2005 Lexus ES330 Road Test

Complementing the highly refined driving characteristics of the ES330 is a wonderfully absorbent, fully independent

Complementing the highly refined driving characteristics of the ES330 is a wonderfully absorbent, fully independent suspension system. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

suspension system. It is quite a treat to travel typically deteriorating city streets in such divine comfort. In the words of my 10-year old car expert, "it's like floating on a cloud." And thanks to an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension system, the driver can select exactly how firm of a cloud that is. A console-mounted, four-position barrel switch instantly increases or decreases spring rates, depending on driver preference.

Because I'm a bit of a softy at heart, I preferred the softest setting for those early morning, slow-paced rides into the office. In order to test the true effectiveness of the Adaptive Variable setup, I pumped the brakes from

Even on the firmest suspension setting, the ES continues to pull off a decent ride over harsh surfaces. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

50 km/h (30 mph) to a standstill. On the softest setting, the rhythmic pumping started the nose of the ES oscillating up and down. Repeating this test in the firmest setting eliminated the oscillation. I was impressed.

Even on the firmest of settings, the ES continues to pull off a decent ride over harsh surfaces, while eliminating body lean in hard cornering and nosedive in rapid braking. No, the ES doesn't become a BMW 3-Series in any of the four settings, but it will undoubtedly meet or exceed the handling expectations of its target market.