2007 Lexus ES 350

Power

The sound (or lack thereof) creates an interesting side effect. The ES is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6, linked to a six speed automatic transmission. The motor is rated at 272 hp; up a whopping 54 hp over the model it replaces. Lexus claims a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds. It is smooth and it is quick, and the only time you'll hear it is from the faint growl you get when you put your foot in it. And therein lies the "problem." Clipping along at a brisk pace, there's little feedback from engine or outside world to remind you of your speed. Presumably, drivers soon learn to keep a sharp eye on the speedo, or hope that they draw a sympathetic ear from the law enforcement community.


Ride and handling have a cushioned feel that is tilted decidedly on the comfort side of the comfort/sport continuum and that's not intended as a negative. Again, those who want something sporty and taut-feeling in a Lexus should be driving the IS. The ES is a rolling decompression chamber: a silent, soothing way to wind down from a stressful day, or tune out a high-wattage world. Lexus expects to sell about 70,000 ES per year, which, if the goal is met, will give it a full 12 percent share of the entry-luxury segment. That should feel pretty comforting to Lexus, too. (www.lexus.com)