Consumer Reports:Lexus ES300 Beats A4,Passat,Accura 3.2 Maxima Accord, But Not Toyota Camry.

February 4, 2002
	

YONKERS, NY - The redesigned Lexus ES300 outscored four models from
competitors-the Audi A4, Acura 3.2TL, Infiniti I35, and Jaguar X-Type-in
performance tests conducted by Consumer Reports' auto engineers for the
March 2002 issue. But none were able to outscore Consumer Reports' top-rated
family sedans, which cost thousands of dollars less.

The cars in this group are all based on lower-priced family sedans made by
the same automakers. The Lexus ES300 is a more expensive version of the
Toyota Camry. The Audi A4 is similar to the Volkswagen Passat; and the Acura
3.2TL, Infiniti I35, and Jaguar X-Type are based on the Honda Accord, the
Nissan Maxima, and the European Ford Mondeo, respectively.

Although all five cars tested offer drivers an added dose of luxury, they
did not perform any better than the family sedans upon which they are based.
In fact, the V6 versions of the Passat tested for the July 2000 issue, and
the redesigned Toyota Camry tested for the February 2002 issue, handily
outscored all five cars in this test.

"The Lexus ES300 is an easy-going, quiet and comfortable cruiser with a
beautifully finished interior and refined engine," said David Champion,
director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Facility in East Haddam,
Connecticut.

The ES300 is one of three models in this test group to earn a "Recommended"
rating from Consumer Reports because they performed well in the magazine's
tests and are expected to have at least average reliability based on survey
data from CR's readers. The Acura 3.2TL and the Infiniti I35 were also
recommended. The Audi A4 and Jaguar X-Type were not recommended because of
reliability concerns with previous models. All five cars scored high enough
to earn "Very Good" ratings from CR's team of six engineers.

Full tests and ratings of the five vehicles appear in the March issue of
Consumer Reports, which goes on sale everywhere magazines are sold beginning
February 12. The complete report is also available to subscribers of
ConsumerReports.org.

The Lexus ES300, like the Camry on which it is based, was redesigned for
2002 and now has more headroom, a five-speed automatic transmission, and
more safety gear. The ES300 ($39,963 as tested) has a relaxed, serene ride
that smoothes out rough roads with aplomb. The 210-hp, 3.0-liter V6 is
smooth and quiet, but not as responsive as some of the other cars tested in
this group. Braking was exceptional overall. Reliability should be much
better than average.

The Audi A4 was also redesigned for 2002 and now provides more power, luxury
amenities, and safety equipment than before. The A4 3.0 Quattro ($37,560 as
tested) feels more like a sports sedan than the Japanese cars in this group.
The 220-hp, 3.0-liter V6 runs smoothly but lacks punch. Braking performance
on the A4 was excellent overall. The 2002 A4 is too new to predict
reliability; CR's car had serious but sporadic electrical problems that left
our drivers stranded.

The Acura 3.2TL was last redesigned in 1999 but received a round of upgrades
in the spring of 2001. The sporty 3.2TL Type S tested ($33,710) is the
quickest of the group, yet still attains the best fuel economy, at 22 mpg.
The spacious interior is well laid out and nicely finished. The 260-hp,
3.2-liter V6 is silky smooth and delivers rapid acceleration. The braking
was excellent. The Acura TL has had much better-than-average reliability.

The Infiniti I35 was last redesigned for 2000 and is little more than a
Nissan Maxima with heavy makeup and heavy markup. Like the Maxima, the I35
($37,445 as tested) has a roomy, welcoming cabin, a refined powertrain, and
competent handling. The new 3.5 liter, 255-hp V6 provides plenty of refined
performance. Braking performance was excellent. Reliability for the I35 has
been outstanding.

The new-for-2002 X-Type is the second Jaguar model to be developed on a
Ford-shared platform. The X-Type ($40,845 as tested) accelerates well,
handles nicely and rides comfortably, but overall it doesn't quite measure
up to the other cars in this group. The 231-hp, 3.0-liter V6 delivers lively
performance. Braking performance was excellent. The Jaguar is too new to
predict reliability.