Background: It’s a new year for Lexus, resulting in a major update for one of the longest-running vehicles offered in its product lineup . When Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota Motors, burst onto the scene in 1989, the upstart automaker offered only two vehicles: the 1990 ES 250 and 1990 LS 400. The ES 250 evolved into the front-wheel drive, ES 300 after receiving a larger 3.0- liter engine in the 1992 model year (thus the name change from 250 to 300.) The 2002 incarnation represents the third-generation ES 300 introduced in the U.S.
The mid-size ES 300 falls into the entry-luxury category, an important slice of the luxury market accounting for approximately 75 percent of all luxury sales. In fact, Lexus offers two entry-luxury vehicles in 2002: the front-wheel drive ES 300 and rear-wheel drive IS 300 sport sedan. For 2002, ES 300 receives a major redesign as does the 2002 Toyota Camry. Both Camry and ES 300 share the same automotive platform with ES 300 equipped with more luxury-appointed nuances. The 2002 ES 300 began arriving at dealers last October.
The third-generation ES 300 features a longer wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) and increased height than the previous generation, translating into better handling and more interior room. As far as Lexus in concerned, the ES 300 sedan plays the role of ambassador. Many first-time Lexus shoppers end up in a ES 300 and later purchase another vehicle from the Lexus lineup. Currently, all Lexus vehicles are assembled in Japan until the 2003 model year when the next-generation RX 300 SUV moves assembly onto North-American soil. The 2002 line up consists of five sedans and two sport utilities. First-year sales of the 2002 ES 300 are targeted at approximately 50,000 units. In 2001, Lexus sold 224,000 units making it the number one selling luxury nameplate in the United States.
Engine/Trim Level: The ES 300 marketing scheme is relatively straight forward; one V-6 engine and one body/trim offering. The engine powering the 2002 ES 300 remains relatively unchanged from the 2001 offering; although a new electronic throttle improves responsiveness and fuel economy. The 3.0-liter, double-overhead-cam, V-6 engine continues cranking out 210 horsepower and meets ultra-low emissions standards. It’s mated to an all-new five-speed automatic transmission and propels the vehicle from zero to 60 miles-per-hour in 8.1 seconds. By comparison the Infiniti I35 boasts a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine cranking out 355 horsepower.
Price: Lexus supplied the Daily Herald with a silver ES 300 with a starting price of $31,505. Options included the navigation system with Mark Levinson audio package ($4,860), wood and leather steering wheel ($330), heated front seats ($440), high-intensity headlights ($640) and power rear sunshade ($210). With the $575 destination charge figured in, the bottom line ended up at $38,655. By comparison, a six-cylinder, front-wheel drive Infiniti I35 entry vehicle starts at $28,750. A 2002 Acura TL with six-cylinder engine starts at $29,750.
Standard equipment: Since the ES 300 falls into the entry-luxury category, many popular features come standard. This includes dual zone climate control, manually adjustable steering column, power windows, cruise control, power locks, rear-window defroster, power heated outside mirrors, variable intermittent front wipers, compact disc player, cassette tape player, AM/FM stereo, four-wheel independent MacPherson strut-type suspension and speed-sensing power assist rack-and-pinion steering. Options include power rear sun shade, heated front seats, high intensity discharge headlamps, rain-sensing front windshield wipers, two-position memory seating with leather trim, upgraded Mark Levinson audio system and in-dash DVD navigation system. Lexus is the first automotive brand offering DVD navigation systems throughout its entire model lineup.
Interior: Power windows and locks are found on the driver’s door extending in front of the armrest’s 90-degree angle. Power sideview mirrors adjust from a control on the dashboard’s far left side. Directly below are under-dash buttons for popping the trunk and the side fuel tank door. Further below is the foot-operated parking brake. Headlights engage from the turn signal while front windshield wipers operate from a right-hand-side stalk. A second right side appendage beneath activates the cruise control.
The illuminated ignition cylinder is found on the dashboard just left of the steering column. The instrument panel features three self-contained, deep set , mostly analog circular gauges; a left-side tachometer, central speedometer and right side fuel/temperature gauge with digital odometer along the bottom. The central speedometer circle also digitally displays message center calculations, including average miles per gallon, average speed and range of miles left until empty. These messages rotate every time a steering wheel “mode” button is depressed. Digital compass directions are found in the corner of the rear-view mirror.
A stand-alone digital clock is high atop the center dashboard directly under the red flasher button. Our test-drive ES 300 featured the optional in-dash GPS navigation system, utilizing a rectangular screen. The screen and surrounding push buttons also incorporate the stereo sound system. Access to the single-feed compact disc and cassette area is found in back of the navigation screen. Lexus cleverly designed a set up where the thin screen tilts out, exposing the workings of the CD-cassette players.
The screen also moves slightly forward on command, eliminating glare on the LCD screen when the sun beats down at certain angles. Below the screen is a rectangular climate control area with push buttons monitoring internal temperature, fan speed and direction. A set of horizontal buttons activating front and rear defrosters are below. At the bottom of the column is a retractable ashtray. Additionally, six CDs can be fed into a magazine found in the bottom section of the bi-level storage unit between the front bucket seats. Dual beverage holders jet out from the front of the storage bin, hinged in the back. The floor-mounted automatic transmission is in front. Deep walnut trim is found along the center console, steering wheel and on doors.
Seating comfort: Both front bucket seats come with power adjustments with a 10-way power driver seat and 8-way power adjustable passenger seat. Cloth comes standard. Leather seating is optional with two-position memory seating. Map pockets are found on the front two doors while ceiling handles are mounted above all four doors. Large side windows help reduce the effects of side blind spots. Three adult riders can fit in back. When two or less riders are aboard, a central arm rest folds down with integrated dual cup holders. When folded down, a pass-through window can be unlocked and opened for transporting snow skis or other long items.
Safety features: The ES 300 comes nicely equipped with many new-age safety nuances including: dual stage front air bags, collapsible steering column, daytime running lights, front and rear side curtain airbags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, three-point belts for all five seating positions, front and rear crumple zones, four-channel anti-lock brakes, brake assist/traction control, remote keyless entry and theft deterrent system. Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are optional.
Exterior: Like many Lexus offerings, the exterior radiates a conservative, yet elegant approach. Large, shapely, angular headlights with three light-pod configuration extend high into the front fender adjacent to the contoured hood with sculpted lines and sporty side bumpers. At the front, the circular Lexus logo adorns the very end of the hood, away from the diminutive horizontal bar front grille positioned above the air dam. Strap-like chrome handles adorn all four doors while the side-view mirrors borrow the color scheme of the body. The square, locking fuel tank door with tethered inside cap is on the left rear fender. The radio antenna is imprinted into the rear window glass. Sixteen-inch, nine spoke aluminum alloy wheels come standard.
Fuel economy: The sole six-cylinder engine mated to a standard automatic transmission generates 21 miles per gallon in city travel and 29 m.p.g. highway. The tank holds 18.5 gallons of regular unleaded fuel. However, higher, mid-grade octane fuel can be used for those desiring improved performance. Fuel economy is up 10 percent from 2001 ES 300 figures thanks in part to the new five-speed automatic transmission.
Trunk: The full-size spare tire tucks conveniently under the flat cargo floor. Cargo volume measures in at 14.5 cubic feet, average for this segment. Instead of the more cargo-friendly shock-absorber-type hinges placed outside the cargo area, Lexus continues with dual curved hinges attached to the inside lid. However, Lexus does encase hinges inside fabricated square housing, virtually eliminating the chance of a cargo encounter. First aid and tool kits are also conveniently stowed here.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 107.1 inches
Overall length: 191.1 inches
Overall width: 71.3 inches
Overall height: 57.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,439 pounds
Demographics: ES 300 is predicted to appeal to men and women over the age of 35 with a median household incomes in the $115,000 range. Seventy-six percent will be married and 70 percent will have a college education.
Final thoughts: Lexus set the standard for interior cabins that block out sound from the outside world along with the engine compartment. A flat underbody, reshaped side-view mirrors and other sound-absorption technology help the ES 300 to reduce wind noise even further in 2002. The soft ride is in contrast to a sportier, more firm ride found in some competitors including the Lexus IS 300 sedan. Lexus has earned a reputation over the past decade for well-built, trouble-free vehicles that retain value very well years after the initial purchase and this ES 300 is no exception. |