Lacebug Sydney Posted March 11, 2007 Posted March 11, 2007 Hey guys I'm curious as to which ES300 is considered the best; a 2000 model or the new shape 2001 model?
blk_on_blk Posted March 11, 2007 Posted March 11, 2007 I hear the new model has more headroom... always a positive for us 6'+ guys.
Lexucan Posted March 11, 2007 Posted March 11, 2007 Personally, I like the look of the older ES generations the best. And far more than the newest generation, the ES350. To me, the ES, IS, GS, and LS all look too much the same now with Lexus' "L-Finesse" styling cues. As for headroom, I haven't sat in one myself, but I saw a recent tv car show review of the ES350 and the driver was complaining about the lack of headroom and he looked to be barely 6' tall !
bloxxlex Posted March 11, 2007 Posted March 11, 2007 For looks, style... definately 2000 and prior. Not sure about the reliablility and such for anything after 2001. I have owned two different 1994 models, and currently a 2000 model. So I may be partial to them! But I must say that I was very surprised to see how little changes there were made in upgrading from a 94 to a 2000. There were actually several interior features that I miss from my 94s that were lacking on my 2000.
Lexucan Posted March 11, 2007 Posted March 11, 2007 For looks, style... definately 2000 and prior. Not sure about the reliablility and such for anything after 2001. I have owned two different 1994 models, and currently a 2000 model. So I may be partial to them! But I must say that I was very surprised to see how little changes there were made in upgrading from a 94 to a 2000. There were actually several interior features that I miss from my 94s that were lacking on my 2000. I totally agree. I test drove a 1999 ES a while ago and was surprised and disappointed to see that some features of the earlier models had been removed, like the projector headlights and one of the moon roof features. In my '93 model, there are two options for opening the moon roof, either sliding it open or tilting it open. In the '99 model, tilting was no longer an option. As for the rest of the car, there appeared to be very little change. On one hand I like that b/c it keeps the older models seeming more current, but on the other hand, I'd be paying considerably more to step up to the newer model but would still feel like I'm driving essentially the same car, albeit with fewer miles on it.
SW03ES Posted March 11, 2007 Posted March 11, 2007 For ride and drive and exterior styling the ES350 is the best hands down, for interior styling, comfort, quality, and room the 02-06. The pre-02 ES never interested me, too small and Camry-esque.
Lexucan Posted March 11, 2007 Posted March 11, 2007 The pre-02 ES never interested me, too small and Camry-esque. That's interesting. To my eye, the ES350 looks every bit as "Camry-esque" as previous generations. Or I should say, the Camry looks very ES350-like since it has been redesigned and indirectly affected by the L-Finesse factor. Not necessarily a bad thing for the Camry to look more like a new Lexus, but still, IMHO, the two cars are very similar in appearance, just in a more refined way.
SW03ES Posted March 11, 2007 Posted March 11, 2007 I'm not talking so much about the styling, more the way they feel when sitting in them and when on the road.
blk_on_blk Posted March 11, 2007 Posted March 11, 2007 I don't know... but my wife's 95 ES has grown on me so much I'm looking at a used RX300 today, which I understand is basically the same underpinnings as the ES. I love our ES, but I have to drive it tilted to the side or with the seat back becasue my head touches. I'm hoping the RX has more headroom... we'll see.
bloxxlex Posted March 12, 2007 Posted March 12, 2007 Specifically some of the interior features that I missed were the odometer buttons that are lacking on the 2000, and the simple button for windshield washing. To answer your question...shockingly, they drove virtually the same. (the 94 and the 2000)
backwoods lex Posted March 12, 2007 Posted March 12, 2007 The 2002 + models seem to be a little more refined both inside and out. I'm a fan of all ES generations though.
lexusk8 Posted March 12, 2007 Posted March 12, 2007 The '02-'06 ES never got my attention as it is too boat-like design-wise, but I have to admit the interior is immaculate with the fit and finish. Overall, I have always liked the 2000-2001 ES300 generation. Sporty looking, very refined, great mileage, and interior is nowhere in comparison with that of the Camry.
rosecityrain Posted March 12, 2007 Posted March 12, 2007 I have ridden in a new ES. I like mine as much or more. I have more wood and leather and less plastic. Or, does it just look like plastic? rosie
SW03ES Posted March 12, 2007 Posted March 12, 2007 I have ridden in a new ES. I like mine as much or more. I have more wood and leather and less plastic. Or, does it just look like plastic? rosie Which model do you mean as "new" the 07? I hate the 07s interior, huge step down from the 02-06.
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