Introduction

The Lexus ES 300 delivers a seamlessly smooth and reliable driving experience. It's one of the most refined cars in the so-called near-luxury class. Add dealer satisfaction that's consistently rated among the best, and the ES 300 becomes a hard bargain to beat.

Walkaround

Introduced in late 1996, the ES 300 shares its basic architecture with the highly competent Toyota Camry, but it is far more polished and more luxuriously trimmed. The ES 300 is more stylish as well, with its frameless windows and blacked-out center pillar simulating the look of a hardtop coupe; its aggressive, multi-refractor headlights; its perfectly matched body seams and gem-like paint. The look has become familiar, but Lexus massaged it a bit last year with a new grille, featuring a wider chrome frame and two chromed horizontal bars instead of three black ones. The front bumper was reshaped for a more chiseled look, while High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights became a new option. In back, redesigned tail lamps adopted clear lenses.

Interior Features

ES 300 provides plenty of space for large adults in the front seats. The back seat comfortably accommodates three children, or two adults in stretches up to an hour. Last year, Lexus recessed the rear seats, giving the driver a better view out the back. One of the Lexus trademarks has been superior fit and finish for its dashboards, door panels and other interior surfaces. ES 300 meets that standard. None of the plastic or vinyl surfaces look hard, brittle, or cheap. Judicious use of walnut trim and an outside temperature indicator add an expensive feel. The electroluminescent gauges pop in the brightest sunlight, yet are easy on the eyes in pitch dark. Nearly all switches fall intuitively to grasp with little distraction, and they work with a firm, satisfying click. Unfortunately, the buttons for the optional memory feature on the driver's seat are an exception. They're small, located on the side of the seat bottom, and troublesome to work in the dark. Most manufacturers still mount their CD changers in the trunk. Lexus, on the other hand, has found a way to put the ES 300's optional changer in the dash, within easy reach of the driver or front passenger. And there's still adequate storage space for odds and ends in the cabin. There is even an Automatic Sound Level feature on the stereo, which adjusts volume according to ambient noise, and an auto-dimming electrochromic inside rearview mirror and driver's side-view mirror. Optional heated seats feature two temperature settings. The trunk is larger than many in the class with plenty of room for a couple of golf bags.