Spacepig

I'm shopping for an '04-'06 ES to join my '98 LS in the garage, and am trying to determine the changes/improvements between the years. I did not see a thread or link covering this. Basically I'm tryig to determine whether there are other reasons that the potential transmission issue affecting 04-05 to pay extra for an '06 for what is otherwise the same car.

Lexucan

In 2005, the ES received a face-lift with new front and rear fascias, and clear taillights. The headlights became projectors again after being abandoned for reflectors from 1997 thru 2004. The 2005 model also received a redesigned grille. Inside, it had new features including standard steering wheel-mounted controls, power adjustable pedals and heated and ventilated front seats, and the use of light Bird's Eye Maple wood trim.
The 2006 model went virtually unchanged as it was the last year for the 4th generation of the ES.

Megafast13

A lot did change from the 02-04 gens. and the 05-06 ones.

I have a 2002, and I have done some upgrades to it, to make it an 05/06 like ES.

The 02-04 featured reflector bowl style lights w/optional HID reflectors.

The 05-06 is the clear route to go when shopping for one.


-Projector HID Lights w/Auto leveling
-Adjustable Sport/Luxury Suspension
-Rear Privacy Shade
-3.3 liter engine (ES330)
-redesigned front grille
-redesigned foglights
-new interior color and wood trim
-redesigned taillights
-revamped steering wheel with stereo controls.
-Seats now air cooled, not just heated like the 04.
-Wheel design and size.

Megafast13

Here are some comparison shots:

02-04 ES:



05-06 ES:



Rear End, same order:





Interior, same order:


http://www.digi-go.biz/jqg1aaa/dsc_0010.jpg
----


Here is a good car domain of a premium packaged 2006: Click Here

Spacepig

Thanks for the info. I'm pretty much focused on 06-06, although I might consider an exceptionally clean low-mileage 04. 05 is in the right price range. But I'm wondering if its worth stretching the budget to get the '06 transmission. There seems to be less complaints about the '06 trans., and I'm guessing probably easier to find a car with Nav. (which is not critical, but would be preferred, other things being equal).

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

wow. I never even knew there was that many changes! lol

I like the 05-06 best.

JSM1284

I have an 05 for sale....

rlx101

IMO the changes are not significant, just some minor things here and there. It is 95% the same car essentially!

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

No one is denying that. Simply stating that there is a difference in Aesthetics and some prefer the newer as it looks nicer.

Spacepig

I'm still shopping, but thinking about holding out for an '06. Seems to be a lot more '05's out there. Is there any consensus on the '06 trans being less problematic? Seems to be much less discussion of the '06 trans here and elsewhere, and a dramatic improvement in Consumer Reports' reliability table, for what that's worth. But is it not just the same trans. with the potentially irksome software upgrades already installed, and therefore just as likely to be a problem as the earlier cars?

IamThFEAR

The firmware "fix" persay just about eliminates the issue. And once you know where the new "jerk" is you learn to avoid it, has'nt happened to me in mine a couple months.