New Body Style ES VS Old Body Style, Which is Better?
07-19-02, 01:28 PM
#16
Lexus Champion
No, the speedometer is fine. I like the older ES look, maybe because I am a kid, and I think the newer ones look like they are for older women. Except the 2002, that is. I do like the fender on the 2000-2001 ES as well as the tail lights on them too. I am investigating the option of changing my fender to the newer style. I can get the entire front fender for $256, now to see if I can have someone make it fit mine...
07-19-02, 02:53 PM
#17
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The Gen. 1 ES3 was the nicest. Period. 
Actually, they're all nice. I give the most props to the Gen. 1 because it was the original. The Gen. 2 and 3 look much more polished, very sleek. It would be kinda hard to choose a definite favorite.
Actually, they're all nice. I give the most props to the Gen. 1 because it was the original. The Gen. 2 and 3 look much more polished, very sleek. It would be kinda hard to choose a definite favorite.
Last edited by SecPole14; 07-19-02 at 02:57 PM.
07-19-02, 03:28 PM
#18
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I think the 97-01 body style is the best. The redesigned hood and front end - as well as the slight flaring at the wheelwells - gives it a sportier look. It looks even better with the 16" Platinum Edition wheels.
07-20-02, 11:01 PM
#20
Lexus Test Driver
Front of 92-96 ES, Rear of 00-01 ES
I think the 92-96 ES front end is HOTT with the sloping hood, projector lights and aggresive fascia. Whenever I pull up my friends gape in awe at the front of the car, calling it downright gorgeous. Even my souped-up Civic/Prelude/Integra/WRX drivin' friends agree, and with a kit it would definately look much better.
Only disappointment is the rear. I am trying to have the tails and rear bumper modified to give the car a more substantial, aggressive look. That's where I feel the 00-01 ES does an amazing job with the red/clear wrap tails.
But overall, I feel the 02 ES looks PHAT mainly because it makes a statement with its bold looks.
Those are just my opinions,
XenonES3
Only disappointment is the rear. I am trying to have the tails and rear bumper modified to give the car a more substantial, aggressive look. That's where I feel the 00-01 ES does an amazing job with the red/clear wrap tails.
But overall, I feel the 02 ES looks PHAT mainly because it makes a statement with its bold looks.
Those are just my opinions,
XenonES3
07-27-02, 04:57 PM
#23
Driver School Candidate
Hi, all. I'm new to this forum. I'm extremely biased, but I like the 92-96 ES the best. I go outside every night just to look at mine! The 97's are a close second, and I think I would like to have one of those since they have a longer wheelbase, more power, adjustable suspension...and less weight, even. But I'm very happy with my '96--I love it.
07-30-02, 10:48 PM
#25
Lexus Test Driver
I have no ES therefore I'm not biased.
My vote goes to:
1. 97-01
2. 95-96
3. 01+
4. 92-94
5. ES250
I thought the 97-01 has graceful lines and curves in the right proportions.
My vote goes to:
1. 97-01
2. 95-96
3. 01+
4. 92-94
5. ES250
I thought the 97-01 has graceful lines and curves in the right proportions.
07-31-02, 01:21 AM
#26
While they're all quite conservative in design (for obvious reasons), I like 'em all. I think it's the grey '97-'01 ES with pearl emblems that I found quite stunning. The owner certainly took good care of that car. 
08-01-02, 12:23 AM
#28
I like the older models better , I dont like the front lights on the new ES at all other than that its decent, but the wheels/rims look too small for the car too ..oh yeah seems like it rides a little high stock ... maybe thats just me.
08-01-02, 05:32 PM
#29
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Unbiased 94 Owner
I drive a 94 ES300, and I totally agree with everyone who posted that the 94 has the nicest front end. I just find it so sleek, aggressive, yet tasteful. I really like the headlight treatment too (I think the headlamps bear more than a passing resemblance to those on the Lancer Evo VII... Look at the EVO and you will see what I mean). I just wish those foglamps looked better (white instead of yellow, but everything else is fine) . I prefer the round fogs on the 94 to the rectangular lights on 95-96s and the vampire-fang fogs on 97-2001. As for the rear, I love the curves and the creases on the 94, but I hate the taillights (look so dull and jumbled together). Regarding the teillights, the '01 model shines (no pun intended). However, the front end doesn't look as agressive(I think the secret is in the wide grill of the 94, which gives it an evil grin). Plus, the silhoutte is just far more sporty. However, the 2002 ES300 looks absolutely awesome in a body kit (check the gallery for it)
As for interiors, I thought the 94-96 had a nicer feel (2nd gen felt cheaper, some even lacked the CD-changer), but neither can compare to the 02. My only gripes with the 94 are the badly placed cupholders, and the inadequate lighting for the tach/speedo displays (Subsquent gens are far better in this respect).
As for my being unbiased, I may have a 94, but because my dad is a Lexus salesman, I have been in every generation of ES300. In fact, I almost exchanged my 94 for a 98. The only thing that stopped me was the lack of a cd changer, and the fact that the interior felt less luxurious (How will I survive if I can't find another car with black leather? It's just so sexy...)
As for those who don't like the 2002 front end, I used to hate it as well. However, it's an acquired taste, and with time, I found myself liking it more (though still not as much as the 94)
As for interiors, I thought the 94-96 had a nicer feel (2nd gen felt cheaper, some even lacked the CD-changer), but neither can compare to the 02. My only gripes with the 94 are the badly placed cupholders, and the inadequate lighting for the tach/speedo displays (Subsquent gens are far better in this respect).
As for my being unbiased, I may have a 94, but because my dad is a Lexus salesman, I have been in every generation of ES300. In fact, I almost exchanged my 94 for a 98. The only thing that stopped me was the lack of a cd changer, and the fact that the interior felt less luxurious (How will I survive if I can't find another car with black leather? It's just so sexy...)
As for those who don't like the 2002 front end, I used to hate it as well. However, it's an acquired taste, and with time, I found myself liking it more (though still not as much as the 94)
Last edited by TheOfficeBoy; 08-01-02 at 05:33 PM.
08-02-02, 06:35 AM
#30
Lead Lap
Join Date: May 2002
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I have no ES therefore I'm not biased.
My vote goes to:
1. 97-01
2. 95-96
3. 01+
4. 92-94
5. ES250
ok maybe im missing something....but i was not aware that there was a difference in the exterior styling of 92-94 es 300 and the 95-96. i do know that that there is an engine differnce and a couple of interior differences in the 92-93 and 94-96 es 300....but i thought that performance wise, the 94 es was the same as the 95 and 96 es. and i thought that all the es's from 92-96 had same exterior styling
My vote goes to:
1. 97-01
2. 95-96
3. 01+
4. 92-94
5. ES250
ok maybe im missing something....but i was not aware that there was a difference in the exterior styling of 92-94 es 300 and the 95-96. i do know that that there is an engine differnce and a couple of interior differences in the 92-93 and 94-96 es 300....but i thought that performance wise, the 94 es was the same as the 95 and 96 es. and i thought that all the es's from 92-96 had same exterior styling