The 2008 Lexus ES 350 is a four-door, five-passenger luxury sedan with an MSRP of $33,720. Under the hood you'll find a 3.5-liter, 272 hp, V6 that returns 19 mpg in town and 27 out on the road. The standard transmission is a 6-speed automatic with overdrive.

For the most part the ES 350 is a carryover from 2007, but this may be a case of not fixing what definitely was not broken. The ES is more or less the enhanced version of the popular Toyota Camry. The vehicle carries an impressive array of safety features including systems from traction and anti-skid, ABS, and air bags in the side (front and rear), curtain, and front knee position. Lexus uses a Pre-Collision System technology that actually prepares the brakes, seatbelts, and airbags for optimum operation when the sensors detect either a skid or impending crash. (The system works in concert with an adaptive cruise control.)

Inside wood trim and a sunroof are included features but drivers will have to pay extra for leather. Opting for the Ultra Luxury Package picks up a panorama roof in glass, systems for navigation, a camera for rear viewing, and headlamps linked to the steering. (Just to tweak the rumor mill a bit, it looks like a hybrid ES could be in the offing for the 2009 model year.)

Overall the 2008 Lexus ES 350 is a more than satisfying way for a driver to enter the luxury class of autos. It's a comfortable, mid-sized sedan that gets good marks for acceleration, ride, noise level, and interior comfort. Lexus has a reputation for building brand loyalty. Taking a test drive in the ES will show you why before you even get around the block.