How many ES generations are there? Is my '96 a first gen? What is the 2001? I think my 96 is nearly a perfect car, but had it 2 years and think a 2001 ES is the next step. I considered Maxima and Acura, but always come back to a newer ES.

I'm always looking for something nicer with maybe a little more power, but a good value too. Is the 01 much faster, in terms of 0-60 and 1/4 mile? How about getting up to speed in traffic, which year is better for that?

Does the 01 have variable cam timing? How about the transmission, same as the 96?
Does it share the "hesitation problem" with the newer 330s?

What about ride and handling? Overall quality?

Doug, I know you have an informed opinion on the 96/01 comparrison, having owned both!
I'd greatly appreciate any experienced opinions. Thanks

 

Wow LDaisy, you've certainly asked a bundle here Let me try to answer most of your questions:

1) There have been 3 generations for the ES (discounting the 1990-1991 ES250). 1st-gen covers '92-'96 ES, 2nd-gen for '97-'01 ES, and 3rd-gen for '02-'04 ES.

2) Thanks for noticing my ownership of both the '96 and '01 models In terms of performance, there is some improvement going from the '96 to the '01. The pick-up and initial acceleration is much quicker, and in city and highway driving, the ride is very smooth and does not lack in quality.

1996 ES300
0-60 accel: 8.7 sec
1/4-mile accel: 16.7 sec

2001 ES300
0-60 accel: 7.8 sec
1/4-mile accel: 15.9 sec

The 2001 has the VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing w/ intelligence) engine, while the 1996 does not have VVT-i. The 1996 has the ECT-i (Electronically Controlled Transmission w/ intelligence) tranny and the power/normal shift buttons, while the 2001 just has the ECT. I do not notice a hesitation issue with the transmission in my '01. The car handles superb around corners and tight roads w/ my stock suspension and wheels. It's absolute comfort that I can hardly sacrifice on the ES. I'm glad I made the right move to upgrade to the '01

 

Coundn't have said it better myself lexusk8! I did appreciate the factory AVS suspention on our honeymoon to Florida & back in addition to what you mentioned.....especially in states like Michigan which could use some serious budget increases to improve the quality of their highways. Well said lexusk8