Engine: 3.3-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 218-hp 3.3-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: front air bags; front-seat side air bags; front and rear curtain air bags; anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution; child restraint seat anchors; seatbelts with ELR and ALR

Optional Safety Equipment: Vehicle Stability Control with traction control and Brake Assist

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Kyushu, Japan; Tsutsumi, Japan

Model Tested: Lexus ES 330 ($32,300)

Standard Equipment: halogen headlights with foglamps; heated rearview mirrors; California Walnut trim; power adjustable front seats (10-way driver, eight-way passenger) with two-position memory system; seven-speaker radio/cassette/CD audio system; automatic climate control; cruise control; trip computer; power windows; power door locks; tilt wheel; power moonroof

Options as Tested: Vehicle Stability Control ($650) includes traction control and Brake Assist; Adaptive Variable Suspension ($620); Navigation System with Mark Levinson audio ($3,100); high-intensity discharge headlights with rain-sensing wipers ($640); power-adjustable pedals ($140); wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob ($330); heated and ventilated front seats ($640); power rear sunshade ($210); all-season tires with chrome wheels ($1,700)

Destination Charge: 650

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 218 @ 5600

Torque: 226 @ 3600

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 21/29

Wheelbase: 107.1 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 191.1/71.3/57.3 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.8./60.4 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.1 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 37.6/55.5/42.2 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 36.9/55.5/35.6 inches

Trunk Volume: 14.5 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar, variable-rate shock absorbers

Ground Clearance: 6.1 inches

Curb Weight: 3460 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 215/60VR16 all-season

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 18.5 Gallons