The Lexus ES is a mid-size executive car series introduced by Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, in 1989. It has gone through several generations, with all featuring V6 engines and a front-engine, front-wheel-drive setup. Initially based on the Toyota Camry platform, newer models incorporate elements from both the Camry and Avalon.
Key Points:
1. **History**: The Lexus ES has been in production since 1989 and has seen several generations of redesign and updates over the years.
2. **Engine**: All generations of the ES have been equipped with V6 engines, providing power and performance suitable for its executive car status.
3. **Platform**: The first five generations shared the platform with the Toyota Camry, while newer models also draw from the Camry and Avalon platforms.
4. **Transmission Options**: Manual transmissions were available until 1993, showcasing the evolution of transmission preferences over the years.
5. **Market Variation**: While initially offering V6 engines predominantly, an inline-four engine option was introduced in Asian markets in 2010 to cater to different preferences.
6. **Hybrid Version**: A hybrid gasoline-electric model was introduced in 2012, showcasing Lexus's commitment to eco-friendly technology.
7. **Lexus Lineup**: The ES served as Lexus's only front-wheel-drive model until 1998 when the RX was released, occupying the entry-level luxury sedan segment until the introduction of the IS in