VroomVroom

Just sharing thoughts... I don't get much time behind the wheel of the ES, so it's always a pleasure to drive it and it's interesting to compare/contrast against the RX. But, since the boss is in Wisconsin on business and I had a group lunch today, it was a nice excuse to push a button to start the car instead of twisting a key.

Even seeing it every day (and washing it every weekend...the husband's lot in life) it's easy to forget just how terrific this car is. It's remarkably quiet, very comfortable, amply capable, and still an amazing value for the price. The seats are great, the ML stereo sounds terrific, there's never a lack of power, and it is so much more quiet than my RX that driving the latter makes me think I'm in a dump truck by comparison.

I really only have two criticisms, and in the scheme of things each is minor. First, compared to the RX, the center stack button layout seems odd. Having to reach across the screen for the map/voice button seems like a burden when it could've been placed in the upper left corner instead. (Did I say minor?) The other, and this is just personal preference, is that the steering seems overly light and quick. Really just an adjustment as opposed to an actual beef, but I do prefer, say, a more German approach to steering effort. After 15 miles or so I forget about it, but it's noteworthy that even the RX steering feel is much heavier.

I'm knocking on wood that we haven't experienced any of the problems discussed at length in the forums, and otherwise just love this car. Even though I helped whittle down the choices, it was her call to buy this car and I think she made an excellent decision.

350Dave

Personally, I love the steering feel, it is appropriately heavy at lower speeds, and unassuming at higher speeds.

VroomVroom

Interesting....if anything I feel it gets a bit heavier at higher speeds...as most systems do...and is just really, really light at low speeds. Just my perception, and again, more of a comment than a complaint.

kingofire

I gotta agree with 350Dave from the few times I've driven my Dad's ES350.

LexBob2

I used to have an '03 Avalon XLS, which was very similar to the previous gen ES 300 & 330. The steering and handling of the 350 is night and day better. Still no sports sedan, but a much more planted/secure feeling and the steering has better feel making the car easier to handle and not as floaty.