New Car Review of the 2004 Lexus ES 330 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan.

Description: Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $31,725
Invoice Price Range: $28,130

The elegant mid-size sedan from Lexus returns for 2004 with a powertrain upgrade that changes the car's name. Call it the ES 330 now, thanks to the Lexus 3.3-liter aluminum V6 that in this application produces 225 hp as paired with a new five-speed electronic automatic transmission.

Many safety features go into the ES 330, including side curtain air bags above side front and rear windows plus frontal and seat-mounted side air bags, as well as front seats designed to lessen whiplash injury and anti-lock brakes with extra brake force automatically added during panic stops. A vehicle skid control system (VSC) is also available, as is an adaptive suspension.

The sleek aerodynamic shape of the ES features a sculpted hood defined by bold triangular combination headlamp clusters and a severely raked windshield offset by flat flanks and gracefully curved windows. It looks aggressive up front but still streamlined and stylish -- and downright expensive.

Climb inside to discover a luxurious compartment trimmed in fine leathers and California walnut wood. The five-place layout carries power-controlled equipment and seems like a smaller version of the luxurious cabin in the LS 430 flagship.