1990 Lexus ES Reviews, Pricing & Specs

This first generation of the entry-level ES was essentially the Toyota Camry with the details retouched and performance boosted. Early...

This first generation of the entry-level ES was essentially the Toyota Camry with the details retouched and performance boosted. Early on, there was little that set the two sedans apart. Despite being faulted for its mundane appearance, the Lexus ES did inherit Toyota's reliability. The early ES 250 speaks to the build quality of Lexus. Many are still on the road with over 200, 000 miles of experience. The ES 250 utilized the Camry's optional V-6 as its standard engine. This power plant's 156 horsepower pulled the ES from 0 to 60 in 9.2 seconds. Compared to almost every other Lexus model ever made, including the 2+2 style SC series, the ES was notably light. At just over 3100 pounds, the 156 horses were sufficient for passing, merging, and accelerating throughout the speed range. This early ES's suspension tuning was also a departure from what would become typical for Lexus. Shocks and struts were adjusted to provide an even stiffer ride than the Camry's. While reliability is certainly a hallmark of Lexus, it is fair to say that many owners of first generation ESs have now experienced some high mileage nags. Frequent repairs and replacements include the radiator, alternator, and water pump. However, most of the ES's parts are entirely interchangeable with the Camry's, and costly Lexus service can be held to a minimum.