Lexus History: ES 250. ES 300, ES 330, ES 350, Vista, Windom
Brand Development, Growth, and Expansion
The Lexus ES was the make’s first model; five generations later, it is still being manufactured and has been the best selling Lexus sedan in the U.S. for over 15 years. Also known as the Toyota Vista and Toyota Windom (until the last generation), the Lexus ES is considered an entry-level mid-size luxury sedan. The ES was built on the Toyota Camry platform and was the only Lexus made with front-wheel drive until 1999. The 4-door, 5-person ES was built with Toyota styling elements since its inception. The fifth generation ES 350 incorporates the Lexus trademark L-finesse body styling.
Design & Technology
The Lexus ES sports a front-wheel drive V6 engine that has progressed
through the years from a 2.5L to the 3.5L on the Latest ES 350. The
transmissions are 4, 5, or 6-speed automatic, or 5-speed manual,
depending on the model.
- The ES 250 – manufactured from 1989-1991
- The ES 300 – manufactured from 1992-2001 with two different configurations
- The ES 330 – manufactured from 2002-2006
- The ES 350 – began production in 2007 and is Lexus’ current ES
Depending on the year and the model, the Lexus ES has been compared to
the Toyota Camry, Solara, Highlander, Sienna and the Avalon. It is
assembled in Tsutsumi, Kyushu. Miyawaka and Fukuoka, Japan.
Pop Culture
The Lexus ES has received many awards and accolades including Best in
Class for the over $30,000 segment in 1993, one of Automobile
Magazine’s Top Ten All-Stars in 1992, the Top Ten in Initial Quality in
1991, 1993, and 1994 by J.D. Power & Associates, and the most
appealing entry-level luxury car in 1997, 2001, and 2007, also by J.D.
Power. Intellichoice also gave the ES 330 the Beat Overall Value Award
in 2004, 2005, and 2007.
The Lexus ES 300 cameo appearances on TV in Family Guy, The Office,
Desperate Housewives, Murder, She Wrote, The Bernie Mac Show, Lost,
Motorweek, The O.C., Prison Break, Dexter, The Sopranos, and Damages
speak for its popularity. On the big screen, the ES can be seen in Live
Free or Die Hard, A Night at the Roxbury, Talladega Nights: The Ballad
of Ricky Bobby, The Dukes of Hazzard, and The Benchwarmers.
