Lexus ES 250/300 1990-96

     This vehicle is like the Toyota Camry, but more -- a high luxury version of that car.  The ride is more comfortable, soaking up all but the biggest bumps and potholes, and things like uneven pavement are barely noticeable. The ES 250 is easy to drive and control, with excellent handling and good stopping power on its antilock brakes.  Visibility is good with wide, tall windows and small roof pillars.  The base ES 250 has a 2.5-liter V-6, but the ES 300 has a more powerful 3-liter V-6.  The ride is smooth, but there is some body lean in turns and steering is a little on the light side.  The interior space in the ES 250 has excellent interior room (except for the headroom), and the ES 300 is somewhat larger inside and outside, with generous headroom.  Some rear seat space is sacrificed in both models in favor of trunk space, which is ample.  From 1994 on, the ES 300 was available only in an automatic transmission version.

Lexus ES 300 1997-00

     This is an updated ES 300.  There are minor styling changes, but the main difference is the use of an engine with nearly 30 more horsepower, coupled with a 66-kilogram decrease in weight.  The new ES 300 is also much quieter than the older ES 300, enough to fool one into thinking that the engine is not running when it is and eliminating almost all environmental and road noises.  The steering has better feel than earlier models.  Braking is very quick and firm, leading to a pronounced "nosedive" in panic stops.  The more powerful engine unfortunately has less fuel economy and requires premium fuel; in addition, the trunk is smaller.  This version of the ES 300 was available only with automatic transmission.

Lexus GS 300 1994-97

     This is a step up in luxury from the ES 300.  Available only with automatic transmission (either 4 or 5-speed), but it does hurt performance.  The 220-horsepower V-6 engine is good at delivering quick bursts of speed and pullout power.  The interior is quiet, but not as quiet as an ES 300 or LS 400, due to the pronounced thumping of the tires that occurs when the car hits a bump or rut.  Legroom is good, and so is headroom unless equipped with the optional moonroof.  Three people may be put in the back seat, but the middle passenger has to deal with a large driveline hump.  Rear vision is inhibited by a narrow window and large rear roof pillars.

Lexus LS 400 1995-00

     This is the top of the line Lexus, high in quality, refinement, and price.  It is roomier, quieter, and more powerful than other Lexuses (Lexi?), and acceleration and handling are excellent.  Despite the firmness of the suspension, the ride is pillow soft.  The engines provide considerable torque and acceleration and passing are brisk. The long wheelbase means that there is plenty of interior space both in front and in the back, as well as a large trunk.  And, of course, virtually every option and luxury item you can think of is on this car.

Lexus SC 300/400 1992-99

     This is the sports coupe version of the Lexus.  The SC 300 and 400 share the same body, but the 400 has the more powerful engine and more capable transmission.  As it is a Lexus, it is a luxury car, designed for those who want luxury, power, and performance, and are willing to sacrifice interior room for it.  Handling and acceleration are excellent and the ride is firm but comfortable.  The front seats give lots of room and are very comfortable, but the rear seats are narrow, cramped, and not comfortable for adults. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Like most other Lexuses, this car was popular with thieves before the November Nuclear Strikes, but after them, SUVs became much more popular.