In Japan, the MCV30 Windom received a 2-star LEV rating.
For the 2003 model year, the US and European markets received a new 3.3L engine producing 225-hp (later revised to 218-hp), and the car was renamed ES 330. In the Middle Eastern and Asian markets, however, the 3.0 L engine was still available. In 2005, the ES received a facelift with new front and rear fascias, clear taillights, projector headlights, and a redesigned grille. Inside, several new-for-the-ES features included power adjustable pedals, heated and ventilated front seats and rearview mirrors that would automatically tilt downward in reverse gear. Additionally, new bird's-eye maple trim brightened the interior and integrated satellite radio was offered as an option.
Third generation (YYYY–YYYY)
The third generation (designated MCV20) appeared in 1997 with a 200-hp 3.0L V6 and a 197-hp, 2.5L V6 in the Windom. The new cars featured a design that was an evolution of the VCV10, and possessed a more rakish profile, sharper body lines, reflector instead of projector headlights, and a more upscale interior. The new ES was also slightly longer but weighed less than the previous generation. The power rating would grow to 210-hp in 1999, and the model would receive a mild facelift in 2000.
Second generation (1991-1996)
Assembly of the ES 300 commenced on September 9, 1991. Completely redesigned for the 1992 model year and now based on the VCV10-series Toyota Windom, the model was renamed the ES 300 to reflect the half-liter bump in engine displacement. This second generation was significantly larger and more curvaceous than its predecessor and sported a 197-hp engine. In Japan, a 172-hp, 2.5L version of the Windom (VCV-11) was made available in 1992. The 1993 ES 300 was the last Lexus sedan to offer a 5-speed manual transmission until the introduction of the IS 300.
First Generation/Origins
In order to avoid introducing the nameplate with only one model, the Lexus LS, Lexus debuted the ES alongside their flagship sedan. The first ES (codename VZV21) was introduced in 1989 as the ES 250, powered by the Camry's 2.5L, 156-hp V6. The ES 250 was based on the Toyota Vista—a model never sold in the United States—which in turn shared the body and chassis of the Toyota Camry. Due to its similarities to the Camry, the ES 250 was viewed as a product of badge engineering and did not sell as well as its less expensive counterpart.
