2005 Lexus ES 330: Road Test
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2005 Lexus ES 330 ▼
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- MSRP: $32,175
- Invoice: $28,528
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Our road test for the 2005 Lexus ES 330 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Lexus ES 330 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Lexus ES 330, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Lexus ES 330 help you decide if a 2005 Lexus ES 330 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Respectable acceleration, at 7.6 sec 0-60 mph in our test. But languid part-throttle response frustrates when just a little midrange acceleration is desired. A deliberate stab at the gas pedal is required to coax transmission downshift when highway passing response is needed.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test averages: 22.9-24.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 16.5 with gas-eating performance runs. Lexus recommends fuel of 91 octane or higher.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.9 |
A class benchmark for ride comfort, despite mild pattering on broken pavement, modest float over 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. Bumps and rough surfaces more evident with 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Competent front-drive behavior, but lacks the controlled cornering poise of Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35. Slightly sharper initial turn-in, marginally better grip with 17-inch tires. Steering feels numb, divorced from road. Strong brakes, but heavy nosedive in simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.8 |
Fine isolation. V6 near-silent at idle, rises only to muted, rich-sounding growl at full throttle. Wind rush exceptionally low. So is road noise with base tires; 17s roar, rumble some on coarse surfaces.
CONTROLS
| Base w/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Classy cabin decor. Most controls logically placed and handy. No opportunity yet to try new voice-command option or revised navigation system, but the latter's dashboard screen must still be powered open to access cassette and single-CD slots--a nuisance. Some drivers may also find mazelike shift-lever gate frustrating.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
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/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 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/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 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/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
Though no excitement machine, the ES 330 is very civilized, solidly built, and nicely appointed. The Adaptive Variable Suspension is a needless extra; we recommend the optional antiskid system for about the same money. Otherwise, this is an easy Recommended pick for comfort, refinement, and amenities. Note that a Camry XLE V6 delivers most of the ES's polish at a lower price, but doesn't include the longer warranty coverage or red-carpet customer treatment you get with the step up to Lexus.
Total Score
| Base w/adaptive susp., 17-inch wheels | Base w/adaptive susp., w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | 65 | 61.6 |
Total Score: 64
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