2007 Lexus ES 350 Review

Toyota 's entry-level luxury sedan is new for 2007. In addition to the exterior and interior makeover, the '07 Camry is powered by a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine developing 272 horsepower -- a significant uptick over the '06 ES330 and its 218-horsepower 3.3 liter V-6. Also equipped with a new six-speed automatic transmission (replacing last year's five-speed automatic), the '07 ES350 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The new V-6 is certified to the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) standard and has EPA fuel economy estimates of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway. Dual exhaust with chrome tips add a new performance accent to the ES 350. Other features for '07 include 10-way power seats, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, SmartAccess keyfob with push-button start/stop and a new multi-information display. A dramatic new panoramic glass sunroof is available as well. Standard safety equipment for '07 includes stability control, eight standard airbags and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. A Pre-Collision System (PCS) is available optionally and includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and maintain a set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead, adjusting vehicle speed as necessary. If the system's sensors detect an imminent crash, the  front seat belts are automatically retracted and Brake Assist is "pre-initialized," so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal. The "Active Braking" feature can automatically apply the brakes up to a deceleration rate of 0.3 g if the driver fails to react to system warnings.

Review: 2007 Lexus ES350