With the optional DVD-based navigation on board, you'll find the ES an enjoyable car to rack up some mileage with on an out-of-town road trip.
Depending on the year selected, you'll find one of two V6 engines on propulsion detail. Early models got Toyota's 3.0 liter V6 with 210 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft of torque. For 2004, a larger 3.3 liter V6 was used, delivering 225 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft of torque. Either engine spun the front tires through a five-speed automatic.
Gas mileage appears very respectable, and most owners report satisfaction with their consumption figures. Trouble is, most also complain about hesitation when acceleration is requested, as well as poor off-the-line performance. Still others complain about 'sloppy' gearshifts when it comes time for the transmission to switch up or down.
Floaty suspension and road handling along with a numb and disconnected steering feel round out complaints in the handling area. Though a worthy luxury car experience for the price, it definitely won't ignite the motorist's soul. The ES is not a car for driving enthusiasts.
Other owner gripes are fairly minor- dealing with cupholder and control placements. A few owners reported premature tire wear of the factory tires- a concern remedied easily by switching to a different tire when it does come time to change them.
In all, the big issue with this car is definitely the gearbox. Note that the problem isn't necessarily a mechanical defect, but a software issue. An update was made available at dealerships, but results seem mixed at best.
Reliability issues are few and far between, and scouring of online owners forums yielded negligible signs of common problems or faulty components. Toyota and Lexus reliability have historically been very good, and there seems to be no exception here.
It looks like Lexus is earning a name for itself when it comes to creating cars that last many years with minimal headaches. As a result, resale values will prove fairly high in exchange for the worry-free operation that used ES shoppers can expect.
Recalls affected only a few hundred units, dealing with a possible brake-line defect and faulty airbag module that could detach and strike the driver during deployment. Though fewer than 600 units were affected by the recalls, they are safety-related issues that should be addressed. Your dealership can advise you if the work needs to be carried out- just provide them with the unit's VIN number.
Before agreeing on a used Lexus ES, be sure to pay close attention to the operation of the transmission. If the potential hesitation falls within acceptable bounds for you, you're very likely to experience years of luxurious and trouble-free driving.
photo:Toyota
Depending on the year selected, you'll find one of two V6 engines on propulsion detail. Early models got Toyota's 3.0 liter V6 with 210 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft of torque. For 2004, a larger 3.3 liter V6 was used, delivering 225 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft of torque. Either engine spun the front tires through a five-speed automatic.
Gas mileage appears very respectable, and most owners report satisfaction with their consumption figures. Trouble is, most also complain about hesitation when acceleration is requested, as well as poor off-the-line performance. Still others complain about 'sloppy' gearshifts when it comes time for the transmission to switch up or down.
Floaty suspension and road handling along with a numb and disconnected steering feel round out complaints in the handling area. Though a worthy luxury car experience for the price, it definitely won't ignite the motorist's soul. The ES is not a car for driving enthusiasts.
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| For 2004, a larger 3.3 liter V6 was used, delivering 225 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft of torque. |
Other owner gripes are fairly minor- dealing with cupholder and control placements. A few owners reported premature tire wear of the factory tires- a concern remedied easily by switching to a different tire when it does come time to change them.
In all, the big issue with this car is definitely the gearbox. Note that the problem isn't necessarily a mechanical defect, but a software issue. An update was made available at dealerships, but results seem mixed at best.
Reliability issues are few and far between, and scouring of online owners forums yielded negligible signs of common problems or faulty components. Toyota and Lexus reliability have historically been very good, and there seems to be no exception here.
It looks like Lexus is earning a name for itself when it comes to creating cars that last many years with minimal headaches. As a result, resale values will prove fairly high in exchange for the worry-free operation that used ES shoppers can expect.
Recalls affected only a few hundred units, dealing with a possible brake-line defect and faulty airbag module that could detach and strike the driver during deployment. Though fewer than 600 units were affected by the recalls, they are safety-related issues that should be addressed. Your dealership can advise you if the work needs to be carried out- just provide them with the unit's VIN number.
Before agreeing on a used Lexus ES, be sure to pay close attention to the operation of the transmission. If the potential hesitation falls within acceptable bounds for you, you're very likely to experience years of luxurious and trouble-free driving.
photo:Toyota
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