2004 Lexus ES 330: Road Test
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2004 Lexus ES 330 ▼
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- MSRP: $31,725
- Invoice: $28,130
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Our road test for the 2004 Lexus ES 330 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Lexus ES 330 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Lexus ES 330, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Lexus ES 330 help you decide if a 2004 Lexus ES 330 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.4 |
No opportunity to time, but in full-throttle acceleration, ES 330 does feel stronger than ES 300, which did 8.2 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. However, transmission tends to loiter in higher gears and hesitates to kick down for passing, creating frustrating delays in part-throttle response.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.6 |
Averaged 22.9-24.2 mpg in tests that included mostly highway driving. Expect around 19 mpg overall. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 7 |
The class benchmark in terms of isolation from most surface unpleasantries. Still, some mild pattering on broken pavement and modest float on big humpbacks. Adjusting optional Adaptive Variable Suspension from softest to firmest settings simply exaggerates these demerits, so most drivers are likely to leave it in one of two middle settings, thereby approximating the feel of the less-costly base suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.8 |
Competent, no-drama front-drive behavior, but ride-biased suspension tuning precludes the controlled cornering poise of Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35. Steering feels numb and divorced from road. Braking powerful, but heavy nosedive prevailed in simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.7 |
Very refined, perhaps the near-luxury class leader. V6 near-silent at idle, rises to rich growl at full throttle. Wind and tire noise exceptionally low.
CONTROLS
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.7 |
Overriding impression is relaxed sophistication from soft-touch surfaces, gentle curves, burled wood. High-contrast instrumentation easy to read, most controls logically placed, close at hand. Navigation system takes less time to learn than most, but also governs many audio settings, a minus in our book. Screen tilts for daytime legibility, must be powered open to access cassette tape, in-dash CD slots. Not all testers find wiggle-worm transmission gate inviting to use.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.2 |
Seats comfortably supportive. Leg room ample, head room just adequate for 6-footers beneath standard sunroof. Styling hampers visibility aft and over-the-shoulder.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.6 |
Adults ride slightly knees-up with front seats fully aft. Good under-seat toe room, but just adequate 6-footer head clearance beneath sunroof. Easy entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
Usefully roomy trunk, though opening won't swallow big boxes. Bulky trunklid hinges intrude, but are covered to prevent damaging cargo. No fold-down rear seatbacks. In-cabin storage good, not great.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 5.8 |
Though no excitement machine, the ES 330 is very civilized, well-built, and a solid Best Buy. The Adaptive Variable Suspension is a needless extra; we recommend the optional antiskid system for about the same money. Otherwise, this is the near-luxury study in comfort, refinement, and amenities. A Camry XLE V6 approaches ES polish at a lower price, but doesn't include the longer Lexus warranty coverage or red-carpet customer treatment.
Total Score
| Base w/nav. sys. and adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 67 | 60.8 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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