Review: 2002 Lexus ES 300

The Lexus ES 300 has been a benchmark in the entry luxury segment since its inception, and the almost completely revised 2002 model only raises the bar. With the introduction of the IS 300 for sports-oriented buyers two years ago, Lexus began to move the ES more toward serious luxury. The process continues at an accelerated pace with the introduction of the newest ES300. Little change was required to the ES 300, but little was left unchanged. Sleek new styling overlays a revised chassis structure with a longer wheelbase for more interior room and increased strength and rigidity for improved ride characteristics and safety. The new ES is even quieter than its predecessors, and fit and finish are even more precise, with narrower panel gaps. Although it has the same power output as previously, the ES 300's namesake 3.0-liter V6 engine has been refined, and is now matched to a five-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous four-speed. And ever more premium-level luxury features that debuted in the company's top-of-the-line LS 430 can be found, as standard equipment or optionally, in the ES 300. I've been driving a new ES 300 for the past week. ``Entry luxury'' is not the right term to describe it. In comfort and appointment, the ES is a true luxury car, with no compromises. ``The relentless pursuit of perfection'' is not just a Lexus advertising slogan, it is the way the company approaches the design and construction of its cars.

APPEARANCE: Influence from Lexus's GS sports sedan? The more formal styling of earlier ES 300s has been replaced by an elegantly muscular, toned look. In dry statistics, the new ES is a bigger car than last year's model. The wheelbase is two inches longer, length has been increased by an inch, and the roof is almost two and a half inches taller. Yet, because of its sleek, expressive styling, the 2002 ES 300 looks smaller and lower than any of its forebears. The lower body shape is derived from the old car, but no body panels carry over. The greenhouse seems small because of the very raked windshield and near-fastback backlight. It's not. At the front, a small chromed grille, at the end of a sculpted hood, seems to be smiling, a look aided by headlights with bulging triangular covers. A high shoulder line that turns up towards the rear produces a wedge-like profile. The triangular wraparound taillights echo the shape of the headlights and incorporate the backup lights. The low 0.28 coefficient of aerodynamic drag helps stability at speed in strong winds, and, even more importantly for a Lexus, reduces wind noise.

COMFORT: How could Lexus increase the luxury level of the ES 300? Start with more space, and add an interior redesign that emphasizes that space with good use of colors, materials, and textures. Standard comfort and convenience features including dual- zone climate control with air filtration, a five-channel, seven-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD audio system, and a moonroof. All windows are one-touch, down and up, with pinch protection. Front seats are power-adjustable, of course, with the driver's 10 ways and the passenger's eight. Memory is available. Upscale cloth upholstery is standard, but leather is available, and the wood trim is real wood. LS 430-pioneered features like water-repellent front door glass and ground and footwell illuminating courtesy lamps are standard. For a premium-luxury experience, an audiophile-quality Mark Levinson sound system similar to that on the LS 430, is available, as is a DVD-based navigation system. Seat comfort is, as expected, first rate, and there is more rear space, especially legroom.

SAFETY: The ES 300's unibody chassis has a strong structure around the passenger compartment, front and rear crumple zones, and impact-protection beams in all four doors. All seating positions have three-point safety belts, and dual-stage front, front side, and front and rear side curtain airbags are standard.

ROADABILITY: Lexus's dual-entry level strategy has paid off, with the IS 300 handling the sports side, and the ES 300 further developed toward serious, LS-style luxury. The ES's stronger chassis structure has benefits for ride and handling, allowing a soft suspension calibration for the ride comfort expected in a luxury car. Firmer suspension subframe bushings and good damping on the fully-independent MacPherson strut suspension make the ES as pleasant on the scenic route as the Interstate. A frame design for extremely low noise levels and new sound-absorbing materials make the new ES 300 even quieter, insulating occupants from the outside world.

PERFORMANCE: The 2002 ES 300 has the same aluminum alloy 24-valve 3.0-liter V6 as last year's version, with the same 210 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It still uses the VVT-i continuously variable valve timing system for a broader torque spread. But new ``drive by wire'' electronic throttle control and a five-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission in place of the previous four-speed improve powertrain responsiveness and fuel economy while lowering emissions levels. While slightly heavier than last year's car, the 2002 ES 300 is actually a little quicker. It's also very civilized and refined. Torque steer is nonexistent, and the engine can barely be heard except under absolute full-throttle acceleration.

CONCLUSIONS: In the relentless pursuit of perfection, Lexus has improved the ES 300 for 2002.

SPECIFICATIONS 2002 Lexus ES300

Base Price $ 31,505 Price As Tested $ 37,353 Engine Type dual overhead cam 24-valve V6 Engine Size 3.0 liters / 183 cu. in. Horsepower 210 @ 5800 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 220 @ 4400 rpm Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic Wheelbase / Length 107.1 in. / 191.1 in. Curb Weight 3,439 lbs. Pounds Per Horsepower 16.4 Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal. Fuel Requirement 87 octane unleaded regular gasoline Tires P215/60 VR16 Toyo Proxes J33 Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc, antilock standard Suspension, front/rear independent MacPherson struts at all corners Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 21 / 29 / 23 0 to 60 mph 8.1 sec (mfg) 1/4 mile (E.T.) 16.1 sec (mfg) Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.28

OPTIONS AND CHARGES Navigation system package - includes: Leather trimmed interior with memory, Lexus DVD navigation system, in-dash single CD player and console-mounted 6-disc changer $ 3,960 Wood and leather steering wheel $ 330 High-intensity discharge headlamps with auto leveling $ 640 Power rear sun shade $ 210 Trunk mat $ 64 Wheel locks $ 41 Cargo net $ 28