Editing Lexus ES (section)

=== 1991–1994 ===
[[File:1993 Lexus ES 300 (VCV10R) sedan (2015-06-15).jpg|thumb|left|1991–1994 Lexus ES 300]]

In 1987, with creation of the Lexus brand, an entry level front-wheel Lexus model was ordered for development alongside the LS 400 and other offerings. In late 1988, a final design was chosen and design patents filed utilizing a clay 1:1 design model on February 3, 1989. In September 1991, for the 1992 model year, Lexus announced the second generation ES almost one year after the introduction of the second generation [[Acura Legend#Second generation (1991–1995)|Acura Legend]], but before [[Infiniti]] finally decided to add a similarly classed sedan, the [[Infiniti J30|J30]]. The second generation ES shared its design with the new generation Toyota Windom (XV10), which was officially announced in Japan on 30 September 1991,<ref name="Origin of a car's name" /> introduced at the [[Tokyo Motor Show#1991|October 1991 Tokyo Motor Show]], and exclusive to Toyota Japan dealership sales channel called ''[[Toyota Corolla Store]]'' as the top level luxury sedan.<ref name="long">{{Cite book |last1=Long |first1=Brian |title=Lexus: The Challenge to Create the Finest Automobile |year=2001 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |location=Cardiff |isbn=1-901295-81-8 |pages=52–54}}</ref> The Windom itself shared elements with the latest generation of the Japan-market "narrow-body" [[Toyota Camry (V30)|V30 series Camry]],<ref name="long" /> and the "wide-body" [[Toyota Scepter]] but the Windom was offered as a pillared hardtop sedan while the Scepter was a conventional sedan.

[[File:Toyota Windom 3.0 VCV10 0382.JPG|left|thumb|Toyota Windom 3.0G (Japan)]]

Completely redesigned and now sharing design features with the XV10 series Toyota Windom and styling cues with the LS 400,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/113486399.html?dids=113486399:113486399&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+16%2C+1992&author=Richard+Truett&pub=The+Sun&desc=Many+new+models+in+luxury+imports&pqatl=google |title=Many new models in luxury imports – The Baltimore Sun |publisher=Pqasb.pqarchiver.com |date=1992-01-16 |access-date=2010-10-17 |first=Richard |last=Truett |archive-date=12 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212012058/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/113486399.html?dids=113486399:113486399&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+16,+1992&author=Richard+Truett&pub=The+Sun&desc=Many+new+models+in+luxury+imports&pqatl=google |url-status=dead }}</ref> the model was renamed the ES 300 to reflect the half-liter increase in engine displacement to 3.0-liters. The second generation ES was significantly larger and more curvaceous than its predecessor, gaining {{convert|127|mm|in|0}} in length and {{convert|76|mm|in|0}} of width. On the front fascia, the ES gained projector headlamps in a curved housing and a three-slat grille with the Lexus emblem moved above on the hood. The side profile featured an invisible B-pillar and frameless-window doors. The rear deck lid featured an integrated spoiler effect similar to the flagship LS 400, improving the ES model's aerodynamics, now rated {{Cd|link=yes|0.32}}.

Inside the cabin, the second generation ES featured California walnut trim on the center console, leather seats, an eight-speaker premium sound system, and keyless entry. The added wheelbase length and overall width made for increased legroom and shoulder space than the previous model. Compared to its Camry relative, the ES 300 featured separate styling, a different suspension setup with front and rear independent [[MacPherson strut]], and added weight amounting to {{convert|200|lb|kg|-1|abbr=on|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1990-to-1996-lexus-es-250-300.htm |title=Consumer Guide – Lexus ES |publisher=Consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com |date=2006-10-04 |access-date=2010-10-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128032735/http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1990-to-1996-lexus-es-250-300.htm |archive-date=2010-11-28 }}</ref> Much of this is due to increased dimensions, asphalt insulation in the body panels and additional on-board equipment. As with its predecessor, anti-lock brakes were standard.

The ES 300 sported a {{convert|185|hp|kW|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} 3.0-liter ''[[Toyota VZ engine#3VZ-FE|3VZ-FE]]'' V6 engine and had an advertised {{convert|0|-|60|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} time of 7.9 seconds. In Japan, where the ES was badged as the Toyota Windom, a 2.5-liter ''[[Toyota VZ engine#4VZ-FE|4VZ-FE]]'' version producing {{convert|172|hp|kW|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} was made available in October 1993. Lexus offered a standard five-speed ''E53'' manual transmission and optional four-speed ''A540/1E'' automatic.

Production assembly of the ES 300 commenced on 9 September 1991, and the sedan went on sale later that year in the U.S. as a 1992 model. The sedan was not released in Europe, where similar Toyota models were offered. The second generation ES was a major sales success, becoming Lexus' best-selling vehicle overall. In its first full year of sales, the ES logged 39,652 units,<ref name=relentless/> and throughout the following years of its production run, sales reached near or above that figure. Although the initial US base price was $26,550, this increased to over $30,000 in later years. By 1994, in part because of the rising yen and high demand,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE7DE173CF936A25751C0A964958260 |title=Prices Rise at Saturn And Toyota |date=15 February 1992 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2009-01-10}}</ref> the manufacturer's suggested retail price had increased to $31,200, 19.3 percent more than the original 1992 figure.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9501E2DF133BF933A0575BC0A962958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1 |title=Luxury Car Fight Turns Uncivilized |date=30 August 1994 |work=The New York Times |last=Bennet |first=James |access-date=2009-01-09}}</ref> In 1993, a passenger airbag was added as standard equipment.