Topic: 2011 Lexus ES 350; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

James had hoped to be able to more directly compare the Lexus ES he drives this week with the seemingly similar Toyota Avalon. Instead, he'll try to answer the question of whether he's a driver in this car, or just a passenger with a very comfortable, front-row seat.
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[MKII]

If you find yourself in a traffic jam let me know if you concur with Grants warm and fuzzy opinion in his review of one of the Gs's big selling points
"the Lexus encourages patience".

[nlm]

Does that dash console remind anyone else of Ghost Face from the Scream series?

[Shnak]

Does that dash console remind anyone else of Ghost Face from the Scream series?

I see R2-D2 personally, but see what you mean.

[aaronk]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but this ES actually looks quite handsome in a black on black colour combination. While I wouldn't call any of the design elements 'thrilling', it is also far from being homely. If I were 40 years older and had a lot more cash, I might consider one 

[vdk]

Does that dash console remind anyone else of Ghost Face from the Scream series?

I see R2-D2 personally, but see what you mean.

Yes, R2-D2! 

[Jaeger]

Definitely R2D2.

Jaeger

[JSCC]

Definitely R2D2.

Jaeger

So it enhences the drive to the same level as an X-Wing?

[Jaeger]

Definitely R2D2.

Jaeger

So it enhences the drive to the same level as an X-Wing?

I'll go way out on a limb and say "no".    But we'll see what James has to say.

And R2D2 comments aside - I don't mind the look of the dash at all.  Definitely conservative, but it stops short of boring - maybe even because of the loveable robot outline.  As far as exterior design goes, my feelings are much the same - it's fairly reserved, but still handsome and has aged well in what has proven to be a long model generation.

Jaeger

[JSCC]

Definitely R2D2.

Jaeger

So it enhences the drive to the same level as an X-Wing?

I'll go way out on a limb and say "no".    But we'll see what James has to say.

And R2D2 comments aside - I don't mind the look of the dash at all.  Definitely conservative, but it stops short of boring - maybe even because of the loveable robot outline.  As far as exterior design goes, my feelings are much the same - it's fairly reserved, but still handsome and has aged well in what has proven to be a long model generation.

Jaeger

Long model generation?
2007-2011 is the typical 5 year cycle for Toyota/Lexus FWD platforms.

2012 should be a new genration based on the New 2012 Camry.

[Vanstar]

I spend the great majority of my driving time stuck in heavy traffic, barely crawling. For me, an ES350 would be an excellent car. While I love the driving dynamics of my TL, I hardly ever get to used them, perhaps one week a year.

These are good, reliable, well built cars. A 2008 off lease would make an excellent purchase in my opinion. I would not pay to buy a new one.

[Frontier1]

Don't know man, something that expensive stuck in traffic, hell a smooth driving Sentra could provide that for half the price.

[nlm]

"This week, day three may be a little light on content because I would like to wait to offer my opinion until after I spend about 10 hours behind the wheel on a trip to Detroit this weekend."

Very well - we expect a double dose then on monday!

[Vanstar]

Don't know man, something that expensive stuck in traffic, hell a smooth driving Sentra could provide that for half the price.

Perhaps. However, I have found that since I started driving cars in this price range, I have no desire to go to cheaper products. I have had a Sentra rental and I think it is a good economy car. I do not think it is, however, as comfortable as a Lexus or Acura. But to each his/her own.

[ArticSteve]

Don't know man, something that expensive stuck in traffic, hell a smooth driving Sentra could provide that for half the price.

and one could sell their detached house and buy a half a house (semi).  It does the same thing or does it. 

What's so great about a Sentra stuck in traffic: sh*t manual seats, super sh*t "radio", sh*t HVAC, just the usual sh*t found in econbox cars.  Why such a hate on for ppl that can throw $700. @ month down on a vehicle.    Sitting in that same traffic, in larger power seats with numerous heat and cooling settings, listening to a 14 speaker Mark Levinson system in a sound deadened environment with perfect HVAC.  Who would rather be in a Sentra other than yourself.   

[Ex-airbalancer]

 
That is why, I went for a truck with the LTZ , 10 way power seats , I love it

[ArticSteve]

That is why, I went for a truck with the LTZ , 10 way power seats , I love it

plus heat right.  I would have done the same thing. 

[kenm]

I think you all must be smoking something funny. There's not a vehicle on this planet that's equipped well enough to make me feel good while sitting in a traffic jam. It's one of the most ridiculous discussions I've ever seen on this form, and that's saying something. A sad commentary on our society.......really.

[tpl]

On this rare occasion I agree with Artic.   If you absolutely have to commute in traffic ( as per TO or supposedly Vancouver) then do it in a comfortable car.
I'd pick a M-B S class myself but whatever rings your bell.

[Ex-airbalancer]

On this rare occasion I agree with Artic.   If you absolutely have to commute in traffic ( as per TO or supposedly Vancouver) then do it in a comfortable car.
I'd pick a M-B S class myself but whatever rings your bell.

That because you u have never been in a LTZ PICKUP, , or a Tundra Limmited, it beats the hell of sitting in a Bimmer in traffic LOL