Leftlane’s bottom line

Looking at the sales figures alone, the ES fills an obvious slot in the market that no other automaker has really chosen to take on. Priced more like the compact IS, the ES is sized like the GS but offers the comfort and convenience now-sporty Cadillac once coveted.

By today’s standards, it is a Japanese Buick, much like its distant Toyota Avalon cousin, albeit sporting a fancier badge and more opulent amenities. But with an impressive redesigned Buick LaCrosse on the horizon, Lexus should take this opportunity to tighten up the ES’ driving characteristics to keep it competitive. The automaker has proven, with the LS, that it can make a car that glides down the road but doesn’t whimper at the sign of a corner or provide the kind of feedback that might turn buyers off of a BMW.

Button this one down for the next-generation model and you’ll remain top dog in the segment, Lexus.

    See also:

    Installing child restraints
    Follow the child restraint system manufacturer's instructions. Firmly secure child restraints to the seats using the LATCH anchors or a seat belt. Attach the top tether strap when installing a child ...

    Any breakthroughs?
    As the oldest offering in its segment, the GS 460 doesn’t exactly brim with unexpected touches. But at $60,490 as tested, it offers a surprisingly good value. Our tester included radar cruise cont ...

    Under the Hood
    For 2006, the 4.7-liter V-8 produces 263 hp and 323 pounds-feet of torque. Those numbers are down slightly from the 2005 model's 270 hp and 330 pounds-feet of torque due to new SAE testing procedu ...