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2005 Lexus ES 330 Full Review
Date Published: 11/11/08
Also in the 2005 Lexus ES 330 Review:
2005 Lexus ES 330 Review
Lexus' best-selling car gets minor styling changes and several first-time features for 2005. The ES 330 comes with a 3.3-liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Also standard are front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Antiskid/traction control is available, as is Lexus' Adaptive Variable Suspension with driver-selectable shock-absorber settings. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard, but 17s are a new option, as are heated/cooled front seats. Newly standard for '05 is a memory system for both power front seats, not just the driver seat, plus power door mirrors that automatically tilt down when selecting Reverse. The extra-cost navigation system gets more-detailed screen graphics and a larger DVD database. It also now offers optional voice control, activated by steering-wheel buttons, for its navigation, audio, and climate functions. And the audio system is now preconfigured to accept dealer-activated satellite radio service. Returning options include power-adjustable pedals, premium Mark Levinson audio, CD changer, power rear sunshade, and xenon headlamps packaged with rain-sensing windshield wipers. The ES shares its basic design with the Camry from Lexus-parent Toyota.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, and the Lexus ES 330.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, and the Lexus ES 330.
News
The ES 330 is set to be replaced by a clean-sheet ES 350 in spring 2006. Few specifics are available, but we can confirm a 3.5-liter V6, as the new model name suggests. It's basically the same engine used in the redesigned 2005 Toyota Avalon, though the Lexus version may tuned for a bit more horsepower than the Toyota's 280. Lexus hints that all-wheel drive may be a first-time option, though maybe not available from launch. Sleeker new "Lexus only" styling is also promised. In other respects, the next ES should be an underskin cousin of the redesigned Toyota Camry expected for model-year '07.
2005 Lexus ES 330 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Steering feel |
| Quietness | Navigation-system controls |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Seats comfortably supportive. Leg room ample, head room just adequate for 6-footers beneath standard sunroof. Styling hampers visibility aft and over the shoulder.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 49 | |
| Average Score | 61 | |
| High Score | 72 |
2005 Lexus ES 330 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/11/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan | $32,175 | $28,528 | $650 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat, 8-way power passenger seat, memory system (front seats, mirrors), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, full-size spare tire, 215/60VR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Navigation System Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,200
|
$1,843
|
|
Navigation system, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, voice-activated controls.
|
||
|
Navigation System/Mark Levinson Audio Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$3,100
|
$2,518
|
|
Navigation System Pkg. plus Mark Levinson sound system.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Antiskid system
|
||
|
Base
|
$650
|
$520
|
|
Includes traction control, brake assist.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Heated/cooled front seats
|
||
|
Base
|
$640
|
$512
|
|
Power-adjustable pedals
|
||
|
Base
|
$140
|
$112
|
|
Includes memory.
|
||
|
In-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
Base
|
$550
|
$440
|
|
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
||
|
Base
|
$330
|
$264
|
|
Power rear sunshade
|
||
|
Base
|
$210
|
$168
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Xenon headlights
|
||
|
Base
|
$640
|
$512
|
|
Includes rain-sensing wipers.
|
||
|
Adaptive Variable Suspension
|
||
|
Base
|
$620
|
$496
|
|
Requires antiskid system, xenon headlights.
|
||
|
215/55VR17 tires
|
||
|
Base
|
$80
|
$64
|
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,780
|
$890
|
|
Includes 215/55VR17 tires.
|
||
|
|
||
2005 Lexus ES 330 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lexus ES 330 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3472 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.3 /202 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 225 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 240 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 21/29 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lexus ES 330 4-door sedan |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | 8/100,000 on RX 400h hybrid-related components. In CA, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Lexus ES 330 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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