2002 Lexus ES 300: Road Test
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2002 Lexus ES 300 ▼
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- MSRP: $31,505
- Invoice: $27,935
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Our road test for the 2002 Lexus ES 300 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Lexus ES 300 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Lexus ES 300, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Lexus ES 300 help you decide if a 2002 Lexus ES 300 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Strong all-out acceleration: 8.2 sec 0-60 mph in our test. New 5-speed automatic is a smoothie, but it hesitates to kick down for midrange passing sprints and its zigzag selector gate frustrates manual shifting.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Returned a low of 17.4 mpg with gas-eating performance tests and averaged 21.1 overall. Lexus requires premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7.2 |
Again sets the standard for near-luxury comfort and absorbency, compromised only by mild pattering on crumbling surfaces and trace of float on big humpbacks. Optional Adaptive Variable Suspension too soft in Comfort mode, a bit hard in Sport, and feels like regular chassis on in-between settings.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Highly competent, but lacks cornering agility of Acura TL or BMW 3-Series, and steering needs a touch more road feel. Traction control no longer standard, requires antiskid option. Braking powerful and swift, but heavy nosedive prevalent in hard application.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 6.8 |
Very refined, perhaps the class leader. V6 near-silent at idle, subdued in hard charging. Wind and tire noise exceptionally low.
CONTROLS
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 6.3 |
Typical Lexus exemplary. Optional navigation system also governs most audio controls but no climate functions--a plus. Screen must be powered open to access tape/CD slots, however, and adds buttons that take learning. Interior assembly hard to fault, though one test car suffered a slight dashboard rattle.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 |
Seats comfortably supportive, but may hug larger persons too tightly. Leg room ample, though reduced almost an inch from 2001 model. Head room just adequate for 6-footers beneath optional sunroof. Visibility a bit tricky aft and over-the-shoulder.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Wide enough for two adults, who'll ride slightly knees-up with front seats fully aft. Good under-seat toe room, but just adequate 6-footer head clearance beneath sunroof. Easy entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Redesign adds 1.5 cu ft to usefully roomy trunk, but opening isn't tall enough to swallow big boxes. Bulky trunklid hinges intrude, but are covered to prevent damaging cargo. No fold-down rear seatbacks. In-cabin stowage good but not great.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 5.1 |
With the IS 300 for sports-sedan lovers, Lexus remakes the ES into a baby LS 430, offering more comfort, refinement, and amenities, plus improved road manners. No excitement machine, just an exceedingly pleasant near-luxury sedan that's likely to have broad appeal.
Total Score
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. and AVS | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 67 | 59.5 |
Total Score: 69
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