MT Then and Now: 1990-2013 Lexus ES - MotorTrend Magazine (blog)
1990 Lexus ES 250 In 1990, Toyota launched its premium Lexus brand with two models: the executive-level LS 400 and the volume model ES 250 based on the Toyota Camry family sedan. The ES 250 was powered by a 156-hp 2. 5-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. We found the Lexus ES 250 “a pleasant, if benign, little sedan with a light and polite feel, a car brimming with high quality and the latest technology but totally lacking the aggressive character and style sought after by enthusiasts. ” 1992 Lexus ES 300 Two years after the Lexus ES 250 arrived, the premium automaker debuted the Lexus ES 300. More upscale features and options as well as a sleeker, more rounded body distinguished the ES 300 from the Camry. The ES 300 still shared the Camry’s engine, now a larger 185-hp 3. 0-liter V-6. Transmission choices remained the same as the ES 250. “The ES fulfills the promise of its new styling, delivering a balanced blend of sporty performance and spoiling... 2002 Lexus ES 300 With the 2002 ES 300 , Lexus added more pronounced bubble headlights similar to those found on the Toyota Celica. … Although the target customers may need some time to get used to the avant garde front-end created in the company's Japanese design studios, the new ES 300 is definitely an entry-lux. Source: wot.motortrend.com
