Before impact, my feelings about the ES 300 were decidedly mixed. The sedan’s interior finish is perfect, but the outside looks bland and budget-minded. (With this price tag?) Still, it has a great audio system, adaptive suspension and traction control. If only Lexus could devise a force field to ward off distracted drivers, it’d corner the market.

Tip: The ES 300 comes with serious perks. If your Lexus ever breaks down more than 100 miles from home, the company will pick up your hotel tab.