Lexus ES

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 until 2005. The fifth-generation ES 350 was unveiled in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model, and is a major redesign.

In 1989, Toyota announced the launch of its luxury-car lineup, with two models, the LS 400 and the ES 250. At that time, officals at Lexus didn't think the smaller ES would be as popular as the larger LS. However, the ES surpassed their sales expectations and created a new segment of luxury cars, the "near-luxury cars." As stated on Lexus.com the total number of ESs sold last year exceded that of the total number of LSs sold almost threefold (67,577 vs. 26,043).

Now, almost twenty years later, the Lexus lineup has increased in size and type of vehicles to include 3 SUVs, 1 sports car, and 4 luxury sedans, including the robust ES. The fifth generation ES has the "350" label to mirror changes made to the engine.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Lexus ES Review.

Recent Changes

 * For 2010, the ES receives a mid-cycle facelift.


 * The Lexus ES is all new for 2007. The engine was upgraded from a 3.3L V6 to a 3.5L V6, which gives it 272-hp (54-horsepower more than last year's model).

Styles and Major Options
Navigation System/Mark Levinson® Surround Sound Package - $4,050
 * Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System backup camera [4] and Bluetooth® technology
 * Mark Levinson 14-speaker 300-watt at 0.1% THD Premium Surround Sound Audio System with 7.1 architecture and in-dash, single-feed, six-disc DVD/CD auto-changer featuring DVD-audio and DVD-video playback

Premium Package - $1,280
 * Leather-trimmed interior
 * Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
 * Remote keyless entry-linked memory
 * Electrochromic (auto-dimming) outside mirrors with tilt-down in reverse

Premium Plus Package - $2,480
 * Leather-trimmed interior
 * Heated and ventilated front seats
 * Driver's seat power cushion extender
 * Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
 * Electrochromic (auto-dimming) outside mirrors with tilt-down in reverse
 * Rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle
 * Remote keyless entry-linked memory

Ultra-Luxury Package - $5,380
 * Semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior
 * Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
 * Heated and ventilated front seats
 * Driver's-seat power cushion extender
 * Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
 * Rear-seat side airbags (SRS)
 * Remote keyless entry-linked memory
 * Panorama glass roof
 * Power rear sunshade
 * High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
 * Dual-swivel Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
 * Electrochromic (auto-dimming) outside mirrors with tilt-down in reverse
 * Rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle
 * 17 x 7.0-in Graphite-polished alloy wheels
 * Full-size spare tire with 17-in alloy wheel

Individual Factory Options
 * Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control - $2,250
 * Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System with backup camera and Bluetooth® technology - $2,650
 * Intuitive Parking Assist - $500
 * Power rear sunshade - $210
 * Heated and ventilated front seats - $640
 * Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob - $330
 * High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and Dual-swivel Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) - $815
 * Full-size spare tire with 17-inch alloy wheel - $205
 * Rear-seat side airbags (SRS) - $250
 * Bluetooth® Audio (Available with the Premium and Premium Plus Packages) - $300

Dealer Accessories
 * Body-side molding (available Summer 2006)
 * Car cover
 * Cargo net
 * E-Sport 17-in alloy wheels
 * Floor mats, all-weather
 * Leather care kit
 * Rear spoiler
 * Sunroof wind deflector (available Summer 2006)
 * Touch-up paint
 * Trunk mat
 * Wheel locks
 * XM® Satellite Radio capability

Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Lexus ES can be found at CarsDirect.

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
The redesigned ES' reliability is average according to Consumer Reports, due to a problem with the automatic transmission that also happened with the car's sibling, the Toyota Camry.

Safety
Occupants of the Lexus ES are offered the protection of the following safety 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

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

 * Acura TL
 * BMW 3 Series
 * Cadillac CTS
 * Infiniti G35
 * Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 * Volvo S60

Hybrid Models
Lexus unveiled the long-awaited RX 400h hybrid SUV in 2005 as a 2006 year model. They've also released the much anticipated GS 450h in May of 2006 as a 2007 year model. Currently there are no plans to make a hybrid version of the ES, however Lexus will aslo debut the world's first V8 Hybrid Luxury Sedan with the release of the Lexus LS 600h.

To learn more about Lexus hybrid technology, visit Lexus Hybrid.

Unique Attributes
The Lexus ES is the only front-wheel drive Lexus sedan.

Criticisms
The ES is considered by some to favor comfort over sporty handling.

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 (1997-2001)
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.

Worldwide
The Lexus ES is sold in the United States, Canada, and parts of Asia (South Korea, Taiwan) and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait).

Design quirks and oddities
The Lexus ES and Toyota Camry share the same chassis.

Awards

 * The 2005 Lexus ES 300 was named "Best Overall Value in Near Luxury Segment" by IntelliChoice. - (Spring 2005)


 * The 2004 Lexus ES 300 was also named "Best Overall Value in Near Luxury Segment" by IntelliChoice.


 * J.D. Power and Associates named the 2003 ES 300 the "Best Entry Luxury Car in Initial Quality" (IQS). The ES 300 also recieved this honor numerous times for past years: 2001, 2000, 1998, 1996, and 1993.


 * The ES 300 was named among the "Top Ten in Initial Quality" (IQS) by J.D. Power and Associates in 1994, and also in 1991 for the ES 250 variant.


 * In a quote from Automobile Magazine, "Another RBI from a company with quite a hitting streak." Automobile Magazine also named the 1992 ES 300 one of the "Top Ten All-Stars."


 * The Lexus ES recieved a "Five-Star Rating" in Front Seat Side Crash Test from the NHTSA in 1999, 1998, and 1996.


 * The ES 300 was also named the "Most Appealing Entry Luxury Car" (APEAL) by J.D. Power and Associates in 1997 and again in 2001.


 * The Lexus ES 300 was named the 1993 "Import for Import Luxury Sedan" by Motor Trend magazine.


 * Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine named the 1993 ES 300 the "Best in Class (Over $30,000)."


 * 2003 J.D Power Initial Quality Study winner (Entry luxury)