2006 Lexus ES 330: Road Test
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2006 Lexus ES 330 ▼
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- MSRP: $32,300
- Invoice: $28,640
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Our road test for the 2006 Lexus ES 330 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Lexus ES 330 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Lexus ES 330, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Lexus ES 330 help you decide if a 2006 Lexus ES 330 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Respectable at 7.6 sec 0-60 mph in our test. Good passing performance, but transmission reluctant to downshift from midrange speeds without a big shove on the gas pedal.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test averages: 22.9-24.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 16.5 including gas-eating performance runs. Lexus recommends 91-octane fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Mild pattering on broken pavement, modest float over big humpbacks. Optional Adaptive Variable Suspension exaggerates these demerits in its softest and firmest modes, while its two in-between settings merely approximate base-suspension behavior. Little comfort penalty felt with 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Competent front-drive behavior, but ride-biased suspension tuning precludes the sporty 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/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | 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 rumble some on coarse surfaces.
CONTROLS
| Base w/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Classy cabin decor with glossy genuine wood, quality soft-feel materials, nice-looking leather. High-contrast instrumentation easy to read. Most controls logical and handy. Unable yet to try voice-command navigation system, but its dashboard screen must be powered open to insert CDs--a nuisance. Some testers dislike "sawtooth" shift-lever gate, too.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | 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/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
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/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | 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/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 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 its comfort, refinement, and amenities. Note that a Camry XLE V6 delivers most of the ES's polish at a lower price, but lacks the longer warranty coverage and red-carpet customer treatment that traditionally go with a Lexus.
Total Score
| Base w/17-in. wheels, adaptive susp. | Base w/nav. sys., adaptive susp. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | 65 | 61.4 |
Total Score: 64
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