2000 Lexus ES 300 Review

The almost flawlessly executed Lexus ES 300 sedan is nearly perfect for those who want a posh car but don't have lots to spend.


The $31,505 ES 300 is the entry model for Toyota's upscale Lexus division. It actually falls in the booming $30,000-$35,000 "near-luxury" market, but could be the poster child for the entire Lexus line because of its refinement, comfort, elegance and smoothness.


The front-drive ES 300 is one of the oldest Lexus models, having debuted in 1992. But it has mainstream appeal and is a perennial winner of major quality awards. It's beautifully built and provides an artful balance between performance and comfort.


The current-generation model arrived in 1997 with larger dimensions, styling changes and more features. For 1999, the car got a more powerful V-6 with continuously variable valve timing from Lexus' top-selling vehicle--the carlike RX 300 sport-utility.


This 3-liter, 210-horsepower engine can scarcely be heard when idling. The dual-overhead-camshaft V-6 provides strong acceleration even from low speeds because it produces 80 percent of its torque at a very low 1,600 rpm.


Only 87-octane gasoline is required, and an 18.5-gallon tank provides a long cruising range. Fuel economy is an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 on highways.


The ES 300 sprints to 60 in 8.2 seconds and provides strong 65-80 mph passing on highways. Zipping past a string of long, giant trucks on interstate highways was no problem, and the engine loafs at 2,600 rpm at 70 mph.


The 1999 model also received a more efficient four-speed automatic transmission and an electronic traction control system. That model was offered for the first time with a skid control system that only had been available for larger 1998 Lexus sedans.


For 2000, the $550 skid control system includes Lexus' advanced Brake Assist feature. This Mercedes-style feature interprets a quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking and, if the driver hasn't stepped hard enough on the pedal, activates the standard anti-lock braking system.


Lexus just keeps improving the 3,373-pound ES 300. The 2000 model has revised, sportier styling, with a new grille and front bumper with a more chiseled design. New $515 high intensity headlights provide better road lighting and help give the front a more modern look.


Taillights also are redesigned, with the ES 300 badge removed from the body and put on the right-side light for a cleaner appearance. Little things like that sometimes mean a lot when it comes to luxury cars.


The 2000 model also has more standard equipment, including rear child-seat anchors, self-dimming inside rearview and driver's-side outside mirrors and a lock for the trunk pass-through opening.


The new automatic audio volume control adjusts volume in response to ambient noise, but seems unnecessary in the hush-quiet interior, which comfortably seats four tall adults. The power front seats are comfortable on long trips, but the center of the rear seat is too hard for a fifth occupant.


The trunk is large, but has a rather high opening and manual hinges that eat into the cargo area.


Minor but elegant new items include new stainless-steel doorsill scuff plates with the Lexus logo. Additional wood trim surrounding the audio and climate controls augments the walnut trim on the center console and doors.


New, more-recessed rear-seat headrests improve rear visibility for the driver, although it's still impossible to see the back end of the car through the rear window. At least the outside mirrors are almost perfectly sized.


Last year's remote locking control fob has been replaced with a new in-key remote control to reduce "pocket clutter."


Got allergies? There's a new, optional dust/particle filter for the standard automatic climate control system if you order the $1,885 leather trim package. The $440 heated front seats now have two temperature settings.


The ES 300 is very safe, with front, seat-mounted side impact air bags and seat belts with pretensioners, force limiters and height-adjustable anchors so shoulder belts don't catch shorter drivers near their neck area.


Walnut trim is standard, and the car is loaded with comfort and convenience equipment--even dual power heated outside mirrors and a premium audio system with seven speakers. Nicely positioned dual cupholders pop out from the front console. And the pop-out dual rear cupholders have a small tray under them to help support beverage containers. Nice touch.


However, the "one-touch up/down" front power windows are a major annoyance; they're nearly impossible to stop in a partially open position when they're racing up and down.


On the other hand, gauges are easily read, and the nicely located controls work smoothly.


The ES 300 isn't classified as a sports sedan, partly because it has a soft, relaxed feel. But it comes close to sports sedan status with its quick steering, powerful brakes and supple all-independent suspension with gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bars.


The steering provides good road feel, and the brake pedal is easily modulated. There's a $620 Adaptive Variable Suspension system, which must be ordered with the costly Leather package, but the system does little to improve ride or handling.


A worthwhile--although costly--option is $1,740 chrome alloy wheels that come with lower-profile 60-series tires for a sportier stance and slightly better handling.


My test ES 300 had a $6,069 Platinum Package with items including a power sunroof, specially trimmed interior, custom alloy wheels and gorgeous wood-trim steering wheel. The package had a $2,100 manufacturer discount, but still didn't seem worth the money--despite that steering wheel.


The ES 300 with only a few options is just fine.