2005 Lexus ES330 Road Test

So Much More Than a Camry

Lexus has probably done more than any other car company in the last decade and

For 2005, Lexus has added a little more polish to its entry-level luxury sedan, the ES330. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

a half to raise the overall quality standards of mass-produced vehicles worldwide. Whether the yardstick is measuring luxury, comfort, performance or dependability, Lexus products have set benchmarks over and over again.

For 2005, the Japanese manufacturer has added a little more polish to its entry-level luxury sedan, the ES330. My tester was finished in a deep Oasis Green Pearl, which contrasted smartly with the supple, Cashmere-hued leather interior.

As much as the exterior build quality of the ES330 impresses me, I have never been tantalized by its style. Although there's nothing particularly offensive about its

As much as the exterior build quality of the ES330 impresses me, I have never been tantalized by its styling. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

wedge-shaped design, which has grown sleeker and longer over the years, I feel a marque such as Lexus shouldn't resemble a Toyota Camry, or any other plain-bread offering.

Those working the CAD terminals in the Lexus design studio need to dispense with the green tea in favor of espresso; perhaps then we would see more of a European influence, if not a little "daring," in the design. Regardless of one's opinion relative to the styling of the ES, with an impressive drag co-efficient of just .28, there is no arguing about its ability to slice silently and effortlessly through the atmosphere. NASA could take a lesson here.