2006 Lexus ES 330: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Lexus' best-selling car adds optional satellite radio for 2006. 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, 17s optional. Power front seats with memory system are included, as are power door mirrors that automatically tilt down on selecting Reverse. The new satellite radio lengthens an options list that also includes a navigation system with voice control. Other factory-installed extras include heated/cooled front seats, 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. Redesigned versions of both are expected in calendar '06 as 2007 models.

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 Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.