My '98 Lumina LTZ with the GM 3.8 V8 still going after 205,000 miles (friend bought it in Fall of 2003).

 

Yes, the 3.8 engine & 4 speed transmission was a rock solid combo... and it is was old technology that had been tweaked for years. It was smooth, quiet and reliable. The woes of the direct injection/ 5 speed/ 6 speed (new technology) have rendered some havoc on the early adopters (mostly foriegn). The domestics have just started to cross that hurdle.

I knew I would offend people by making a Buick to Lexus comparision (I do occasionally like to "stir the pot") - but that's my experience!

Don't get me wrong, the ES is an overall good car, but I'm not sure it's what legend has it. Again this is my first and maybe it was the rare anomoly. I somehow don't think that's the case based upon other postings and others I know with other models. Furthermore, the dealer's explanation "every car has its issues" is disappointing. I thought we were supposed to expect more from Lexus?

My intention here is not to woe about these issues (I'm sure someone will blast me for this), but rather have a honest dialogue and keep a realistic view of Lexus and the competition.

 

Elex, I hear what your saying (as I mentioned, I was a GM man) but you still can't compare a late 90's Buick Regal to the current generation ES.....they are nowhere near the same league. And that is why we have factory warranty btw......most new generation's of an existing model will have most of their 'issues' during the first year of production.

 

Someone took these pics at a Taiwanese dealership:

 

Thanks Mister Two!

Changes are VERY slight.....but I do like the larger grille, fogs....I personally can't see any difference on the side view....and very minor change to the tail lights.....any idea if they are now LED?

Did I miss anything for the exterior?

 

You're welcome. Yeah I think the wider grille does make a lot of difference in presence too. As for the side I think it now has extra chrome on the skirts.

 

Also looks like new wheels, turn signals in outside mirrors and chrome spears on bottom of doors.

Lou

 

Some more pics of a different car (this one has a different color and a panoramic sunroof) with the taillights on. Not very LED-ish looking though.

 

No pics came through....at least on my PC.

 

Oops. Attaching the pics then.

 

2010 ES leaked!!! And again, as with the debut of the 5ES design, some of the pics come from Lexus pictures taken in Taiwan!

Thanks Mister_Two!

 

Nice subtle updates. I like it.

 

I'm not feeling the grille and the foglights. Signal mirrors, door chrome and taillamps are good updates.

The original 5ES in non-NA markets (to my knowledge, only Korea, Taiwan and China) had signal lamps on the front fenders. I still do not understand why such an important safety item is not required in the US, either on the fender or on the mirrors.

Question: Since China will have an ES240, will Taiwan and Korea also have it?

Awesome leak, guys!

 

Thanks Mister Two. Any chance of getting some interior shots? Thanks

 

I'm likin' pretty much all the updates.....now to see the interior... And are those LED tail lights? I can't tell.