Driving Impressions

Smooth, smooth, smooth, very quiet and smooth. That's the overriding impression one takes from the ES 300, whether it's compared to a Mercedes-Benz C280, an Audi A4 or an Oldsmobile Aurora. Noise and vibration control in the ES 300 cabin matches cars that cost $10,000 more. Its 60-degree V6 engine design is inherently smoother than a 90-degree V6. Lexus takes that a step farther with electronically controlled engine mounts that change dampening rates as engine speed increases and decreases. With variable valve timing, there's a deep well of torque at all engine speeds. Off-the-line response is improved considerably, and the ES 300's 0-60 mph times (in the high seven-second range) now rank near the top of the class. Jab the accelerator at, say, 45 mph, and the transmission drops to a lower gear immediately. The ES 300 accelerates with a nice shove in the small of the back, and 75 mph arrives in a whoosh. Its V6 is so smooth and torquey that enthusiast drivers will pine for a manual transmission. Of course, the enthusiast driver might prefer rear-wheel drive, because it allows a car to be turned consistently using the gas pedal. The ES 300's basic handling trait is understeer -- a nice, safe condition that intuitively tells the driver to back off if he or she goes too fast into a corner. Its steering is a bit slower than that on some sports sedans, and its all-season tires limit grip in ideal conditions. Yet given those limitations, the ES 300 is surprisingly responsive when pointed down a fast, twisting road. Tight, solid body structure is one reason. A strong unibody limits flex, and allows the ES 300's MacPherson-strut suspension to keep the tires firmly planted during aggressive cornering. This sedan doesn't lean excessively through curves, and it remains stable and predictably consistent when it changes direction quickly and repeatedly. No, the ES 300 isn't as playful or responsive as a BMW 3 Series. But the Lexus is good, clean fun, and it accelerates as fast as or faster than a number of other European sports sedans. Anyone who claims the ES 300 isn't sporty is either driving too hard, or not hard enough. The skid-control electronics aren't a gimmick, either. Granted, nothing can overcome the laws of physics. But when a driver is surprised by slippery pavement, or a turn that tightens a little too quickly, the ES 300's anti-skid electronics can buy precious fractions of seconds. That can make the difference between a nervous moment and a serious incident. Most of the time, the system works without the driver noticing. Occupants travel in smooth, quiet, unruffled comfort in the ES 300. They are never jarred by chunks or expansion joints in the pavement. Further, an ES 300 owner can expect fewer interruptions in the course of all the pleasant motoring. With its 18.5-gallon gas tank, this compact luxury sedan can go 400 miles or more between fill-ups.

Final Word

For the price of a well-optioned ES 300, you could buy a larger car, or one with a more powerful V8 engine, or one that sticks to the pavement longer in a high-G turn. You could buy a sedan that appears to have as much equipment and similar specifications for several thousand dollars less. But you might not find one with the balance of comfort, luxury, performance, refinement and quality finish as the ES 300. So it's not hard to understand why this sedan is one of the best sellers in its class. If you're shopping for a $35,000 sedan, the ES 300 is worth a look, no matter your tastes or predilections.