1997-2001 Lexus ES 300 - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	Lexus ES 300 Rating (See All Ratings)

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	7

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	6

Total Score:	53

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model

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1997-2001 Lexus ES 300 Review

For 1997, Toyota's luxury division redesigned its least expensive--and most popular--model. As before, the basic structure and mechanical components were shared with the Toyota Camry. Wheelbase grew by 2 inches, yielding an extra 1.3 inches of leg room in the back seat. Although the body measured 2.4 inches longer, weight actually dropped a bit. The "near-luxury" Lexus sedan rode a front-drive platform and held a 3.0-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine, which developed 12 more horsepower than before (now 200). Four-speed automatic was again the only transmission. Dual airbags were standard. A new 3-point lap/shoulder belt replaced the former lap belt for the center rear position. Antilock braking was standard, and traction control joined the option list. A newly optional "semiactive" suspension was designed to improve ride comfort and reduce body lean in curves and turns.

Year to Year Changes

1998 Lexus ES: Little-changed for 1998, the ES 300 gained standard door-mounted side airbags and an engine immobilizer.

1999 Lexus ES: For 1999, the ES 300's V6 gained 10 horsepower (to 210). Also, a newly designed automatic transmission had revised ratios and shift logic. Electronic traction control, formerly an option, now became standard.

2000 Lexus ES: Revised front/rear styling and more wood dashboard trim marked the 2000 models. New this year were rear child-seat anchors, electrochromic mirrors, a trunk pass-through lock, and automatic volume control for the sound system. The available driver's-seat memory now incorporated mirror settings, optional heated seats now had two warmth levels, and the extra-cost Vehicle Skid Control system was bolstered by a new Lexus Brake Assist feature. New options included 16-inch wheels, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, and a ventilation microfilter.

2001 Lexus ES: For 2001, ES replaced its previous major option groups with six new ones, each with leather-trim interior in combination with various other popular extras. Newly standard was an in-trunk emergency release with glow-in-the-dark handle. A new model was waiting in the wings.

1997-2001 Lexus ES 300 Road Test >

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