ES 330 runs pricey and plain
As we were test-driving the 2004 Lexus ES 330, a key sticking point was this: How much — if any — sex appeal does this revised Japanese entry-luxury sedan exude?
Few can argue with the more tangible details of the ES 330, which is the new name for the old ES 300.
For 2004, the sedan gets a more powerful 3.3-liter V-6 engine, bigger side air bags and lots of nice little details, including an improved navigation system.
We tested a lavishly equipped model that included options like $440 heated front seats, $650 vehicle stability control, a $210 power rear sun shade and a $3,120 package that included navigation and audio systems. Bottom line: $38,495.
She: It was a little eerie that the week we were testing the ES 330, I got a call from a reader in suburban Washington, D.C., who was unhappy with his new ES 330 and thinking about trading it in on an Infiniti G35. He described the Lexus as “an old man’s car — a passenger’s car and not a driver’s car.” He said he wanted a little more fun and excitement in the driving experience. Then I asked him his age. 81! Wow — you go guy!
He: Gee, do you think the Levitra’s gone to his head? Although he definitely has me by a decade or two, I disagree in one respect. While it doesn’t have the sheer performance of the G35 or the new Acura TL, the ES 330 is still a pleasant car to drive, especially with the larger engine. I would also describe it as pretty conservative, but there is clearly a market for that type of vehicle, especially for people who think the Infiniti looks a little cheap on the inside.
She: Who’s to say that conservative can’t be sexy? Look at George Bush. I think the ES 330 is just about perfect and I gave it five stars. What would make it sexy? A throaty exhaust note? Flashy rims? Those sorts of things would be utterly ridiculous on such an elegant car.
He: I’m trying to visualize John Kerry with “flashy rims.” It’s not a pretty picture. If Lexus has an image problem, it may be that the ES 330 is too close on the Toyota family tree to the Camry — another solid, but even more vanilla offering. Yes, the ES 330 has solid assembly quality and top-drawer workmanship. But those qualities don’t mean it will also have personality and appeal. For 2004, Lexus chose to tweak the ES 330, improving it here and there, but outside of the new engine, not doing anything dramatic, say, along the lines of Cadillac adopting that edgy look with its products.
She: I won’t argue that the G35 and the TL offer a sportier driving experience than the ES 330, although you can opt for the adaptive variable suspension on the Lexus. The driver can choose between four settings, ranging from comfort to sport.
He: It’s a superior option that really works. But the biggest news on the ES 330 is the twin-cam 3.3-liter V-6, which replaces the previous 3.0-liter V-6. The 3.3-liter makes 225 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque, which is a nice jump from last year’s model. Lexus also revised the standard five-speed automatic transmission so it would better match the bigger engine. You’ll pay almost no penalty in fuel consumption, though. The ES 330 gets the same EPA rating on the highway — 29 miles per gallon — as the old model.
She: I was dazzled by the long list of standard safety features on the ES 330, including bigger side air bags, front and rear side curtain air bags that protect all four outboard passengers, anti-lock brakes and front seats designed to lessen the possibility of a whiplash injury. Lexus just continues to improve this sedan. The front passenger seat adds power lumbar adjustment, the nav system has new modes, including upcoming freeway exits and easier-to-understand graphics. I had to scramble to come up with dislikes, and they were few. I didn’t like the location of the CD changer in the center console — too tough to reach whe you’re driving. But that’s fairly minor.
He: I’m not so reticent. The standard power moonroof cuts down on the rear-seat headroom, and I found the rear seat legroom to be cramped, too. And once you start piling on the options, like your beloved nav system, the ES 330 price starts to climb perilously close to $40,000. That kind of money will buy you a serious luxury car, not an entry-level model like the ES 330. But the standard car, at just under $32,000, is a pretty good deal.
She: I’m still a big fan of the ES 330. You guys can have your Infinitis and Acuras. In this case, it’s a good thing we have a two-car garage.
Anita’s rating:
Likes: Elegant, subtle styling. Excellent standard safety features, including front and rear side curtain air bags. New navigation system even shows buildings in 3D to help you recognize them. Optional power-adjustable pedals have memory feature. Cool options — power rear sunshade lowers when you shift into reverse. Loads of standard luxury features like heated mirrors, 10-way power driver’s seat.
Dislikes: Useless purse holder. CD changer in center console difficult to access. Stability control is an extra $650.
Paul’s rating:
Likes: Exceptional assembly quality. Roomy, comfortable front seats. Smooth, powerful new 3.3-liter V-6 engine. Ride comfort exceptional with optional adaptive suspension. Roomy, easy-to-access trunk.
Dislikes: Too pricey when you add up all the extras. Pretty conservative inside and out. Not as fun or sexy as Infiniti G35. Limited rear head and leg room.
