DecodedCars2006 Lexus ES
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 330 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,461 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Lexus ES is a midsize car offered with a 3.3L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,461 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 2% better than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 ES — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 ES →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330 4dr Sedan FWD | 191.3 in | 71.3 in | 57.5 in | 106.7 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,461 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 330 | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +2% | $3,900 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Lexus ES under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Lexus ES (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Lexus LS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Lexus GS | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Lexus ES.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Lexus ES is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Lexus ES buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 20 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Lexus ES. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other ES years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 ES | 46 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2024 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2023 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2022 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2021 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 35 |
| 2020 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2019 ES | 44 | 196.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 40 |
| 2018 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 15 |
| 2017 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 2016 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 37 |
| 2015 ES | 40 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →