History of the Lexus ES
The Lexus 250 Series
The Lexus ES 250 series was introduced to the world by the car maker in 1989 and along with the iconic LS sedan as an attempt to pursue perfection.
Sharing similar body-styling as the Toyota Camry, the Lexus ES 250 was designed with a V6 engine for power and an automatic transmission. It held its own in a market flooded with other luxury vehicles that entered the market at roughly the same time. While there may have been some initial speculation that the ES 250 would be undercut its closely-knitted Camry cousin, the ES was born with a style unique only the line of luxury Lexus vehicles.
A smooth, quiet ride, graceful design, and plenty of luxury features placed the new Lexus model in a category of its own. Until 1999, the ES was the only Lexus vehicle built with front-wheel drive and a frame that didn’t stray far from that of the Camry.
The brand sold the 250 series with the number 250 representing a 2.5 liter engine. As with the company’s more well-known flagship model LS, this new Lexus became an overnight sensation.
While the LS catered to a more discerning car buyer, the ES was priced to accommodate a greater number of luxury sedan lovers.
The Lexus ES 300
By 1991, with impressive sales numbers and the introduction of the new ES 300 model car, the Lexus brand became the best-selling luxury import brand in America – eclipsing even the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
The first generation Lexus was making history, as no other Japanese brand at the time sold its automobile for more than $20,000 in the U. S. That fact seemed to bear no significance on sales. The success of the Lexus ES led to the development of the next of the ES models: the ES 300 sports sedan. Along with the sporty-new Lexus came the industry-leading Certified Pre-Owned program.
It was during this time that the ES won a influx of accolades and awards including the Automobile Magazine’s Top Ten in initial quality for the 1991, 1993, and 1994 models and the award for Top Ten All-Stars in 1992.
A Newly Redefined Lexus
Over the next 3 years, the body styling of the original ES 300 remained roughly the same. But in 1996, things began to change. An all new 300 was introduced and with it came a redesign in style. The luxury completion was getting a real run for its money.
More power with greater luxury came with the 330, as this new version was created with 3.3 V6 engine. The one thing that continued to remain the same was the reliability of the ES – an important factor in an industry that lacked the character of the Lexus brand.
Introducing… The ES 350
The 350 model ES produced 272 HP in 2006, the sixth generation ES 350 and the ES 300h, a hybrid sedan took the world by storm in 2012.
Still Making History
The Lexus ES continues to make history two decades later, holding the title of the best-selling Lexus sedan in the US for more than 15 years later- a tribute to its attractive design, quiet ride, and luxury performance.
Visit Lexus of Highland Park for a full selection of new and pre-owned luxury Lexus vehicles. Our highly trained staff is happy to help you in any way possible so stop by today!
