Home » Car Reviews » Lexus » ES » 2005 Lexus ES 330 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
2005 Lexus ES 330 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
…Continued
Lexus ES 330 even closer to perfection
Jump to page: 1 | 2
The driving feel doesn't appear to have changed much from 2004, and that's fine by me.
As always, the ES 330 feels perfectly smooth in every respect, from the buttery suspension to the oh-so-sweet engine/transmission combination. It has enough power to be fun on twisty roads, but it also shifts smooth enough to coddle passengers around town.
Although its 3.3-liter V6 engine makes a robust 225 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque, it still manages to get 21 miles per gallon in town and 29 mpg on the highway according to government tests. It also qualifies for Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II certification.
Lexus infused the ES 330 with luxury features similar to the LS 430 flagship sedan, such as dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filtration system. The standard audio system in both models features a five-channel amplifier and seven speakers. The ES 330 includes both a CD player and a cassette player, and Automatic Sound Level (ASL) adjusts volume up or down in response to ambient noise.
Like most Lexus models, it also offers an optional high-end Mark Levinson audio system in combination with a DVD-based navigation system.
Additional standard features include a one-touch power moonroof with sunshade; multi-information display with trip computer; a built-in garage door opener; and a compass integrated into the rearview mirror. The power windows on all four doors provide one-touch up/down control with jam protection. Two convenience features borrowed from the LS 430 include water-repellent front door glass and four-door courtesy lamps that illuminate the ground and doorsill areas.
All in all, it's hard to find anything to gripe about in this car. Sure, the styling remains a little bland and drivers could always use slightly more horsepower, but the overall aura of perfection is hard to beat.
Somehow, though, you can bank on Lexus finding a way to raise the bar in the future.
Pros: It's probably the smoothest, quietest car in its class, with a buttery driving feel and silent cabin. If you're looking for perfection on wheels, it's hard to beat the ES 330 at this price.
Cons: The styling still doesn't seem to say "luxury car." Also, 225 horsepower is perfectly acceptable, but it lacks the excess power that defines luxury for some drivers.
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 7
- Performance: 7
- Price: 9
- Handling: 9
- Ride: 10
- Comfort: 10
- Quality: 10
- Overall: 9
More Data
Where Built: Japan
Major Options: As Tested: Navigation system with CD changer ($2,220), Wood steering wheel and shift knob ($330), Vehicle stability control ($650).
Seating: 5.
Number of Rows: 2.
Length in Inches: 191.1
Warrantees: 4 years/50,000 miles Bumper to bumper, 6 years/ 70,000 miles Extended powertrain, 6 years / unlimited miles Corrosion, 4 years / unlimited miles Free roadside assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 3472 lbs.
Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not Available.
Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: 4540 lbs.
Towing Capacity in Pounds: 8900 lbs. â€' 8600 lbs.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 18.5
Destination Charge: $795
Jump to page: 1 | 2
