This is why I did not get a new Lexus ES.
11-07-20, 02:33 PM
#46
Lexus Fanatic
That's the problem...past versions of the ES (particularly the 4Gen) WERE different (and better) to drive than a Camry....until Lexus decided to cost-cut and cheapen them. Back then, they were more deserving of the Lexus nameplate.
Of course, to some extent, the same could be said of the superb 3Gen Camry of the early/mid-90s. It is not the same car today as it was back then, either.
Of course, to some extent, the same could be said of the superb 3Gen Camry of the early/mid-90s. It is not the same car today as it was back then, either.
I just don't get it. We like the same things in cars, and I just have no idea where you're coming from here. I usually see your point in things, but I just dont see it here
Issue is people think every Lexus should be like an LS or LC, well go drive a 3 series BMW or a C Class MB and compare them to a 7 or S Class. If anything I think the ES measures up better compared to the LS than those cars do compared to their higher end cars.
I did sample the latest Avalon...thought it was significant improvement on the ES's road-manners, particularly with the 55-series tires. I did consider an Avalon, BTW....but ultimately decided that the crowds weren't all converting to crossovers for nothing....and, as I explained in earlier threads, decided a vehicle that size was just too big for my present needs.
Originally Posted by DaveGS4
I don't think Lexus has any "explaining to do" -it's a great looking, great riding, great priced entry luxury car. if you don't like the vehicle, or it doesn't fit your personal expectations of luxury, or have some mental trauma that it's based on the same platform as a Toyota Avalon, don't buy it, lol. Simple as that.
The Genesis G80 is a better car, its RWD and built to a higher standard but you have to compromise on the brand and ownership experience.
Compared to my 2003, the 2020's material are a little less rich in a couple areas, but it has so much more equipment and drives great.
Last edited by SW17LS; 11-07-20 at 02:40 PM.
11-07-20, 02:43 PM
#47
Lexus Fanatic
All this talk about the ES makes me want to drive one, I've driven pretty much every previous generation.
11-07-20, 02:43 PM
#48
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Many drivers got behind the wheel of the Lexus ES expecting to enjoy premium materials, cutting-edge technologies, and thrilling performance. After all, driving a luxury car is supposed to be a serene experience. However, some were left disappointed, as the Lexus ES left them distracted, uncomfortable, or concerned.
One KBB reviewer said, “Prior to my purchase of the 2020 ES 350, I owned a 2015 Hyundai Azera. Would you believe that the Lexus has little over the Hyundai? My main complaint is the level of wind and road noise.”
One KBB reviewer said, “Prior to my purchase of the 2020 ES 350, I owned a 2015 Hyundai Azera. Would you believe that the Lexus has little over the Hyundai? My main complaint is the level of wind and road noise.”
^^^^That was my main complaint also....road manners, although I wasn't that impressed with the interior.
11-07-20, 02:47 PM
#49
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I'm well-aware that there are people here that disagree wth me (even Dave), and I respect their view. But I can only report what my own eyes and senses tell me when I drive something.
11-07-20, 02:50 PM
#50
Lexus Fanatic
I looked it up, you're right exact same unit never knew that. And as far as I could tell from the picture the logo was below it on the dash surround not on the unit itself so didn't have to worry about branding.
All this talk about the ES makes me want to drive one, I've driven pretty much every previous generation.
All this talk about the ES makes me want to drive one, I've driven pretty much every previous generation.
I understand what you are saying, I just completely disagree (as everybody else seems to). My take on those KBB reviews is their expectation of the car was not set properly. Its not a luxury car, it doesn't compare to an LS or a 5 Series or an E Class or even a GS, it feels like a nice Toyota, which an Avalon also feels like, so does a high spec V6 Camry. But, that's the thing...that's what the ES has always felt like!
The great thing about the ES has always been you get an E Class SIZED car for the cost of a C Class, but it does not feel like an E Class, which is a much more expensive and sophisticated car.
11-07-20, 02:50 PM
#51
Lexus Fanatic
That's why I want to drive one. You drive and look at way more vehicles than I ever will so I'm going to assume you have a good sense and feel of what is refined, quiet etc. I'm curious what my impressions would be.
11-07-20, 02:53 PM
#52
Lexus Fanatic
I agree, which is why his opinion on this car is so strange to me. Because every other time he and I both drive a car...we agree.
11-07-20, 03:06 PM
#53
Lexus Champion
I was just looking over Car and Driver's review of the 19 ES350. Here are some snippets about noise, ride, and handling.
Full article here.
So I, too, am a bit surprised when an article complains about it being noisy.
What's more, this 2019 model builds on its predecessors' characteristically crypt-like cabin silence by blocking even more external noise from its occupants' ears. We recorded a mere 67 decibels of muted wind and road noise at a steady 70 mph—one decibel lower than a previous-generation ES350 and one higher than in a current Mercedes-Benz S450.
Hints that the ES350 is trying to move beyond grandma-schlepping duty percolate from unexpected corners. Indeed, the only metric in which the Lexus isn't quieter than its predecessor is when its engine is being heavily worked; the 2-decibel increase in wide-open throttle noise is no bad thing, as the 302-hp 3.5 V-6 sings in silken rumbles.
Similarly impressive is the ES's supple ride quality, which is as soft, comfortable, and appreciated as before. Only now, that isolation is joined by competent behavior when the Lexus is asked to do more than waft down a potholed street. The ES350 no longer bounds around softly when the steering wheel is turned. It doesn't lean much when changing direction. It simply handles itself stoically when prodded by its pilot, the steering responding crisply to inputs without fuss.
So I, too, am a bit surprised when an article complains about it being noisy.
11-07-20, 03:09 PM
#54
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
11-07-20, 03:18 PM
#55
Lexus Fanatic
My LS has 45 series tires, rides incredibly. 45 series tires are not very low profile.
My buddy's 2016 ES has the 18s which are 45 series, and it rides great.
This was why I enjoyed the way my 2010 ES drove more than my 2003 ES, still rode great but more dynamic and better to drive.
My buddy's 2016 ES has the 18s which are 45 series, and it rides great.
Originally Posted by JDR76
Similarly impressive is the ES's supple ride quality, which is as soft, comfortable, and appreciated as before. Only now, that isolation is joined by competent behavior when the Lexus is asked to do more than waft down a potholed street. The ES350 no longer bounds around softly when the steering wheel is turned. It doesn't lean much when changing direction. It simply handles itself stoically when prodded by its pilot, the steering responding crisply to inputs without fuss.
11-07-20, 04:05 PM
#56
Lexus Test Driver
The underpinnings and powertrains of a 3 Series or C-Class are far more advanced than an ES. That is what you are paying for, along with the driving dynamics that come with that class of vehicle. Considering Lexus itself has the IS to answer those vehicles, I don't see how they are relevant to the ES. In fact, the IS is even less luxurious than the competition and doesn't offer real leather. The priorities of an IS and ES buyer don't overlap the same way like the ES and GS.
11-07-20, 04:19 PM
#57
Lexus Fanatic
The underpinnings and powertrains of a 3 Series or C-Class are far more advanced than an ES. That is what you are paying for, along with the driving dynamics that come with that class of vehicle. Considering Lexus itself has the IS to answer those vehicles, I don't see how they are relevant to the ES. In fact, the IS is even less luxurious than the competition and doesn't offer real leather. The priorities of an IS and ES buyer don't overlap the same way like the ES and GS.
11-07-20, 05:19 PM
#58
Lexus Fanatic
I sense a little envy from the OP. Quite strange we are being informed of why someone didn’t buy a certain model.
At least the Lexus still offers a sedan, with hood struts, a smooth V6, a 4 year warranty, none of that stupid start-stop stuff you can’t turn off.
At least the Lexus still offers a sedan, with hood struts, a smooth V6, a 4 year warranty, none of that stupid start-stop stuff you can’t turn off.
.....good one. 