Lexus ES - Past Present and Future (Part 1)

The best-selling Lexus sedan, the ES, has been around for 30 years now. Let's take a look at all 7 generations to see where it's been, where it is today, and where it's headed in the future.
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[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 05 Lexus ES330!!!

[@seikocitizenwatches]

The best entry level luxury sedan period. The ES has what it takes to be the elite among its class. ES owners mostly buy and keep their ES. Reputation, relatively low purchase price, comfort, ride quality, reliability, V6, low cost of maintenance, high resale value are the reasons of ES success. Can’t buy a better sedan for the price.

[@RevLexus]

Prefer that over the IS?

[@benila3992]

Agreed! Excellent points! And an excellent buy on the 2nd hand/ used car market even by today's standard (5th gen ES owner)

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Rev Lexus people who buy IS usually don’t cross shop ES. IS is in the compact rear drive sedan class. ES is front drive luxury midsize class.

[@RevLexus]

@@seikocitizenwatches Only say as the IS is the entry level car in Europe and the ES sits above it (about £5,000 more )

[@Edward-jn6bp]

It’s not entry level that’s the IS

[@allanguo99]

I wish they have continued with frameless windows on the sedans

[@brockturner3112]

Idk. On my 2000 ES the wind gets a bit obnoxious over 70mph. Not a huge deal, but the weatherstripping is $250+ per side. They do look cool however.

[@noble20xx56]

For real! Thats one reason I got my 01 es. I like how "free" it feels even though it's not a convertible!

[@michaelparker8870]

“Lexus SC - Past Present and Future” , would love to see a video like that ! keep up the good content

[@KirkKreifels]

It's coming! Stay patient

[@BarrioFinoification]

Yes!!!

[@alpha7ization]

Thanks for sharing the history of these great cars. Lexus quality and engineering was supreme from the beginning till the mid 2000s

[@ishmistry8392]

I have a 2000 Lexus ES300. I love it. 186K miles. Still in perfect condition. This car honestly deserves more attention.

[@rikiwatanabe4342]

I'm driving a 98 with 340k miles. Still has original engine and transmission, and hopefully it'll turn to a million Lexus one day!

[@virginiawebster3431]

You're lucky u own one still

[@garren588]

To this day, I’m in love with the refreshed 2000-2001 Es300. Looking to find one in good condition as a 2nd vehicle

[@rashawnhall5928]

2012 Lexus ES 350 (Gen. 5) with the Ultra Luxury Package with the Panoramic Roof (RARE)

[@p_enta5012]

I had one!

[@rashawnhall5928]

What did you get after your ES 350?

[@josephbartolome9920]

5th generation has always been my favorite. It has aged beautifully! If still well taken care of, it could somewhat pass looking like a new car. Especially the refreshed version.

[@Zedties]

Growing up, My dad had a toyota windom, in Bangladesh back in the 90s (lexus ES for other markets) the frameless windows were one of the sexiest and my fav thing ever.

[@mechanicandi1064]

I had a 2001 ES300 with no issues

[@larryhollerway7234]

So do I. Love it!

[@vinnybruce2874]

I currently have the 4 gen 2003 lexus es with black interior with wood grain. and this summer I'm getting the 5 gen 2007 es350 hopefully from my apartment neighbor.

[@danielcastaneda7801]

I had bought a 98 for 700 in 2018, it had AVS, however I ended up lowering it on coilovers. Didn't know what I was getting myself into, as this car didnt have too much aftermarket support, nor did many people even modify it. It was the best lowered car I ever driven. So clean for a 90's vehicle, and that Nakamichi sound system was actually wonderful too. The 2nd gen was one of the most beautiful entry level luxury sedans in the market, but I loved how my 3rd gen looked as well.

[@jstu1259]

I have a 2000 es platinum and love everything about it, especially the Nakamichi sound system

[@p_enta5012]

I had an 07’ ES Ultra Luxury with the pano sunroof! It’s amazing!!! Black exterior, black interior, fully loaded with Mark Levinson sound. Bought it brand new. It was a stunner.

[@domingobermudez6780]

I love my 2009 ES350 white exterior with light interior and loaded with nav,sunroof,dvd,6 disk cd player,cool n heated front seats,parking assist,back up camera,hid headlights with afs,wood steering wheel n many other features. Still rides like a new car.

[@atemegabites2251]

I’ve owned 2 ES300. The platinum with the black interior I sold last year. If I find another Black es300 platinum I’m getting it !

[@wooferjr169]

Those are rare i think, especially with the dark leather and dark wood trim!

[@connordurham8216]

The 2 generations you said were your least favorite was my favorite

[@KirkKreifels]

We're all different 😂

[@fortheloveofnoise]

seek help

[@t.7527]

Just bought a 2000 Lexus ES300. Yep !

[@tomijarvinen9143]

I'm waiting for my ES300h to be delivered 8th of May so there was excellent timing with these ES chapters. Looking forward to seeing part II soon. My favorite generation (introduced in part I) is the latest (7th) generation.

[@demisemedia]

I’ve owned a 1999 ES 300 with the VVT-i engine. After 200k+ miles I had to junk it. What car did I get after that? A clean but used 1998 Lexus ES 300! Paid cash for it and love it. My next car will either be a 2001 Lexus ES 300 or 2014 Lexus GS 350.

[@TNbdb]

Another great video. 2nd generation was my favorite ES!

[@TzadikTheManic]

My parents both had 1993 ES300s, one in green & one in taupe (rare color for the ES). Then they both got the 1997 ES, a two-tone silver/grey & dark blue. Loved all of them. Next was a grey 2012 ES, more substantial looking but less character imo. She still has it, zero problems :) My father has now a 2018 ES, very nice but still I prefer the old school models! The ES250 competed with the Infiniti M30, which while underwhelming I preferred, definitely more quirky. The M30 convertible was always rare, I’d love to own a clean example now!

[@efavuzza73]

I loved the SC400 coupe. It was sexy and beautiful lines. Affordable for big coupe

[@fahhad17]

bro i love the way you love toyota/lexus, i owned 1997 es300 from 2007 to 2017 , very nice car, i drove till 355k km, now i own 2008 GS350 RWD, every time i drive this vehicle make me smile , yes diesel landy would have been nice in North america, lol i also have 2002 minty corolla as side vehivle. this one also drive nice, most of the nice toyota you will find in japan, they dont even export, i had a chance to drive crown , what a vehicle

[@josegs08]

I love my ES330 2005 I have year and a half with him, and is a beautiful car, very smooth, quiet, when you need have the power, my have 172k miles and run like new

[@netomilt]

Proud owner of a 2022 ES300H. Every time I'm in it, it's unreal.

[@ncox302]

Fifth generation. Got mine last month with only 46000 miles. Great car

[@KirkKreifels]

Congrats!

[@scribejoy]

I have a 2010 Lexus ES 350. Red w/ beige interior. I do prefer the darker interior but I otherwise Love love love this car.

[@zhoutorres2677]

Love my ES. It's a 2000 black onyx and it has the frameless windows! It's my first car

[@brockturner3112]

Wow, we have the same taste in the ES! Also, I think you forgot to mention the variable suspension and Nakamichi audio in the 3rd Gen 😋 great video!

[@baporapo5016]

I own 3 1990-1991 Lexus es250, by alternating driving each of them. I can probably use them as a daily driver for the rest of my life. Just gotta keep changing the timing belts and adjusting the valves. The 3 cars have 64k miles (minty 2nd owner no accident), 174k miles (clean no rust just used) and 223k mile (bad shape car I had to rebuild every suspension component and the top end of the engine).

[@DLPTonyATL]

Another good video. My first Lexus was the ‘96 ES300 and it was traded in for the ‘00 ES300. The 2nd & 3rd gen were super sexy and luxe, but you’re right, the bubbly versions after them were ugly as hell.

[@gabrielrogers2971]

Make more Kirk, i follow you faithfully ! Keep it up man

[@benila3992]

Excellent, informative video on the ES Kirk! I agree with you on 2nd, 3rd and 5th gen my favorite as well! My ES350 turned 13yrs old this April and I, 36. If I kept it forever it'd probably outlive me! 😂

[@caldera878]

The first generation ES250 is very rare in the U.S. with only a two year 1990-1991 production run with only less than 30,000 made. The ES250 only shared its powertrain with the Camry but every exterior body panel is different and had frameless doors(4-door hardtop). Many people think the 2nd ES300 generation is the first gen because how common the ES300 were but many forgotten the original ES250, which arguably can raise a few questions and turn heads from auto enthusiast because how rare it is. Plus it looks like an grey import/JDM vehicle in the U.S. and can have the potential to look different if VIP build, lowered, etc...

[@2006gtobob]

The 2nd gen is beautiful.

[@hadrien4089]

Nice little documentary, it's nicer to learn it from you than Wikipedia

[@Trades46]

The ES is an interesting car - it was clearly conceived as a more approachable offering in the Lexus lineup next to the big daddy LS, and its roots from the beginning are from the humble Toyota Camry with a standard V6 engine from day one. The ES on sale today still is very much at the core this car - serving as the luxury offering (next to the European sport oriented IS) of the Lexus sedan lineup, being built on the TNGA-K platform of the Camry/Avalon and with a V6 engine as its mainstay ,though a I4 is now offered as well. One can criticize the ES for being a tarted up Camry V6 being sold as a premium car, but honestly the ES distills a lot of what makes Lexus great into an affordable package, and isn't that the point? Who cares if it is based on a Camry, given the latter's well know reputation of excellent reliability, comfort, usability & high quality.

[@jimhill3546]

Ahhhh remember the original ES250 well...always thought it looked like a '89-92 Cressida from the front and a Gen 2 Camry from the rear :)

[@60NXNP09]

Second and third generation ES is a draw in my book as being my favorites out of the ES family.

[@is4life862]

Good video I like the F SPORT CURRENT MODEL 👍

[@MrMightyZ]

You have the same eye as me. So here is some solidarity; when those guys inevitably tell you you’re crazy and 90’s Lexus look crappy, just know I am 1 more dude that totally agrees with you.

[@dorranrobinson6207]

Kirk is see a toyota windom pass me all the time on the road.same one like thats..very clean..

[@vignesh7989]

Hey, great video! I already own an Lexus ES350 2015 and I love it! ( I am happy that it was made in Japan). I am planning to buy an used 2016 one.. should I prefer a Japanese built one over the American built one? I really want a JT- vin Lexus again.. and is there any difference between the two?

[@ahihoodgavriel2844]

the best Lexus mode is the LS-460 2013 to 2017

[@thtupid]

Yes more of these videos please! My least favourite is also the 4th gen ES. But then again the equivalent Camry is also my least favourite of all the Camry's. Also, as much as I love the GR series engine, especially in 3.5L FSE guise, it really is time to retire it. I don't mind if it is another v6...Or like a non turbo version of the LS500 engine. But yeah time for an update. It is not a bad engine. It's just an old engine. Even in FKS guise.

[@michaelgrant5258]

It says something when I am looking at buying a 10 year old plus Lexus over a new one based on styling and quality alone.

[@miguelandresbarraganamaris9965]

Past, present & future of the RX please!!

[@KirkKreifels]

Eventually!

[@carltongamble]

I like the 3rd Gen.

[@RichSchlam]

My 05 ES 330 has 240k miles and runs like new. Maybe when I hit 400k I'll upgrade to a newer version.

[@vinnybruce2874]

I have the 2003 model. The 2002 to 2006 looks too rounder I'm going to get a newer model and hold on to the one I have because its interior is unique with the California walnut black leather interior.

[@thecarexpert21]

Does anyone know how many ES250's were originally sold? Because they are literally non-existent nowadays! Last time I saw one was like in 2005 or something!

[@emeyer6963]

19534 1990 models and 17942 1991 models.Your right not many left but it is 30 years old

[@wooferjr169]

Scotty kilmer approves this car!

[@Mefrom_Here]

I miss the gs

[@biggaruddesly6015]

I took my 4th and 5th gen right Back and Now Have a 93 es which I desperately need parts she’s a baby 69 k

[@tommyboyz6291]

MY CAR! 95 ES300

[@rgf1080]

Does anybody know if the 1st generation Lexus ES250 was offered with automatic air conditioning?

[@boogitybear2283]

My opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of them! Go buy you a Lexus!

[@weirdtemple1217]

Both my parents own ES350s, my mother has a 2007 ES350 and my father owns a 2015 ES350, both executive packages, while I own a 2015 Avalon Limited lol

[@vinr6867]

How do you like the Avalon? I want to get a 2016 ES or Avalon both in a hybrid.

[@weirdtemple1217]

​@@vinr6867 I really like the Avalon, it's a very smooth car, except for bumps you will feel it, overall it's reliable, roomy and durable. Maybe if I were you, I would get the built in Japan ES350, kuz Japan's quality.

[@m3arvin]

Coach (leather) Editions I think warrant a mention... Perhaps not in the LL Bean Subaru or Eddie Bauer Ford class... But more so than the Black Diamond or Pebble Beach editions...

[@KirkKreifels]

Good point. I think I included one picture of the coach edition ES in this video 🤔

[@mez6256]

Where is the lexus es240????

[@EnlightenedRogue]

The LS is too much of a grandpa car for my liking but my recently purchased 2010 ES 350 is tremendous. It has relatively low mileage (68K) so how long will I own it, probably 10 years! The ES is a beast, I see 15-20 year old versions on the road all the time. They rarely break down & if they do they won’t cost an arm & a leg to fix (see Mercedes, VW, BMW). That said, I use a mechanic & steer clear of the dealership, saves me more $$. As for the newer generations, I hate that aggressive grill, I think it cheapens the car.

[@ruzzelladrian907]

I think the 98' ES finally got VSC.

[@seangarcia8503]

Es Lexus rides nice and is fast planning to give it to my grilfriend.

[@dorranrobinson6207]

There will never b a better auto maker than toyota..germans take notes.more hp in cars doesnt mean.its will building..toyota king forever in auto making...

[@aurorajones8481]

I always wanted a second or third gen ES, i called the 4th gen a pickle bucket. I also always wanted the SC!!! What a space ship that was. Lexus was in the 90's like Genesis is today. Genesis is killing it on all fronts while Lexus is meh w/ the exception of the LC500 which i absolutely adore. I wish the Japanese would get their heads out of the ground and kill it like they did in the 90's.

[@ryanpeace1664]

I have a 94 es300 just like in the thumbnail.

[@mechanic801]

I was hoping to learn something about the 1991 ES250 but you practically ignored it. How disappointing.

[@natenizz8930]

'98 Lex

[@ReptilWithIpods22]

that 4th gen (2002-2006) is hideous, it literally looks like a fat 2000s camry with distasteful aftermarket lights. The 1992-2001 ES300 are the classics. Love those

[@youngarod1817]

I want a 2019 for a good deal..f-sport.

[@Turtlemilk]

Young Arod how much is a f sport 2019 es ?

[@redskinsftw]

The ES needs AWD!!!!!! period. The day it has a AWD option im buying. Idc if im in debt lol

[@emeyer6963]

Like 3rd gen and current gen the best and the early 4th gen the least.

[@sexymommakat]

I owned a 2009 Lexus es ultra with that sunroof and it was silver I traded it in for a 2015 Genesis.

[@MudaSHoleProductions]

Personally I dig the 4th and 5th gen. They had nice clean classy looks and not too much unnecessary electrical stuff. Just the right balance in terms of luxury and reliability.

[@ricosteeler7]

Still got my 2010 Lexus ES 350 with 88k miles. Fantastic car. Been converting the car to a sports/performance car.

[@805NAVE]

I always liked the 4th Gen styling a lot. In comparison with the 5th Gen, the 4th Gen looks much sleeker in person. I actually own both. I own a 2005 330, and a 2007 350. The 330 has the nicest interior of any ES ever including the newest gens. I’ve driven all of them. The 4th Gen also has the smoothest ride quality of all of them, the 350 has a slightly more sporty/better handling ride quality, but less smooth. The 4th Gen was uncompromising luxury. My 330 has 282,000 miles and is flawless. The 350 has the better engine for sure, much more powerful and transmission is indeed smoother. If the 4th Gen had the engine and transmission from the 350, it would be the ultimate ES imo

[@douglasdonatien7044]

Wow your least favorite (4th generation) is my favorite, it’s sexy, smooth, and to me rides better than the 5th generation and previous. Plus it’s the most customizable Es they had.

[@gianniclaud]

Douglas Donatien yeah this one was the smoothest in my opinion. And highest quality interior.

[@805NAVE]

Yes indeed it does!!! The 4th Gen has the BEST ride quality, and best interior of the ENTIRE ES range in my opinion! I’ve driven all of them many times, and I own both a 330 and an 07 350. The 330 definitely has a higher quality interior, this was probably Lexus’s peak quality. A local ES330 has 600,000+ miles. Mine has 282,000. The 350 is definitely a better engine , faster and smoother. Too bad the interior isn’t quite as nice, and the ride quality isn’t as smooth as the 339

[@douglasdonatien7044]

@@805NAVE Nice… I’ve had my 06 es330 for over 10 years now…in two months I’ll get the 2016 LS460 I’m thinking Fsport model….only cause my little brother has a Gs350 fsport 😂

[@mez6256]

My car ❤️❤️ es330

[@RevLexus]

nice choice

[@jayflyxx]

2011 ES350.. grown to love it!

[@DJNMTX]

I'm on my 2nd 99 ES300. Great cars and very well built! Im at 250K and counting on my current one. I had 282 on my previous when I had the accident.

[@marwanedits]

Great Video Thanks for News

[@smerk429]

HI. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK. CAN YOU TELL ME ALL THE LEXUS ES GENERATION YEARS PLEASE ? IM VERY CONFUSED. LIKE : 1ST GEN 89-92, 2ND GEN 93-96, ETC. ? ALSO ALL THE YEARS OF THE ES TO NEVER BUY DUE TO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION, ETC. ? AND LASTLY, THE BEST YEARS ES TO BUY PLEASE ? THANK YOU. ANYBODY KNOWLEDGABLE PLEASE REPLY SOON. GOD BLESS.

[@larryhollerway7234]

I’ve had the 2001 gold two-tone ES300 premium for almost two years now. I loved this car when I graduated high school. It had 95K miles on it at the time of purchase and in immaculate condition (only 3 owners in an 17 year span). I love it! Updated to a Pioneer Apple Carplay system, installed a remote starter and put brighter headlights/fog lights and LED reverse lights. Other than that, I want to keep everything as classic as possible. It currently has black sport rims, but I’ll be purchasing the original chrome factory rims later this year.

[@shavargrizzle770]

Larry Hollerway I have an 2001 ES300 too. Were you able to keep the CD changer when you upgraded the radio?

[@larryhollerway7234]

Shavar Grizzle Yes, it's stored in my apartment.

[@biggaruddesly6015]

@@shavargrizzle770 lol his answer tho

[@pizzaking7878]

I have a 2001 that's painted silver with black interior. It look's like the one at 00:42, but with chrome rims and tinted windows. I've had to replace sensors, spark plugs, a timing and serpentine belt, and the struts, but it drives likes a dream. A very rock solid and well built sedan!

[@alejandrobedolla2106]

I have a 2000 ES300 and I love it. My first car was a 2001 Camry, but the one year older ES is much more refined! I'm thinking of upgrading to an LS430, but not for a while.

[@Panthere.vision]

2017 my favorite... I was looking to get es 350 2017 on cargurus but it's like impossible to find with mark Levinson sound system

[@jamesanthony4045]

You absolutely I mean absolutely cant go wrong with Lexus/Toyota. I have an 2008 lexus es350...super reliable and a 2003 lexus rx300...also super reliable and they hold their value and both are very well built vehicles. Honestly , I would rather have a well kept 100,000 mile lexus, with maintenance that was done religiously, versus buying a new boojie BMW or mercedes. But that's just me. Great video bro!!👍👍

[@KirkKreifels]

Couldn't agree more!

[@sannissansanjuan5074]

ES Series is the Stereotype of Real Estate Agent Car

[@alejandrojimenez7910]

I bought a ‘99 es 300 for $2,800 last year at 150k miles. I fucking love that car. The gas mileage is not ideal but I do enjoy that V6! These cars are bulletproof and it’s probably the smoothest drive I’ve ever driven (right after a 2015 is250 I got to test drive).

[@T800-b2m]

Yeh, that pice of crap is exectly the reason why LS has bad sales and GS had died. So sad that the bast saling Lexus aren't real Lexus. It should die instead of GS.

[@RevLexus]

GS was a nice car too

[@danielgawrys1382]

Nice clip giving a brief but informative history of Lexus. I purchased a 2007 Lexus ES350 about 6 months ago, it had less than 55K miles on it, love that car, a pleasure to drive.

[@KirkKreifels]

Congrats!

[@RevLexus]

Informative video Kirk, I always remember the first gen ES from Hoovies garage :D

[@nehrina]

From 2010 Lexus ES is the best I don’t like previous generations

[@NileshR12]

Venom43X It was still the same generation in 2010. It just got its refresh that year. But that generation came out in 2006 & ran till 2012. So that's why it got its refresh in 2010

[@rashawnhall5928]

Tbh I didn’t like the ‘07 to ‘09 model (but the 2010 refresh 💯). The shape was nice but the styling of the front are rear end we’re off proportioned. The front end (especially the grille) was too small not aggressive enough. The rear end tail lights were too big and chunky.... The refresh of Gen 5 in 2010 was MUCH NEEDED TO REALLY COMPLIMENT THAT SHAPE....

[@michaelgrant5258]

I am a firm believer that Lexus was at its peak in quality between 2000 to 2006 for production and design. I wouldn't touch a Lexus now! If I wanted a new car or suv it would be a new Genesis.

[@vinr6867]

Toyota in general.

[@Marchautowerks]

3rd gen 100%

[@JB-by8tw]

Bought a new 2001 Lexus es300 and put 286k miles on it before I traded it in. The car was bulletproof!!

[@ricerintegra2660]

I love the 3rd gen. I have owned 2 of them, they just look so good, and with modifications, theyre surprisingly pretty sporty. I also own a 2nd generation Gs300 and i love it, but the 3rd gen ES will always have a soft spot for me

[@jeffreyfinney6930]

Thank you so much for for covering the es. I currently have a 2006 and love everything about it. I think it resembles a Peugeot 607 if you look that car up showing Lexus was really going after the European competition.