Entry-level luxury sedan in search of its soul.
(This review is representative of model
years 2002 to 2006)
The Lexus ES model can be traced back to its debut
in 1990 as the ES 250 -- a thinly disguised Toyota
Camry at a premium price. The ES 300 arrived in
1992, based on a similar Camry platform styling,
but with improved luxury.
The last ES redesign occurred in 2002 (again
similar to the Camry), with a high level of luxury
appointments. For 2005, the ES 330 received a
mild facelift that enhanced the front end with
a revised grille, larger fog lamps and projector-style
headlamps. The exterior appearance remains unchanged
for 2006.
While purely a matter of taste, the ES 330 isn't
known for daring styling. Throughout my week-long
test drive, we passed through the streets and
highways of greater Phoenix incognito, never
turning a head or having anyone follow us home
to ask what we were driving.
The ES 330 seems a perfect choice for the"I'm
not a car person" -- nothing sexy, sporty
or emotional here. However, it continues to be
one of the smoothest, quietest, most comfortable
and refined cars in its class.
Consistent with the entire Lexus brand, we found
all materials, fit, finish and attention-to-detail
to be outstanding throughout. Doors closed with
a solid resonance; broken pavement, highway imperfections
and wind noise went unnoticed by driver and passengers.
All controls and operations are straightforward
and easy to use. Driver visibility is outstanding.
For 2006, the Lexus ES 330 is available as a
well-equipped model with a base price of $32,300.
A Black Diamond Edition, which features an exclusive
Black Diamond paint, black Birds-eye maple wood
trim interior and a set of Tumi luggage, is available
as a package ($600).
The 3.3-liter V6 is the only engine available
(with horsepower reduced from 225 to 218 for
2006); however, the engine and its performance
remain unchanged. The ES 330 engine is mated
to a five-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel
drive only.
While the transmission shifted smoothly, I found
acceleration from traffic lights anything but
smooth. Even the most delicate touch of the accelerator
pedal produced annoying, herky-jerky take-offs.
Inquires to Lexus claimed the adaptive driving
system would eventually figure out my driving
style and eliminate the nuisance, perhaps a symptom
of numerous automotive journalists behind the
wheel.
The exceptional ride had a lot to do with the
optional Adjustable Variable Suspension ($620)
included on our tester. With AVS, the driver
can switch between four suspension stiffness
settings by a dial located on the center console.
The system then automatically and continuously
changes the ride in response to road conditions,
vehicle speed and other driver inputs.
Even the firmest of settings produced a comfortable
ride, while the softest setting had us almost
floating. Most ES 330 buyers will find AVS a
worthwhile option. OK for some, but I much prefer
the precise feel of an Audi, BMW or Volvo. Inside,
passengers are treated to high-quality leather
upholstery with rich wood trim available in Bird's-eye
maple or California red walnut with aluminum-like
accents. Our test car included the optional ($330)
wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob.
Heated and ventilated seats are also optional.
Our Oasis Green Pearl tester came with cashmere
leather trim and golden bird's-eye maple
wood accent. Both front seats are power-operated,
nicely contoured for fit and included two memory
settings. This too-tall journalist could have
used more leg and headroom. There's room
for three in the backseat, but middle-seat passengers
won't be comfortable for long.
The dash is straightforward with three deep-set
round pods just beyond the manually operated
tilt-only steering wheel. The lack of a telescoping
steering wheel is a significant oversight for
this class car. Our car came equipped with the
optional navigation system ($3,100) that included
the exceptional Mark Levinson Audio system. However,
the audio system is integrated into the navigation
system screen, an unnecessary feature that adds
extra steps, complication and requires taking
your eyes from the road to adjust. I appreciate
that the climate-control system is not integrated
into the system as well.
Standard safety features include dual front
set-mounted side-impact and front and rear side-curtain
airbags. Vehicle Stability Control is a $650
option that no vehicle should be without. The
ES 330 has also earned the highest possible crash
test scores from both NHTSA and IIHS.
For the money, the ES 330 delivers a car with
little to argue about. It's smooth, quiet,
loaded with standard features, has impressive
fit and finish and is easy to drive. But start
adding options and the price soars quickly into
a price range where the ES 330 is outclassed.
We much prefer the new Toyota Avalon with its
larger engine, roomier interior and additional
features that make it just as impressive overall
for less money.
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