EDMUNDS.COM 2004 LEXUS ES 330
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A supple ride and a gorgeous interior make this one entry-level luxury sedan that you''ll never want to upgrade from.
Pros
Comprehensive array of luxury and convenience features, superb ride quality, smooth and silent V6, advanced safety technology, excellent reputation for reliability.
Cons
Bland driving characteristics, many of the desired features and options are expensive, no split-folding rear seat.
What''s New for 2004
A new engine has been fitted -- a 3.3-liter V6 -- and, consequently, the car formerly known as the ES 300 is now badged the ES 330. Besides the newfound power, Lexus'' entry-level luxury sedan gains additional content upgrades for 2004, including a memory function for the adjustable pedals, improved navigation system features, power lumbar adjustment for the front-passenger seat, larger side airbags and a maintenance indicator light.
Overview
Introduction:
Being one of the most affordable cars in the Lexus lineup, the ES 330 (the name change is new this year -- from "300" to "330") is meant to attract people looking for something a little bit more special than the usual Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. It offers a luxurious cabin, a soothing ride and many features not found on more plebian cars. With an ES 330 parked in the driveway, you''re a bit more special than the rest. The history of the ES can be traced to Lexus'' first year, 1990. It was then that the ES 250 debuted. It was marketed as an "Executive Sedan," though we''re pretty sure that executives saw it for what it was: a thinly veiled Toyota Camry with a price premium. Admittedly, the ES 250 was a stopgap plan for Lexus, and an improved ES 300 arrived in 1992. Though again based on a Camry platform, this one had much more distinctive styling. The ES was last redesigned in 2002. The latest version is again similar to the Camry (also redone in 2002), though its appointments reflect the high levels of comfort, convenience and refinement that have become trademarks of Lexus luxury. Along with the IS 300, Lexus is mounting a two-pronged attack on the entry-level luxury sedan battlefield. Whereas the IS evokes pure exhilaration of motion, the ES 330 is more about providing a sedate, composed ride. Lexus says that it didn''t develop the car to be all things to all people, and we feel that there''s a certain amount of honor in acknowledging a car''s limitations. Many people simply don''t give a fig about the performance potential of an automobile. A car is a conveyance, not a form of entertainment, and if they''re lucky enough, their vehicle will also convey to onlookers the idea that they''ve achieved a certain level of success. For those consumers, the ES 330 should have tremendous appeal.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The five-passenger, four-door ES 330 is sold in just one trim level. Many luxury features are standard, including power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof, Homelink, a full set of auto-dimming mirrors, one-touch up-and-down windows on all doors and the same California burled walnut trim that graces other Lexus models. Given all this stuff, it''s somewhat strange that leather seating doesn''t come standard. Other optional items include an adaptive variable suspension, DVD-based navigation system, a premium Mark Levinson audio system, a powered rear sunshade, heated seats, high-intensity discharge headlights and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Power-adjustable pedals with a memory function are also available.
Powertrains and Performance:
The ES'' V6 engine has been enlarged for 2004. Displacement is up along with the engine''s power and torque ratings. It''s now rated at 225 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque compared to last year''s 3.0-liter that made 210 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. The bigger V6 continues to come matched to a five-speed automatic transmission, though Lexus has improved the computer controls for more precise gear changes.
Safety:
The ES 330 has solid NHTSA crash test scores, earning five stars (the best possible) in every category except for rear-side impacts, which warranted four stars. It has also earned a "Good" rating from the IIHS for front-offset impact safety. The ES 330 comes with a full complement of airbags, including seat-mounted side airbags for front passengers and side-curtain airbags for all outboard passengers. The front seatbelts have pre-tensioners and load limiters, and every seating position has ALR/ELR three-point belts (except the driver''s, which only has ELR). Lexus offers standard antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), which helps prevent dangerous spins and skids, is optional and includes traction control and BrakeAssist.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The ES 330''s cabin is quite warm and inviting. In terms of design and materials used, you''re not likely to find anything better in this class. The backseat is roomy, the trunk is large and there should be enough luxury features to keep you and your occupants content.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Around town, the ES 330 floats plenty and absorbs road anomalies, providing a cushion-soft ride. When pushed harder, it offers little to get excited about -- the handling limits are quite modest, though we expect most owners won''t be too concerned with that particular aspect. Last year''s ES 300 was a bit slow in a straight line compared to cars like the Passat W8 and Infiniti I35, but the more powerful engine in this year''s car closes the gap.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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