The Toyota brand has suffered tremendously as a result of recent recalls, with most of the damage coming from the recall of versions of 8 Toyota models resulting from occurrences of “unintended acceleration” or “sticking” throttles, depending on what you choose to call the phenomenon. While no Lexus models have been recalled specifically as a result of this issue (the IS 250 and 350, in addition to the ES 350 have been recalled due to loose floor mats), they have not escaped being included in the discussion.

Keeping this in mind, I think it would be wise for all Toyota and Lexus owners, as well as the general driving public, to check out the lessons offered by Mike Kojima of MotoIQ based on his encounter with a sticking throttle while driving a Lexus RX-7. Kojima goes beyond offering the common (but important) advice about shifting into neutral by offering a technical analysis of the problem with the aid of descriptive illustrations.

Hats off to Mike Kojima for making an intelligent contribution to the Toyota recall dialogue. Read his article in full at MotoIQ.com.

Powered by a 272-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2009 ES 350 sports a 6 speed automatic transmission, producing 272-hp is produced at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. This is a major upgrade from the 218-hp of the previous ES models.

The 2009 Lexus ES 350 also shows some serious improvements in safety. The front-wheel drive is accented with standard stability control and traction. Other safety features include brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, an antiskid system, and airbags in the front, rear, side, and knee locations.

The ES 350 premium package ads leather trimmed interior, a memory system, and a repositioned steering wheel that links the wheel to the keyless remote.

The Premium Plus package has all the features of the regular premium package, but also adds a power cushion extender for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers. It also boasts a voice-activated DVD based navigation system, Bluetooth technology, a back-up camera and a 14 speaker Mark-Levinson sound system.

The Ultra-Luxury package features all the advantages of the Premium Plus package, also adding a higher-grade leather interior, rear-seat side airbags, power rear sunshade, a wood and leather trimmed shift knob/steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Additionally, the Ultra-Luxury ES 350 sports an Adaptive Front Lighting System, High-Intensity Discharge lamps, and graphite polished alloy wheels.

What Auto Critics Are Saying

“If what you are looking for is the ultimate in affordable motorized road-rage suppression, it would be hard to do any better…” – CARandDRIVER.com

“The old car packed only 218 hp, so the ES350’s new, more potent engine addresses a genuine weakness.” —Automobile

“Fit and finish is impressive, and the car is very quiet.” —Consumer Reports

“Strong yet quiet performance, more luxury than ever before, excellent crash test scores.” —Edmunds.com

“The ride is smooth, the engine is smooth, the transmission operation is flawless, and everything is quiet.” —New Car Test Drive