Topic: Test Drive: 2011 Lexus ES 350 Touring Edition

[Autos_Editor]

It would be wrong to characterize the ES 350 as a duded-up Camry, says Grant Yoxon. 'It is much more substantial than that.'

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[whaddaiknow]

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It would be wrong to characterize the ES 350 as a duded-up Camry, says Grant Yoxon. 'It is much more substantial than that.'

<a href=http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2011-lexus-es-350-touring-edition>Read More...</a></div>

Very nice car that I would have seriously considered if not for the plain interior.

[Erik]

Except that it is a duded up Camry...

Still a great car for doing what it does. Likely the best lower end luxury appliance you can buy.

And I like the gauges and IP. Clear and simple.

[Frontier1]

Camry>>>ES350

Fusion>>>MKZ

fwd luxury...glorified version....meh

[chrischasescars]

Wing and I were talking about this car yesterday. You can buy a Toyota Avalon - another variation on the tarted up Camry - for the same price as a base ES, but with features that drive the ES's price to $10,000 higher than that. The Avalon and ES drive the same; maybe the Avalon's barfy styling is meant to drive shoppers to the Lexus dealer.

[Frontier1]

Wing and I were talking about this car yesterday. You can buy a Toyota Avalon - another variation on the tarted up Camry - for the same price as a base ES, but with features that drive the ES's price to $10,000 higher than that. The Avalon and ES drive the same; maybe the Avalon's barfy styling is meant to drive shoppers to the Lexus dealer.

That's why the entry level Lexus should be RWD.  Barfy hey...hum...not a good word to use on a Toyota around here.  Your choices are a)Gorgeous b)Hot c)Stunning.....

[Bluenose]

After reading this article it is now clear that 'Lexus' is Japanese for 'Buick'.

[Frontier1]

After reading this article it is now clear that 'Lexus' is Japanese for 'Buick'.

...and Buick is going after Lexus

[dragonfly]

After reading this article it is now clear that 'Lexus' is Japanese for 'Buick'.

...and Buick is going after Lexus Only less expensive, American made, and better looking...

[Spec5]

Interesting comment about the Avalon being cheaper even fully tarted up. Of course it doesn't have the big "L" on the front (for loser ) BUT its not like the Avalon is known for being either a cheap car or as one that someone "settled for". I'm surprised they didn't try to differentiate the two more.

I find it interesting how they've programmed the tranny to hold top gear whenever possible when accelerating so as to provide a serene ride as possible. Is that defeatable with say a "sport" setting? I would find that particularly annoying when driving by myself - I'd feel like I was flogging it the entire time. And since when did the 3.5L V6 from Toyota require premium fuel?! I don't remember reading that before - seems odd that something that doesn't require premium in the Camry would require it in the Lexus.

Still, nice sounding car for those doing a lot of highway cruising. But I think I'd still prefer something with a bit more sporting intentions.

[Bullet Blue]

Wing and I were talking about this car yesterday. You can buy a Toyota Avalon - another variation on the tarted up Camry - for the same price as a base ES, but with features that drive the ES's price to $10,000 higher than that. The Avalon and ES drive the same; maybe the Avalon's barfy styling is meant to drive shoppers to the Lexus dealer.

It doesn't seem like Avalons are flying off dealer lots so I would imagine some decent incentives would be available on them too. The big difference between the ES and the Avalon in my eyes is the size. Perhaps potential ES and Camry buyers find the Avalon too big for their needs.

[chrischasescars]

I find it interesting how they've programmed the tranny to hold top gear whenever possible when accelerating so as to provide a serene ride as possible. Is that defeatable with say a "sport" setting? I would find that particularly annoying when driving by myself - I'd feel like I was flogging it the entire time. And since when did the 3.5L V6 from Toyota require premium fuel?! I don't remember reading that before - seems odd that something that doesn't require premium in the Camry would require it in the Lexus.

The Lexus doesn't require premium any more, although I tend to think that requirement in the past was little more than a marketing thing. The 2011 can run on regular, at a slight reduction in power, which I suspect is the same as the difference between the 2010 ES and Camry V6, where the Lexus made four more hp and lb-ft on premium. I don't think anything's changed, only that Lexus has dropped the pretense that the ES' motor is somehow superior to the Camry's.

[ArticSteve]

Wing and I were talking about this car yesterday. You can buy a Toyota Avalon - another variation on the tarted up Camry - for the same price as a base ES, but with features that drive the ES's price to $10,000 higher than that. The Avalon and ES drive the same; maybe the Avalon's barfy styling is meant to drive shoppers to the Lexus dealer.

and maybe not.   

85% of vehicles in the ES, TL, etc. "class" go out the door as a lease.  ES lease @ .8%  Avalon lease @ 3.9%

Why are we talking MSRP    Who buys these cars???

ES 350 NAV  .... 3 year lease  $725.   4 years .... $632.
                       
Avalon NAV ..... 3 year lease  $778.    4 years ... $655.


ES 350 nothing like an Avalon, particularily in Canada where the Avalon Limited is not offered.  The drive is very much different to the Avalon, Avalon being a 1/2 foor longer and higher.  It's noticeably less quiet.  Trim is of cheaper materials.

ES350 very much superior to Avalon. 

[wing]

Well I'll be the judge of that LOL.

I drove an Avalon not too long ago, I came away VERY impressed.  I get the ES next week, the Avalon was a vault will the ES be that much better?

[ArticSteve]

The 2011 can run on regular, at a slight reduction in power, which I suspect is the same as the difference between the 2010 ES and Camry V6, where the Lexus made four more hp and lb-ft on premium. I don't think anything's changed, only that Lexus has dropped the pretense that the ES' motor is somehow superior to the Camry's.

Pretense  

Lexus use premium because they advance the timing on their motors.  Hence they get a bump in HP and torque.  Use 87 and the knock sensers kick in.  Not a good thing to continually have knock sensors retarding the timing.

[E!Power]

I like the black for the exterior color. It is still a very nice vehicle even though its a bit dated. My Best friend has one and i drove it all the time. It was a wonder and smooth vehicle. I cant wait till they refresh it. I don't expect a dramatic change but maybe with more recent gadgets.

I agree the ES is a superior vehicle to the Avalon.

[ArticSteve]

Well I'll be the judge of that LOL.

I drove an Avalon not too long ago, I came away VERY impressed.  I get the ES next week, the Avalon was a vault will the ES be that much better?

You're telling me how Toyotas drive. LOL  

You've haven't even driven the good Avalon.     (the Limited).   Listen, there is no difference between the Canadian Avalon and the Camry XLE.  Same line in Kentucky, same exact suspension, brakes, steering, same unibody but with an extra section.  Even the sh*tty tires are the same.  The only difference that may affect the ride is the wheelbase.  

You dudes have succumbed to the Toyota hate.  It's amazing how a good number of ppl have bought into the Toyotas are over priced junk which now includes Lexus which is clearly evident in this thread.

I read this thread and find the experts telling me how an ES with same equipment is $10K more than a Canadian Avalon, but mysteriously one can drive an ES for less money and that "The Avalon and ES drive the same".  
 

[wing]

I didn't say they did, I've never driven the ES.  I'll drive the ES next week and judge.  But of course it isn't back to back so it is still a tough call.

I drove a fully loaded Avalon (at least canadian fully loaded) and don't remember anything that was missing that I could have wanted.

[JSCC]

I drove a fully loaded Avalon (at least canadian fully loaded) and don't remember anything that was missing that I could have wanted.

How about AWD? Good option to have in the luxury segment, no?

[rrocket]

How about AWD? Good option to have in the luxury segment, no?

Only if you believe the hype.  I suppose it would REALLY depend where you live.