The Entry-Level Lexus Isn't So Entry-Level At All

This year, my parents decided it was time to buy a new car. My mom drives a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan LE, and my dad drove a 1992 Pontiac Bonneville SE. While the Bonneville was a great car (and still is - I drive it now), with 110k on the odometer, and eight years of driving it my dad was ready for a new car. He decided that he wanted a comfy, comfy luxury. I told him to get a new Bonneville SSEi or a Grand Prix GTP (I'm a big GM fan, Pontiacs esp.). Instead he went out and bought the first import he'd ever owned in his life. I have to admit it's a nice looking car, although the 'paltry' 210hp output of the 3.0L VVT-i V6 isn't exactly thrilling (Come on dad, GTPs have 240hp and 280ft/lbs of torque!). Alright, enough about my musclecar fantasies inspired by my teenage years.

The Outside
The Lexus ES300 looks almost exactly like a Toyota Camry. With the 16-inch rims and jet black paint scheme ours looks pretty nice. It doesn't quite have the "I'm a wicked fast family sedan" look that Pontiac's got, but it doesn't look like a grandma-mobile either. Altogether not a bad looking car.

The Inside
Our Lex is full black leather. The steering wheel and console are wood trim. The audio system is the Nakamichi 230watt AM/FM/Cassette with the 6 CD changer in the front passenger glove compartment. The audio system is one of the best factory systems I've ever heard (not that I'm jealous, I have a 800 watt one in my Bonneville). The seats are heated (nice in the wintertime here in cold Connecticut) and they have a set of presets for seat positions. So I can get in the Lexus, drive it somewhere, come back and all my dad has to do is push a button for the seat to go to his special position. We also have a moonroof which is always nice to open up and feel the breeze.

The Ride
The Lexus is, without a doubt, the most comfortable car I've ever ridden in. The car is so quiet that when I started the engine I had to look at the tach to make sure it was running. After riding in this car you will have a new definition of quiet car rides. Even doing 80 at 5500 rpm is almost dead quiet.

Performance
Well, to be honest the car didn't impress me that much. My Bonne has the old 3800 3.8L V6 which makes 170hp and 225ft/lbs torque, while the Lexus has 210hp and 220ft/lbs torque. Both cars weigh about 3400lbs. The ES300 is slightly faster, 1 sec. 0-60 quicker on paper I think. No biggie since my Bonneville is eight years old, after all. The Lexus's ride is so much more cultured than the Bonneville that the Bonneville just naturally feels more sporty. The acceleration is not slow, but it's nothing that slams you back in your seat (unlike those spirited gear throws in the Pontiac when you floor it).

Build Quality
Toyota is known as a reliable manufacturer. So what do you think Lexus, Toyota's luxury division's build quality will be like? Let's just say that this car is probably the most reliable car on the road today. If you pick up an issue of Consumer Reports and peruse the used car listings you'll see what I mean. Granted I disagree with CR on a lot of things (such as their tendency to play favorites with imports) but the stats speak for themselves.

Price
Ok, a lot of people say, "Why not just buy a Camry XLE?" Well, first you want to have a Lex. You know, the car Biggie raps about. The ES300 may be a entry-level Lex, but it's still a Lex nonetheless. Second is the fact that the build quality and service will be quite a bit better than Toyota's. I suggest you test drive both to decide whether the extra $$$ is worth it. Look at the CR ratings and I'm sure that you'll see that the extra money spent on a Lexus is a sound investment.