2008 Lexus ES 350

Based on the Toyota Camry, the ES350 is quite unique in its exterior appearance. Totally redesigned for 2007 along with its chassis and mechanical donor, there are no changes for 2008. The ES is assembled in Japan.

The only engine available is the Camry's optional V6, which is a strong one. The all-aluminum 3.5 liter produces 272 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. The engine features Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) technology. The sole transmission available is a six-speed, electronically controlled automatic. According to EPA estimates, the ES350 returns 19 mpg in the city cycle, and 27 mpg on the highway.

As you'd expect a Lexus to be, the ES350 is well equipped. On the safety side, the front-wheel driver comes with standard traction and stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. In addition to dual front airbags, buyers also get side seat-mounted life-savers, side curtain bags and even knee airbags.

There is only one, base trim of the ES350 with four option packages dressing it up to one's tastes. The Premium package adds a leather-trimmed interior, a memory system to set the driver's seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel positions linked to the keyless remote as well as auto-dimming outside mirrors which tilt down when the vehicle is put into Reverse.

The Premium Plus package includes all of the above but throws in heated and ventilated front seats, a driver's seat power cushion extender and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Then there is a Navigation System / Mark Levinson surround sound system combo that includes a voice-activated DVD-based navigation system with back-up camera and Bluetooth technology as well as a 14-speaker (as opposed to the standard 8) Mark-Levinson branded surround sound system with 7.1-channel software and DVD (both audio and video) and CD playback via a six-disc, in-dash changer.

The final package is appropriately called Ultra-Luxury, as it contains all the goodies of the Premium Plus package and a higher-grade leather interior, wood and leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, rear-seat side airbags, a panorama glass sunroof, power rear sunshade, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, a swiveling Adaptive Front Lighting System and graphite polished alloy wheels with a matching spare.