2004 Lexus ES 330

While the ES 330 is aimed more at luxury than sport, Lexus realizes that some buyers will still want to drive enthusiastically. To meet their needs, an Adaptable Variable Suspension is an option. By clicking a little thumbwheel next to the transmission, you can dial up everything from a pillowy-soft Luxury setting to an extremely stiff, full-on Sport mode. We basically set ours right in the middle and enjoyed a fine compromise of both modes.

The interior of the ES 330 definitely leans more towards luxury, and in the Lexus tradition, it's gorgeous.

The interior of the ES 330 definitely leans more towards luxury, and in the Lexus tradition, it's gorgeous. The first thing that catches the eye is the beautiful California Walnut wood trim on the dashboard, center console and doors, followed by the tactile pleasures of soft leather upholstery. And best of all, both are standard on the ES 330. Adding to that most important first impression, our tester was equipped with the optional wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob.


Behind the 3-spoke steering wheel are electro-luminescent style gauges, while the large T-shaped center console contains the easily reached and deciphered audio and climate controls. Once again, you're well taken care of with standard dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration system, and a fine sounding 7-speaker audio system with 5 separate amplifiers. Lexus points out that you'll find these same features on its flagship LS 430 sedan. To make the ES 330 even more comfortable for 2004, Lexus added as standard equipment a power lumbar support for the passenger seat, as well as redesigned the front headrests for a larger support area and a more comfortable fit.


Not visible to the eye, but certainly worth mentioning, Lexus has enhanced the safety story of the ES 330 as well, with a new larger side airbag that provides a greater protection area that includes the torso. The system also has new sensors that help determine whether a child or an adult occupies the front passenger seat. If the system determines that a child is in the front passenger seat, an indicator light will display "Airbag Off" and the front passenger airbag, front passenger side airbag and seatbelt pretensioner will be de-activated.


Our tester was equipped with some interesting options, including the revised DVD-based navigation system, which now contains more than five million points of interest—the previous version suffered along with only two million. Those driving in the metro areas of Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and New York get to enjoy a new "building footprint" graphic that shows a 3-D rendering of the building in its location—designed to be useful for identifying buildings and their surroundings. Neat stuff. Other new features for the system include a multi-language section, fast route calculation (about 5 seconds), as well as freeway exit information, an intersection guide, upcoming exits, points of interest at the exits and a compass.