2000 Lexus ES 300 Smooth and sophisticated. By Albert Hall, New Car Test Drive .com

The ES 300 is the entry-level ticket to the Lexus experience. And all of the Lexus experience is here. The Lexus ES 300 is arguably the most refined automobile in the so-called near luxury class -- sedans that range in price from about $29,000 to $36,000. Athletic reflexes make it fun to drive. And it's an attractive car.

For 2000, the ES 300 gets a minor styling update in the front end, plus host of safety, convenience, and luxury enhancements. It received a new powertrain for 1999.

Throw in dealer satisfaction that's consistently rated among the very best, and the ES 300 proves tough for other car builders to match. Over the years the ES 300 has performed with such appliance-like efficiency that auto critics have made vague claims about its lack of soul. This could be another way for critics to say they couldn't find much wrong with the car.

The Lexus ES 300 retails for $31,405. Only one model is available, which comes with a 3.0-liter V6 coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission.