1997 - 2001 Lexus ES 300 Pre-Owned Review

The flush design of the ES 300's new headlamp clusters were an integral part of this slippery new attitude, also having

The updated 1997 ES was a major improvement over the 1992 through 1996 version it replaced. (Photo: Lexus)

been upgraded from projector beams to multi-reflector lamps providing an 18 percent improvement in vision after dark. Lexus tweaked the styling in model year 2000, adding two horizontal ribs to the grille design and a matching set integrated into the lower front fascia. Personally, I like the less-is-more attitude of the earlier car, but in the auto business facelifts are important even if just for the sake of change itself.

Back to 1997, the all-new ES was a major improvement over the 1992 through 1996 version it replaced, delivering up greater refinement, better performance, increased

The list of no charge standard features grew significantly with the updated car, and included leather seats and traction control. (Photo: Lexus)

interior volume, a more rigid body structure, and enhanced standard and optional features.

Now such niceties as leather upholstery and memory-equipped power seats were added to the standard features list that also included power windows, locks, mirrors, etc, while traction control joined standard ABS to enhance the car's active safety at no charge as well.

The brand's luxury biased clientele appreciated the addition of more authentic wood accents, while the placement of the car's climate control interface made for less of a stretch from the driver's position.