Threxx

Well comparitevly speaking, on the downside the motor seriously lacked low end torque. Even for a V6 it just didn't want to pull anything below 2k RPM. Even when floored, the car seems reluctant to pull away. Perhaps the ES330's 3.3L will fix this? The transmission feels like its slipping every time it upshifts... which I guess is Lexus' way of making it feel 'smooth'. The handling feels very loose and uncommunicative.

But on the plus side, and I mean the BIG plus side. The interior is NICE. I'd take the ES300's interior over my GS4's any day. The seats, dash, doors, etc... all executed with quite a bit of style, quality, and great materials throughout. I never was a fan of the previous gen's interior... just looked too similar to the Camry. But this ES300 was black with a very light tan colored leather interior and wow was it nice.

The other thing that was nice was the ride. I'd dare say it was equal to, if not softer and quieter than my GS4. Of course it seems to make a huge sacrifice in handling and driver feedback to accomplish this within budget.... but still, if I wanted a comfortable cruiser and couldn't afford the LS430, the ES300 would be it for sure.

lexusk8

It's nice to hear another individual complementing the interior of the ES. I have to agree 110% that the interior is hands-down the softest, cleanest and luxurious around. Believe me, I get a LOT of compliments about that. It simply can't compare with those from the Acura TL or the BMW 3-series. Many say the ES interior is like that from the LS flagship, and that's very true

It's kind of disappointing to hear the 5-speed auto tranny of the ES is getting problematic. We have had a couple threads covering this issue. Still, next time I bring my car to the dealership for service work, I would like to take out the new ES loaner instead of their '97-'99 beater ES's