By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
Lexus has redesigned the ES 300, their entry-level sedan, but you wouldn't know it by just looking at it. The redesign added a few things here and there but Lexus didn't want to fix what wasn't broken.
In the past few months, I have driven the Mazda Millenia, Cadillac Catera and the Acura TL. While each of these cars are capable luxury sedans, they are not as refined the new ES 300. The new Lexus ES 300 is easily the best overall package and value in the entry-level luxury market.
Interior appointments include a Bose audio system, combined with the CD changer. New for 1997 is the location of the CD changer: instead of being in the trunk, the CD changer has been put into the glove box yet, does not take up any glove box space. A fold down rear armrest with pass through for long items from the trunk is another good feature. Lexus features an excellent dash design with easy to read gauges and well-placed controls. The gauge package was redone for 1997, the new package is electroluminescent. It is the same type of gauge package you woul0d find in the LS 400 or even the Lincoln Continental.
The ES 300 features a 200 hp, 24 valve V6 engine. The last time I reviewed a Lexus ES 300, I mentioned it could use more power. Well, for 1997 the horsepower was increased by 12 hp and it is noticeable difference.
Another new feature for 1997 is the adjustable suspension option. When I picked up the car I was notified that it was a pre-production model and that it may have more squeaks and rattles than a regular production vehicle. On the way to the office, I noticed that the shocks and entire suspension systems seemed very un-Lexus like; the normally cloud-like ride had be replaced by bumpiness that I would normally assiocate with a sports car. During the second day of driving the car I was looking around the cabin and found the adjustable suspension dial. It was turned to full sport, thus creating the sporty handling condtion I had experienced. Turning the dail back to full luxury brought about the familar comfortable Lexus ride.
Even with the redesign and the added features, the Lexus ES 300 hasn't had a large jump in price. The total as tested price was $35,395. The Lexus ES 300 is simply the best in class and one of the favorite cars around this office.