2001 Lexus ES 300: Road Test
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2001 Lexus ES 300 ▼
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- MSRP: $31,505
- Invoice: $27,724
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Our road test for the 2001 Lexus ES 300 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Lexus ES 300 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Lexus ES 300, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Lexus ES 300 help you decide if a 2001 Lexus ES 300 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.1 |
Impressive at just under 7.5 sec. in our 0-60 mph tests. Less likable is an automatic transmission reluctant to kick down from overdrive top gear for midrange passing sprints.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.7 |
Acceptable but not outstanding. We averaged 20.5 mpg overall on the required premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.4 |
Soft but not mushy chassis smothers most disturbances. Optional Adaptive Variable Suspension with computer-controlled shock absorbers has little effect on ride or dynamic ability.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.3 |
More "little limo" than sports sedan. Not as nimble as an Acura TL or BMW 3-Series, but capable within modest limits. Steering could use better road feel. Kudos for standard traction control and optional antiskid system. Braking swift and vice-free, save marked nosedive in hard stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.7 |
A major asset. Wind and road noise are hushed, and the V6 is near-silent at idle, silken under power.
CONTROLS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 6.1 |
Clear, beautifully lit gauges and large, handy switches. Cabin handsomely executed in classy materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7 |
Spacious, with wide, comfortably supportive seats. Ample seat and steering-wheel adjustments cater to most all drivers. Good visibility save hard-to-see rear corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.1 |
Bench is wide enough for two lanky adults, who must ride knees-up if the front seats are fully aft. Limited under-seat toe room, but adequate head clearance for 6-footers.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4 |
Usefully shaped trunk benefits from a low liftover, but its aperture is too small for really bulky items. In-cabin stowage good but not great.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 4.7 |
Does everything a near-luxury sedan should, but feels dated against newer-design rivals like Acura TL and pricey against Infiniti I30. But if you value comfort and elegance over sporty road manners, the ES is still hard to beat.
Total Score
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 68 | 57.1 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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