Happy Holidays, CL: MM Holiday-Review: 2013 Lexus ES350
#17
Lexus Test Driver
once again, an awesome tthorough review Mike. I'm sure Lexus will do well with ES, regardless of any little issues.
i will say i was looking forward to one of those reviews of cars most us regular folk have no chance of buying anytime soon.
i will say i was looking forward to one of those reviews of cars most us regular folk have no chance of buying anytime soon.
#18
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
1) This new model does have real wood. So do you mean you wish the real wood looked more convincing?
2) I've had many 2007-2011 loaners, and to me, they all rode the same. Same sounds, same quality, same everything other than the new trim for 2010. None of the models I personally had (had one for five weeks) had any rattles. From what I've researched, they rattle no more than the class average.
4) The last gen did not have any body side moldings as you stated. There was a very low sill rub strip, which was more for looks than function. It was not anything designed to protect the main area of the doors.
And as with 95% of today's luxury cars, body side moldings are a styling blemish left off. It's not a cost-cutting measure at all.
You should hear, for example, the excuses that Toyota, Saturn, and Nissan came up for the reasons they used the center-stack speedometer/gauges on the Echo/Yaris, Ion, and Quest.
5) I've got to drive these latest Buicks, because if they are quieter than the latest batch of Lexi, it must be a heavenly experience. I'm not poking, I'm complimenting. Buick's quietness sounds very attractive.
6) Cerulean Blue (note spelling) is a very interesting color. It's one of those two in one colors that plays tricks in lighting conditions. I love it, but to be honest, it's definitely a color I've only seen elders go for. It's the new gold. =)
Again, excellent review and happy holidays to you too!
Last edited by mmarshall; 11-29-12 at 07:46 AM.
#19
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
But, of course, not even the mouldings can prevent all dings...because not all door-edges, when they are swing-open, are shaped the same...and not all mouldings are shaped the same .That's why, when possible, I often just park a short distance away and walk.
#20
These stand alone review are a bit tough to follow. I think it could be better explained if you had more references. What are you making all these judgments and comparisons to, other than some seemingly personal standard that doesn't seem to be met by any car on the road anymore. Are there specific vehicles/competitors that provide a better overall package?
And now you're stretching the vehicle review to the sales website? That seems to be a stretch and hard to fault a vehicle on something the vehicle engineering team has zero control over.
And now you're stretching the vehicle review to the sales website? That seems to be a stretch and hard to fault a vehicle on something the vehicle engineering team has zero control over.
#21
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I will say i was looking forward to one of those reviews of cars most us regular folk have no chance of buying anytime soon.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...nvertible.html
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
These stand alone review are a bit tough to follow. I think it could be better explained if you had more references. What are you making all these judgments and comparisons to, other than some seemingly personal standard that doesn't seem to be met by any car on the road anymore. Are there specific vehicles/competitors that provide a better overall package?
Of course, my type of review may not be what you are looking for (they are not necessarily for everyone)...and there are literally thousands of other reviews, of all types, out there on the Internet as alternatives.
And now you're stretching the vehicle review to the sales website? That seems to be a stretch and hard to fault a vehicle on something the vehicle engineering team has zero control over.
Last edited by mmarshall; 11-29-12 at 09:22 AM.
#23
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
about the 'many others' the economy is doing well for, sure there's always people doing well, but the VAST majority of americans have taken a hit in income, savings, and seen many costs rise dramatically in recent years, especially healthcare, education, food, and energy.
the es is a good value, and lexus has walked the line well of reducing costs as much as they can in mostly invisible ways, while upgrading the platform, interior and overal aesthetics significantly.
So great review of the new ES!!!!
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
i bet the vast majority of luxury cars are leased. so people are just renting them, not buying. once they come out of one lease, they have to go into another anyway unless something significant has changed for them. the population is growing so sales/leases are too, and of course low interest rates helps. i think a lot of people have also just said screw it, the economy may suck, but i'm going to drive a nice car while i can.
about the 'many others' the economy is doing well for, sure there's always people doing well, but the VAST majority of americans have taken a hit in income, savings, and seen many costs rise dramatically in recent years, especially healthcare, education, food, and energy.
the es is a good value, and lexus has walked the line well of reducing costs as much as they can in mostly invisible ways, while upgrading the platform, interior and overal aesthetics significantly.
agreed!
about the 'many others' the economy is doing well for, sure there's always people doing well, but the VAST majority of americans have taken a hit in income, savings, and seen many costs rise dramatically in recent years, especially healthcare, education, food, and energy.
the es is a good value, and lexus has walked the line well of reducing costs as much as they can in mostly invisible ways, while upgrading the platform, interior and overal aesthetics significantly.
agreed!
Case in point the ES is no longer a low 30k entry level car, it starts at 37k is around 50k loaded and is selling better than ever with hardly any incentives right now.
This is not the place for personal interpretations on the economy when others disagree. I think we all could agree 4 years ago the economy tanked. It is CLEAR it has rebounded and things are picking up and this is further evidenced by the sales of the luxury market, in particular cars. The fact of the matter is it is still a 40k luxruy car with taxs, tag, title. $40,000. If Lexus say pulled an Acura and dropped the TSX for the iLX like they are doing which starts at 25k, then MMarshall would have a point. This is not the case, the price of the ES has moved up appropriately and the MARKET has RESPONDED.
Lexus didn't panic and throw everything they worked for out the window or blame anyone for the economy nor the German brands. They kept forward with their plans to move upmarket and expand portfolios downmarket as well. The market as decided they still want luxury goods. The sales of luxury goods are exploding.
Here is an article I read from last year...
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/bu...ngly.html?_r=0
Worldwide it is more of the same
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/luxury...120000556.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-0...les-surge.html
There are too many believing in the doom and gloom and I refuse to believe it nor spread what I see as misinformation.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Case in point the ES is no longer a low 30k entry level car, it starts at 37k is around 50k loaded and is selling better than ever with hardly any incentives right now.
This is not the place for personal interpretations on the economy when others disagree.
If Lexus say pulled an Acura and dropped the TSX for the iLX like they are doing which starts at 25k, then MMarshall would have a point.
This is not the case, the price of the ES has moved up appropriately and the MARKET has RESPONDED.
Last edited by mmarshall; 11-30-12 at 09:17 AM.
#28
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
#29
Thanks for the thorough review, it's fun/interesting to hear different perspectives and takeaways on this car. One thing I'm happy you mentioned is the steering wheel feel. I was really impressed by it on my first drive in the '13 ES, it literally put a smile on my face. Definitely "super-slick" and solid without feeling heavy. I love the fact that the one thing your hands are in constant contact with as a driver(hopefully) is so well executed.
#30
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
One thing I'm happy you mentioned is the steering wheel feel. I was really impressed by it on my first drive in the '13 ES, it literally put a smile on my face. Definitely "super-slick" and solid without feeling heavy. I love the fact that the one thing your hands are in constant contact with as a driver(hopefully) is so well executed.