Lexus ES 300

The ES 300 falls into the second, third, and forth generations of the ES series.  In 1992, Lexus replaced the 2.5 liter V-6 with a more potent 3.0 liter version, hence the badge change.  With the  arrival of the SC series sports coupes in 1992, the ES became known as the entry-level Lexus.  The new 300 was fitted with a larger and sleeker exterior, and the features and options lists  were gradually increased overs its run.  The popular five-speed manual transmission was discontinued after 1993.
The new V-6 supplied nearly 30 additional horsepower, bringing the count up to 185.  Changes to performance specs were marginal: the ES traveled 0 to 60 in 8.6 seconds and through the quarter mile in 16.6.  The new ES had bulked up by about 200 pounds, but fuel economy remained in the same range, at 19/25 mpg (manual) and 19/24 (automatic).  Sluggish performance was a frequent target of criticism. It was during this second generation of ES that Lexus introduced GS 300, to fill the sports sedan void left by the ES series.
While the ES 300 was unable to compete with the German offerings for performance, its quality, reliability, and comfort were unquestioned.  During this generation, the ES 300 became the top selling Lexus.