Lexus ES

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Lexus ES

Also called:	Toyota Windom
Manufacturer:	Toyota
Production:	1989-present
Assembly:	Kyushu, Japan Tsutsumi, Japan
Class:	Mid-size luxury car / Compact executive car
Body style:	4-door sedan
Layout:	FF
Similar:	Acura TL Lincoln MKZ Saab 9-5

The Lexus ES series is a family of mid-size luxury sedans produced by the Lexus division of Toyota since 1989. Now in its fifth generation, the series has been consistently built on the Toyota Camry platform with a V6 engine and automatic transmission. For much of its existence, the ES anchored the entry-level luxury car segment of the Lexus lineup, a position it maintained until the introduction of the Lexus IS in 2001. The first generation ES 250, built from 1989 to 1991, shared the body style of the contemporary Camry, while the Toyota Windom, a Japan-only model, shared the ES' body style from the 1991 second generation onwards. The current fifth generation ES 350, geared towards the comfort luxury segment, was unveiled in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model.

1 First generation (1989-1991)
2 Second generation (1992-1996)
3 Third generation (1997-2001)
4 Fourth generation (2002-2006)
5 Fifth generation (2007-present)
6 Awards
7 References
8 External links

[edit] First generation (1989-1991)

ES 250 (VZV21)

Production:	1989-1991
Engine:	2.5 L 2VZ-FE V6
Transmission:	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase:	102.4 in
Length:	183.1 in
Width:	66.9 in
Height:	53.1 in
Fuel capacity:	15.9 US gal
Related:	Toyota Camry

In order to avoid introducing the nameplate with only one model, the LS 400, 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 2.5 L, 156 hp V6. The ES 250 was based on the Toyota Vista, which was 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 more expensive counterpart. The ES 250 was built from August 30, 1989 until July 5, 1991.

First generation Lexus ES250

Rear view of Lexus ES250

[edit] Second generation (1992-1996)

ES 300 (VCV10)

Production:	1992-1996
Engine:	2.5 L 4VZ-FE V6 3.0 L 3VZ-FE V6
Transmission:	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase:	103.1 in
Length:	187.8 in
Width:	70.1 in
Height:	53.9 in
Fuel capacity:	18.5 US gal
Related:	Toyota Camry

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 185 hp engine. In Japan, a 172 hp, 2.5 L version of the Windom (VCV-11) was made available in October 1993. The 5-speed manual transmission was discontinued after 1993.

The second generation ES 300 featured California Walnut trim on the center console, leather seats, an eight-speaker premium sound system, and keyless entry. In 1996, Lexus offered an ES 300 Coach Edition, featuring select Coach leather trim in the interior and a set of Coach luggage. The second generation ES 300 was a sales success, becoming Lexus' best-selling vehicle overall.

Front view of Lexus ES 300

Lexus ES "Ball Bearing" ad

[edit] Third generation (1997-2001)

ES 300 (MCV20)

Production:	1997-2001
Engine:	2.5 L 2MZ-FE V6 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6
Transmission:	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase:	105.1 in
Length:	190.2 in
Width:	70.5 in
Height:	54.9 in
Fuel capacity:	18.5 US gal
Related:	Toyota Camry Lexus RX Toyota Camry Solara Toyota Highlander Toyota Sienna Toyota Avalon

The third generation ES (designated MCV20) appeared in 1997 with a 200 hp 3.0 L V6 and a 197 hp, 2.5 L 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 headlights (as opposed to projector headlights), and a more upscale-feeling 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 as minor details such as the coloring of the taillights were changed from amber to clear.

The third generation ES 300 featured a new electroluminescent Optitron instrument panel, walnut trim, and leather seats. A power moonroof and a Nakamichi premium sound system with rear-mounted CD-changer were options. In 1999, a limited Coach Edition was offered. Rivals to the third generation ES 300 included the Acura TL, Cadillac Catera, Infiniti I30, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Front of Lexus ES 300

Rear of Lexus ES 300

[edit] Fourth generation (2002-2006)

ES 300/ES 330 (MCV30)

Production:	2002-2006
Engine:	3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6
Transmission:	5-speed automatic
Wheelbase:	107.1 in
Length:	191.1 in
Width:	71.3 in
Height:	57.3 in
Fuel capacity:	18.5 US gal
Related:	Toyota Camry Lexus RX Toyota Camry Solara Toyota Highlander Toyota Sienna Toyota Avalon

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 pretensions of the previous ES models. Compared to its predecessor, the new ES possessed an interior with a greater emphasis on comfort, superior NVH isolation, larger and softer seats, and improved interior materials. Despite the additional features and added weight, 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. The fourth generation Lexus ES was built in Kyushu and Tsutsumi, Japan ^[1].

For the 2003 model year, the American market received a new 3.3 L engine producing 225 hp (later revised to 218 hp, because of changes in SAE horsepower testing procedures), and the car was renamed the 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 features included power adjustable pedals, heated and ventilated front seats and rear-view 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.

In 2005, Lexus offered an exclusive ES 330 Black Diamond Edition featuring black wood trim, iridescent Black Diamond paint, and a set of Tumi luggage.

Rear of Lexus ES 330

Lexus ES 330 navigation system

[edit] Fifth generation (2007-present)

ES 350

Production:	2007-present
Engine:	3.5 L 2GR-FE V6
Transmission:	6-speed automatic
Wheelbase:	109.3 in
Length:	191.1 in
Width:	71.7 in
Height:	57.1 in
Fuel capacity:	18.5 US gal
Related:	Toyota Camry Lexus RX Toyota Camry Solara Toyota Highlander Toyota Sienna

The fifth generation ES debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006. It arrived at dealerships in late April 2006 as a 2007 model. This ES, even though made in Japan, is not sold in the Japanese Market. In fact, the related Toyota Windom was discontinued for the 2007 model year.

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. The engine is the 272 hp (203 kW) aluminum 3.5 L 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.

The ES 350 interior features walnut wood accents, leather seats, dual zone climate control with air filter, MP3 player input, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and eight standard airbags. Available new features include a three-panel panoramic glass moonroof, a 300-watt, 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, power seat cushion extender, radar-based adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power rear sunshade, DVD navigation system, and Lexus Park Assist, a sonar-based warning system with backup camera. A keyless entry and ignition system, Lexus SmartAccess, which does not require the electronic remote to be taken out of the driver's pocket, is now standard.

The ES 350 is built in Kyushu, Japan ^[2].

A hybrid version should arrive in the 2009 model year as the ES 400h, using the same engine as the RX 400h.

Lexus ES 350 LED taillights

Lexus ES 350 interior

[edit] Awards

Consumer Reports named the ES 350 the highest ranked upscale/large car in reliability in its 2006 annual car survey ^[3].
The Canadian Car of the Year Awards, selected by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, gave the ES 350 its Best New Luxury Car (under $50k) Award in 2006 ^[4].
J.D. Power named the ES 300 the best entry luxury car in Initial Quality in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2003 ^[5]^[6].
Intellichoice gave the ES 330 the Best Overall Value Award in the Near Luxury Segment in 2005 ^[7]. The ES also received the Best Overall Value Award in 2004 ^[8].
Kelley Blue Book gave the ES its Best to Hold Value Award in 1998 and 2001 ^[9].
J.D. Power named the ES as one of the Top Ten in Initial Quality in 1991, 1993, and 1994.
The ES series was named most appealing entry luxury car by J.D. Power in 1997 and 2001 ^[9].
Kiplinger's Personal Finance report named the Lexus ES Best in Class for the over $30,000 segment in 1993.
Automobile magazine named the Lexus ES one of its Top Ten All-Stars in 1992.