| Some
find it strange that Lexus offers two sedans in the entry luxury market, but the
strategy makes sense when you look at the two cars side by side. While other carmakers
try to appeal to everyone with just one sedan, Lexus can offer near-luxury shoppers
two choices, each with its own distinct flavor.
The IS300 is the sportier of the two, while the more coddling ES300 embodies everything
people normally associate with the word "Lexus." Things like a magic-carpet
ride quality. Dressy, regal styling. Absolute silence whether at speed or at a
complete stop. The ES300 is like Lexus' big-daddy LS430 at just over half the
price. Although
its handling is respectable, it is tuned to be a luxury car, not a sports car.
So it is bit less engaging to drive than some others in this group. Not that it's
slow, for it still has power aplenty (210 hp), delivered seamlessly from its silken
3.0-liter V-6. The ride is so smooth that even the harshest bumps are barley felt
and and virtually inaudible. Overall, the ES300 feels comfortable, cocooning,
large-like a big luxury sedan. If you want sportiness, scroll down to the IS300. The
interior is one of the most graceful to come out of Japan in memory. It enjoys
lots of space, intuitive ergonomics and a gorgeous slathering of wood that shames
the wood (or the fake wood, in some cases) in many other luxury cars. Leather
quality is first rate. Among its myriad options are Lexus' heralded Navigation
system and an outstanding Mark Levinson stereo system. While
no Lexus has ever been cheap (in any sense of the word), the ES300's $32K-$38K
price range is completely fair for what it delivers: comfort, quality and composure.
So if luxury in the traditional sense is what you're looking for in your next
car, we may have a match.
| 
