http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lexus-chrono-20100523,0,5717682.storyToyota's problems with the 2002-06 models of the ES began years ago, according to documents.
Toyota documents compiled in connection with a court case show the automaker's travails with the 2002-2006 model years of the Lexus ES 300, 330 and 350 sedans.
Oct. 1999: Four engineers identify "shift shock" and "weak feeling" in the transmission of the early prototype.
Aug. 2000: Eight engineers rate the ES prototype unacceptable in 20 of 41 performance categories.
Feb. 2001: A driveability test notes that "some customers may equate delayed
engagement with engine acceleration hesitation."
May 2001: A report by the Toyota Technical Center in the U.S. spots "severe" acceleration shock and indicates that the car is not ready for production. The report is sent to Executive Vice President Katsuaki Watanabe, who became president of Toyota in 2005.
July 2001: A report from Toyota's National Product Quality Manager identifies 49 issues requiring "immediate action," 20 of which are serious enough to warrant a stop in production.
FULL 4 page story at link.
Also see this story in LBN: Toyota took cost-cutting approach on lurching Lexus models, records show http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4394021
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