2004 Lexus ES 330

Every car company has an advertising motto; some are more believable than others. In the case of Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, their byline is "The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection." A nice idea, you might think, but are they serious or is it just marketing mumbo-jumbo? We tested the 2004 Lexus ES 330 to find out.


In 2002, Lexus introduced an all-new ES 300 sedan. The ES is the company's entry-level luxury sedan, (the IS 300 is their entry sport sedan) and one of their best sellers. The all-new model was stylish, luxurious and notably roomier, and sales have been very good. So why did they go and start changing things around for 2004? It might have something to do with their motto.

The ES looks sleek and aerodynamic, with large headlamps that flow into the bodylines and large wraparound taillights that echo the teardrop shape of the headlamps.

You'll be hard-pressed to tell the difference between an ES 300 and ES 330 from the outside, and that's fine with us. The ES looks sleek and aerodynamic, with large headlamps that flow into the bodylines and large wraparound taillights that echo the teardrop shape of the headlamps. The design boasts a wind-cheating 0.28 coefficient of drag, helping the ES to be exceptionally quiet at speed. Adding to the already stylish lines of the ES, our Blue Onyx Pearl tester enjoyed optional chrome wheels. Even if you don't opt for the flashy rims, 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on all ES 330s.


Getting up to speed has never been easier, thanks to its larger engine. Powering the ES 330 is a new 3.3-liter V-6, pumping out an impressively smooth 225 horsepower. And thanks to its continuously variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i in Lexus speak) you get 240-lb.-ft. of torque for strong low end power as well as a satisfying rush to the redline. The previous 3.0-liter V-6 put out 210 hp and 220 lb.-ft. of torque.


To go along with the newfound power, Lexus has also revised the 5-speed automatic transmission for improved performance on hills by delaying upshifts to sustain power on inclines and holding a lower gear for increased engine braking on descents. Shifting is smoother, too. Lexus says that the ES 330 hits 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds—a full second quicker than the smaller engine ES 300. We'd say there's noticeable extra oomph in all driving situations, while still retaining the whisper quiet and smooth demeanor that is the hallmark of the brand.