LEXUS ES250

Let's be honest, folks. They don't snap cars together much better than the Lexus ES250 and ES300. Not anywhere, at any price.
The proof is in two very important places: 

1) The astonishing quality numbers based on owner feedback. You name the researcher, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power & Associates, Strategic Vision, the Canadian Automobile Association, and the result is always the same. These cars are pretty much bullet-proof, say the people who drive them.

2) When I prepare this column each week my research begins with a search of all the technical service bulletins and recall notices. Technical service bulletins are information circulars issued by manufacturers to assist technicians find, diagnose and solve particular problems or issues that have surfaced enough times in either the marketplace (read: with owners), at the dealership or at the factory. In this case there are only a handful to review--and none that I would call earth-shattering--while the recall file has but two entries, one in '92 the other in '97 (see "Buyer's Alerts").

Which brings me to three dates: 1991, 1992 and 1997. Those mark the three model years when Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, introduced updated versions of the entry-level car in the Lexus lineup. What all three have in common is that they began life as the Toyota Camry of the day, then were upgraded significantly for a plusher crowd.

The ES250 had a very short life in Canada, just a bit more than a year. It's power came from a 156 horsepower 2.5-litre V6 engine and its soft-edged box shape had an unmistakable Lexus-like flair-with the grille, headlights, taillights and exterior lower side moldings (or claddings) straight off the Lexus LS400. The base car had cloth seats, with leather optional. And the drive looked at large and easily read white-on-black gauges. A pleasing touch is the glistening bird's-eye maple on the front door switch panels and centre console. 

Compared to the Camry of 1991 (and this fact holds true for all the ES models in the '90s), the ES250 was extensively insulated to give the car an extremely quiet ride. It also had a slightly smoother and more controlled ride thanks to some engineering work on the suspension.
Aside from looking, riding and handling differently, the ES250 came with a long list of standard luxury equipment--power windows, door locks and mirrors, six-speaker sound system, integrated fog lights, driver's side air bag and security systems to deter both vehicle and audio system theft.

In '92 the ES300 arrived with a longer wheelbase (distance between the axles) and more length overall (12.7 cm. or five inches). Under the hood was a 24-valve V6 rated at3.0-litres (thus the ES300 name). The jump in power was noteworthy: 185 hp. versus the 156 of the previous car.

This ES300 was more clearly differentiated from the Camry than its predecessor. Among other things, it had a different suspension and tires and it weighed an additional 90.7 kg. (200 kg.) over the Camry-a lot of that heft being insulation. During the next few years Lexus added a new passenger-side airbag ('94), more horsepower (to 188 hp. in '94), and minor exterior styling changes ('95).
Then in '97 we again got a reinvented ES300. That year the body structure was made 30 per cent more rigid and wheelbase was stretched 50 mm (2.0 in.) between the axles. The longer wheelbase added backseat room. 

Meanwhile, Lexus designers re-worked the sheetmetal into a more pronounced wedge shape. Among other things, the new shape made for less wind noise and improved fuel efficiency.
The greenhouse was given more glass for better outward visibility--again, not a strong suit with the previous version. The glass itself has received a special coating that traps 90 per cent of all ultraviolet rays. That should keep you cooler on sunny July days.

The headlamps, an important but often overlooked feature also received some attention. They were changed from projector beams to a multireflector design that Lexus officials insisted brings 18 per cent better illumination to your nighttime travels. The cabin design was re-worked, too, and a full range of luxury features were standard.

Lexus made only subtle changes to the powertrain that year, upping horsepower by 12 to 200. Underneath, the suspension design remained the same, although minor changes is design made for small improvements in ride quality and steering response.
Sure there are other very well built rivals to the ES300 (the Infiniti I30 jumps to mind), but if the ES300 has done one thing this decade, it is to set the standard in quality for near-luxury sedans.

THE VERDICT: Extraordinarily well built executive car.

CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Lexus ES300
1998-$33,375 ($43,820 original MSRP)
1997?$30,625 ($42,960)
1996?$27,775 ($45,600)
1995?$24,175 ($44,700)
1994?$20,825 ($41,300)
1993?$16,450 ($37,300)


BUYER'S ALERTS: Look for a climate control system that misbehaves but can be fixed if you remove the fuse (briefly) for the air conditioning controls unit (AC00196, May '96). Also look for a knocking or thumping nose from the engine that could indicate the need for a larger crankshaft bearing (ENG006, Sept. '91); rear squeaking or groaning noises that might be remedied by a new stabilizer bar bushing (SU92002, Nov. '92); leaking water pump seals (EG95004, May '95); a transmission leak that might be traced to a casting knock hole or a bolt hole (TC95001, May '95).

Under recalls be alert to be alert to freezing in the brake vacuum hose in extremely cold temperatures (1997155, '97) and dust accumulation in the secondary hood latch calling for a latch replacement(1994049, '97).
(Service bulletins provided by Alldata Inc.) 

THE VERDICT: Extraordinarily well built executive car.

CHECK THE SPECS
1992 LEXUS ES250
MARKET SEGMENT: Mid-sized upscale sedan

Typical Market competition: Nissan Maxima, Mazda 929, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SL, Pontiac Grand Prix, some Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable models, Saab 9000CD, BMW 318 and 325 models, Volvo 740.

Drive system: 2.5-litre V6, 24-valves, DOHC; 156 hp at 5600 rpm; 160 lbs-ft torque at 4400 rpm. 

Steering: rack and pinion, speed-sensitive variable power-assisted.

Brakes: discs front/rear with standard ABS.

Tires: 195/60R15. 

Fuel economy: litres/100km--12.6 city/8.7 highway; miles per gallon, 22 city/32 highway.

Pros
* Top-notch fit and finish
* Quiet, comfortable ride
* Excellent brakes
Cons
* Limited rear seat headroom
* Steering wheel does not adjust

ROAD TEST REPORT CARD for 1992 LEXUS ES250
Access: B+
Driving position: B
Instruments/Controls: B 
Visibility: B 
Climate Control: B
Steering: B+
Brakes: B+
Handling: B- 
Acceleration: C+
Engine: B
Transmission: B 
Interior space: B 
Trunk/Cargo: B
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: A-

DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD for
Overall: A
Mechanical: A 
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: A

SAFETY REPORT CARD
Anti-lock braking: yes
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/no (later models) 
Traction control: no
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the best): NA

INSURANCE HISTORY
Theft claim cost rating: NA
Collision cost rating: NA
Comprehensive cost rating: NA