Topic: Test Drive: 2010 Lexus ES 350

[Autos_Editor]

With a ride that is "pillowy-soft," the Lexus ES 350 is unlike most modern-day luxury cars which emphasize performance as well as luxury, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.  But his main criticism is the car's lack of front seat headroom.

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[sailor723]

Strikes me as a car that would appeal to the "last car" crowd. You know, the "last car" you buy before your kids decide you're too old and take away your drivers license. (and the perfect car for driving around town at 35 KPH with your left blinker on )

[Cory X]

This is the problem with most Asian cars and alot of other new cars especially European cars from the 90's and older,well even new Euro cars are built tight and uncomfortable inside..yes I looked at over 30 vehicles !! I cant fit in them !!...No head room !!! My body is all crunched up,totally uncomfortable !! I am 6'3 and most new cars are extremely uncomfortable !! This is the reason I just bought a new 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport,I have all the head room in the world,my legs have room ,my torso is not crunched nor my back does not ache after a day of driving ! and so glad I am not crunched up inside !! Even the Chrysler 300/Charger though I have head room it feels a little small for tall big guys (note not obese nor fat but built,people asume big/tall is fat ,not I)

I read somewhere cars are designed for people 5 foot 8,rather short for a guy,I say !! No wonder I cant fit in newer cars !!

I laugh when I see a small or any car and the person has the seat all the way to the front and you cannot see their head over the head rests when they are driving !! 

[ipolski]

51K for a Camry, as nicely finished as it may be, is just insane, even when it comes with a Lexus badge.  But what do I know, they sell tons of them.

[johngenx]

I much prefer the IS, but I see the appeal of this car.  One of my neighbours has owned a couple, and he just wants a quiet, soft riding, FWD ("safer in winter," he thinks) luxury car that has no need to visit "some expensive German car dealership."

[CatsEye68]

It was probably a nice car 8 years ago. Now it is dated, and shockingly overpriced. At that price point it is outclassed in the marketplace by several makes as mentioned in the article. Amazing how the tables have turned -- that is what would have been written in a Buick test 5 years ago. Now it is in a Toyota review.

[Steve The Car Guy]

I agree with the first comment...This should be the first car on your list as your last car to own. haha...  I think the market for this is an 85 year old Oakville retiree. 
However sometimes the older folks don't like all the wood and sailboat like ride which is why I sold quite a few '09/'10 TL's to that demographic...They want their last car to be a rocket and not have the bland lexus styling.

The IS is my favorite Lexus but those back seats need to grow! ...or make it a hardtop coupe!

[Jaeger]

Strikes me as a car that would appeal to the "last car" crowd. You know, the "last car" you buy before your kids decide you're too old and take away your drivers license. (and the perfect car for driving around town at 35 KPH with your left blinker on )

Sounds about right to me.

Jaeger

[footlong58]

(and the perfect car for driving around town at 35 KPH with your left blinker on )

Don't forget the hat...

[normancw]

It was probably a nice car 8 years ago. Now it is dated, and shockingly overpriced. At that price point it is outclassed in the marketplace by several makes as mentioned in the article. Amazing how the tables have turned -- that is what would have been written in a Buick test 5 years ago. Now it is in a Toyota review.

I agree - IMO, the Lacrosse looks better too.

[Minou]

The upcoming Kia Cadenza with similar engine/transmission combo might do a dent in the ES sales when it shows up.  Especially if it comes loaded at 35K or less.

[Erik]

The upcoming Kia Cadenza with similar engine/transmission combo might do a dent in the ES sales when it shows up.  Especially if it comes loaded at 35K or less.

The latest Kia?

[Alex_S]

Great review as always.  I'm sure it has a nice ride but surprised at the lack of headroom!  Considering the average American is, approx 5'10" tall, would assume company to design it to easily accomodate a 6 footer as well..

What about the Hyundai Genesis?  At this price point of $50K+, doesn't it become a direct competitor as well?  Noticed the author didn't mention the Hyundai Genesis in the article.  Have seen posts saying the Genesis has good interior space - including headroom..

[ArticSteve]

The reality is that the list on the stock ES 350 is $42K.   Lease 4 years @ 1.9%, or buy @ 1.9%/48  or 2.9%/60.

Stock ES includes roof, leather, heated seats, smart key, essentially everything but NAV.

BTW, same exact ES is 35K in the USA.  Factor Ontario GST/PST and you've got approx. 8k spread.

[Jaeger]

Great review as always.  I'm sure it has a nice ride but surprised at the lack of headroom!  Considering the average American is, approx 5'10" tall, would assume company to design it to easily accomodate a 6 footer as well..

Seriously, that's the average height?

Oh, and I'd take the Genesis over this in a heartbeat.  And I wouldn't have to spend near $50k on one if I were getting the comparable V6 mill.

Jaeger

[chrischasescars]

What about the Hyundai Genesis?  At this price point of $50K+, doesn't it become a direct competitor as well?  Noticed the author didn't mention the Hyundai Genesis in the article.  Have seen posts saying the Genesis has good interior space - including headroom..

You make a good point. It's a direct enough competitor price-wise, but a much larger car and more luxurious. Content and performance-wise, it's more of a competitor to a high-end E-Class or the S-Class (I don't think the Hyundai is sporty enough to be considered next to BMW or Audi). I wonder how many ES shoppers would consider the Genesis, even if it is in the same price class.

[Jaeger]

What about the Hyundai Genesis?  At this price point of $50K+, doesn't it become a direct competitor as well?  Noticed the author didn't mention the Hyundai Genesis in the article.  Have seen posts saying the Genesis has good interior space - including headroom..

You make a good point. It's a direct enough competitor price-wise, but a much larger car and more luxurious. Content and performance-wise, it's more of a competitor to a high-end E-Class or the S-Class (I don't think the Hyundai is sporty enough to be considered next to BMW or Audi). I wonder how many ES shoppers would consider the Genesis, even if it is in the same price class.

Fair comment - though the S-class is a bit of a stretch.  The Genesis lies closer in sportiness to the BMW 5 series than it does to the cream-puff ES 350 - but that's not to say it's real close to the BMW.  Just a good step past the midpoint between the two, perhaps.  As I mentioned in another thread, my Hyundai dealer had taken more than a few Lexus trade-ins on the Genesis - and some premium German iron as well.

Jaeger

[ArticSteve]

I wonder how many ES shoppers would consider the Genesis, even if it is in the same price class.

Not a one.  ES BUYERS are buying the brand, the resale, the FWD and the fake grovelling that Lexus service ppl do so well.

I've got a Hyundai store right across from our operation and the sales manager is an ex salesman so we talk all the time.

Genesis sedan buyers are 55 and up, have prior history in RWD, want a luxury German RWD, but can't afford it, and think at the time of sale that resale is moot because they are going to keep it very long term.

[CatsEye68]

The upcoming Kia Cadenza with similar engine/transmission combo might do a dent in the ES sales when it shows up.  Especially if it comes loaded at 35K or less.

The latest Kia?

Put some oversized wheels on that thing, squint a bit, and it reminds me of a Ford Flex.