MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Yesterday I brought my car in for an oil change and to have an O2 sensor replaced and got a 2011 ES 350 (Pearl/Ivory, Premium Package, split 5 spoke wheels, spoiler, 12K on the clock) as a loaner. I've had plenty of ES loaners in the past and we have an 08 in the family, but this is my first time driving the new one.

...wow, what a difference. I don't know what mechanical changes they made in the 2010+ but to me the car feels noticeably different. I can really say that for the first time, this car feels like a mini-LS instead of a prettied-up Camry. Somehow the ride seems even smoother and more refined than it was before, and I'd venture to say that the cabin is even quieter. The interior revisions and additions go a long way in spicing up the cabin and lending an upscale appearance on an entry level car. The extra wood and revised trim and buttons all look and feel fantastic.

Atlanta roads are some of the most brutal that you can drive on, and my GS will gladly chatter your teeth out, knock the wind out of you, or thud/bang loud enough for you to think a wheel just flew off. The ES is so smooth, silent, and serene (even on these horrible roads) that I really think the only car that could top it would be an LS. Surprisingly, I don't think the steering or handling are too shabby either.

Too often, especially by enthusiasts, cars like these get overlooked - FWD, big bodied, tuned more for luxury and comfort than sport - but after having this thing for just over a day, I'm almost not sure if I even want my GS back ! This car is right sized, right priced, well equipped, perfectly luxurious, and pleasant to drive...and now I understand why they sell so many!

I went to lunch yesterday with a coworker who just bought a LaCrosse CXL in July and even she was impressed by how much quieter the ES was and how much nicer the interior is. I guess her husband's father works for GM and snagged a nice discount, but she seemed to really enjoy the ES.

Anyway...I'll let it go for now...just showing some love for a car that is often overlooked!

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Wheels and a nice drop helps...

LexFather

Great review and aligns with my thoughts. Its just a great mini-LS with tons of room, luxury, good looks and pretty damn good acceleration while handling better than the last model. Lexus has mastered the ES formula and it has been THE best selling entry level Japanese luxury sedan. Like you said it won't win Top Gear's heart but it wins the consumers heart with reliable, classy, Lexus transportation with a good price.

I also think owners are a classy bunch. Rarely do I see them speed, they never double park and just go about their business. They don't argue on the internet saying stupid things like "my car is better than a 5 series b/c its bigger" or "the ES is on par with a E class for 20 grand less" and most are tastefully modded (when you find one modded lol).

It is a great Lexus and thanks for the review. Looking forward to a hybrid model next go round!

IS-SV

Nice pimpin ES.

But yes, I've had a couple ES loaners and abilities as lux cruisers are excellent. And the sleek fastback lines are something my eyes appreciate too.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

This is why I don't understand it when they bash it and call it:
soul-less, disconnected, numb (ok, not for the gs though).

That's what I want at the end of the day driving home from work.
I don't want to feel the potholes, speed bumps, mini lane bumpers, noise from the street, other cars, idiots blasting their radios.....

I like the total isolation

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

I noticed the same thing. The woman's parents have an 08 ES and my mom has a 10 ES and my mom's is considerably smoother. At first I thought it was just comparing a 2 year old car to a new one (at the time), but the 10 just feels better put together.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

^ Completely agree. After driving them both, there is a considerable difference.

LexBob2

It's nice to see the ES350 love. I have a 2010 ES and agree that Lexus has done a nice job in refining and updating the current gen model. IMO it's a great entry level luxury sedan and offers a lot for the money. In addition to all of the amenitites and lux touches, you can easily get 30+ mpg on the highway if you keep it at 70-75 mph.

I bought an '07 when the current gen came out in 4/06 and it was a great car, problem free for nearly 4 years. When I got the bug for something diffferent we took a long look at LaCrosse, G37x, Q5 and RX not expecting to get another ES. We were all set to get the RX but decided in this car we didn't really need the extra hauling capacity of the RX. Took a look at the updated 2010 ES and bought it the next day.

I'm interested to see what they do with the next gen to keep up with the competition.

LexusMan77

Very nice looking ES. Btw was that shot taken at the parking lot of Cal State Northridge?

SLegacy99

I've drooled over several recent ES loaners that we have gotten. This coming from someone who enjoys a car that is the complete opposite. As a young professional I would gladly drive one....but I won't give up my 5MT yet...at least not for a non-hybrid.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

the ES350 is a very well designed and executed vehicle for its intended market. it's everything a buick should be.

my only nitpick of it is the wheel fitment looks like an 80s gm car (inset, big wheel gap) and detracts from its looks

RXSF

my only gripes are the green button back lighting, the oval dash, and the ugly rear spoiler.

otherwise, it has a very nice vehicle for the price. the rear seat legroom and the trunk space always surprises me.

LexBob2

That intended market is old dudes like me.

I'm sure Lexus would like to lower the average age of ES buyers. Maybe the next gen will have a wider appeal.

trukn1

I too have driven the '10 ES as a loaner and was very impressed with it. Coming from a 92 LS, which is still very comfy and suits my needs well, I was very impressed with the ES. My ONLY gripe about the ES was the front end felt uncomfortably light and brought about a sense of uneasiness at highway speeds. Just felt like the front end was barely making contact with the road. This wasmy only gripe, as it did have plenty of power, room and I loved th looks of the car. I would def consider one as my next car to be an addition for my LS.

superchan7

I haven't driven the facelifted version, but I had a 2008 for a while (I do miss it). The facelift fixes all of the cosmetic shortcomings of the model (which weren't very many), and from what people here are saying they also fixed the noise suppression.

Would still consider getting another ES in the future. I think car magazines are beginning to adapt to market demands--rating cars for what they are to the consumer, instead of what niche sports car fans want them to be.