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PRESS RELEASE

Lexus Announces "Best Overall Value" Award for ES 300

4 February 1997

Lexus ES 300 Named Best Overall Value of the Year

    TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 3 -_ The Lexus ES 300 has been named
the Best Overall Value of the Year in its class by the research firm
IntelliChoice(R).
    In addition to the all-new ES in the under-$30,000 category, three other
Lexus models were recognized for their outstanding value by IntelliChoice(R).
Both the LS 400 and GS 300 sedans were named Best Overall Values in the luxury
car class.  And the LX 450 was awarded a Best Overall Value for large sport
utility vehicles.
    "Cars like the ES 300 are often referred to as 'near-luxury', but our goal
was to build a true world-class luxury sedan at a value usually associated
with family cars," said Lexus Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim
Press.  "It's rewarding to see IntelliChoice recognize the qualities that make
Lexus ownership such a satisfying experience for both the soul and the
pocketbook."
    The 1997 IntelliChoice(R) findings mark the 6th consecutive year the award
has been given to the LS 400, the fifth for the ES 300 and the third for the
GS 300.
    IntelliChoice(R) considers a vehicle's purchase price as well as five-year
cost-of-ownership factors including depreciation, maintenance, repairs,
insurance, financing, fees and fuel costs.
    For 1997, the all-new ES 300 was introduced with more features and
standard equipment, yet its price was reduced $2500.  Thanks to traditionally
high Lexus resale value, low maintenance costs, fuel efficiency and factors,
the ES is not only the most attractive purchase value in its segment, but the
best value for the longer term.
    Since its introduction in September, 1996, the new ES 300 has received
praise for its combination of style, performance, comfort and quality.  In
addition to these latest accolades from IntelliChoice(R), the ES 300 was
recognized by the American Automobile Association as its Top Car in the near
luxury class.  In its February issue, Car and Driver magazine rated the ES 300
as best overall among nine competing luxury sedans.
    Prices for the ES 300 with standard 24-valve V6 engine start at $29,900.
Popularly equipped with leather trim, memory power seats, in-dash 6-CD auto
changer and power tilt/slide moonroof, MSRP for the ES 300 is less than
$34,000.

SOURCE  Lexus

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