The 2004 model's 3.3-liter V6 engine, which replaces the previous 3.0-liter V6, produces 225 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque (compared with last year's 210 hp and 220 lbs.-ft.). The larger displacement endows the ES 330 with better performance. The increased torque improves the car's responsiveness in everyday driving situations. According to Lexus, the ES 330 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. It's a responsive engine, but the ES 330 is not lightning quick. The ES 330 has an EPA City/Highway fuel economy rating of 20/29 mpg and is certified by the government as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV II).

The transmission was revised for 2004 for smoother shifting and it shifts very smoothly. Upshifts in normal, everyday driving are almost invisible, but the transmission is responsive when driving aggressively. Downshifts are responsive but smooth, a big improvement over last year's transmission. Also, less downshifting is needed with the increased torque and wider power band of the larger engine. It's best to put it in Drive and leave it there. The gated shifter allows manual shifting and an indicator displays the selected gear on the instrument panel, but shifting manually is a clunky proposition due to the gates.

The ES 330's suspension is tuned for a smooth ride. It filters out vibration and contributes to the ES 330's exceptional quiet and smoothness. Summer tires come standard, while all-season tire are a no-cost option (both size 215/60VR16). If it snows or rains a lot where you live, get the all-season tires; if you live in the Sunbelt, the smile states, then the summer tires should offer better grip on dry pavement. The four-wheel independent strut suspension is designed to minimize body roll and allow precise handling. The speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has a very nice touch: light, but with good feel, effortless around town. There is very little, if any, torque steer. (Torque steer is a phenomenon of front-wheel-drive cars felt as a slight tug on the steering wheel under hard acceleration.) Overall, the ES 330 handles well, but it is tuned more for ride quality than sporty handling. Its front-heavy weight distribution (61 percent front/39 percent rear) limits its cornering potential, but the front-wheel-drive ES is the conservative Executive Sedan. Serious driving enthusiasts may prefer the similarly priced IS 300 (or a BMW 330i), with rear-wheel drive and an available five-speed manual gearbox, but the IS 300 does not offer the smooth ride quality, amenities, and overall refinement of the ES 330. Most drivers will be happier with the ES 330.

The optional Adaptable Variable Suspension ($620) is worthwhile for drivers who are interested in adjusting handling and ride quality. The system automatically and continuously changes the shock absorber dampening rate at each wheel in response to road conditions, vehicle speed, and steering and braking inputs. Overall, the system is tuned very nicely, and provides a great ride under all conditions. The driver can switch among four stiffness settings by moving a thumb wheel on the center console. The firm setting is relatively firm, but not as firm as a sports suspension: It tightens up transient response (quick lane-change maneuvers) but transmits more vibration into the cabin when driving on rough neighborhood roads; it works best when driving at high speeds or when whipping along mountain roads. The softest setting works very well at low speeds in the neighborhood, filtering out all of these undulations, and we liked it for that, but it's on the squishy side for other conditions. The middle two settings were just right everyday driving conditions.

The brakes are very smooth, effortless, yet sensitive. They require little effort to generate good stopping power, but are easy to modulate. In other words, it's easy to brake very smoothly in everyday driving, wrapping your passengers in a velvety experience, yet the car will stop quickly in an emergency braking situation. The ES 330 comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS), which allow the driver to maintain steering control in an emergency stopping situation; just remember to maintain pressure on the brake pedal and to look and steer where you want to go. It also comes standard with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which distributes braking force evenly to the tires with the best grip for improved stability and braking performance. Brake Assist is optional, but a good idea as it helps the driver maintain maximum braking force even when he or she makes the mistake of relaxing pressure on the brake pedal in an emergency stopping situation.

Optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) integrates ABS, EBD, traction control and Brake Assist (and includes all of them) and helps the driver maintain control of the car in slippery corners or even in dry corners when the tires lose grip. VSC retards the throttle and/or applies braking to individual wheels (something the driver cannot do) to help the car track along the path intended by the driver. It's a great active safety feature that can help drivers avoid accidents.