yes. ..............

 

So only the RX is assembled outside of Japan?

 

Correct.

LS Tahara
GS Tahara
GS Hybrid Tahara
ES Kyushu
IS Kyushu and Tahara
SC Kanto Jidosha
LX Araco
GX Tahara
RX Kyushu and Cambridge, Ontario
RX Hybrid Kyushu

 

I agree with you but in reverse. It's now the current Camry that looks like the current ES. The camry has been redesigned with the very obvious "L-Finesse" styling ques of the new generation ES350. So, it's no longer the ES looking Camry-ish, it's the Camry looking Lex-ish.....but either way, if it weren't for a few minor differences on the exterior (like the front grille) the two would be pretty much identical.

 

I think the ES looks fabulous, not like a Camry at all. They will always be similar in size but IMO, they don't look alike as much.

God forbid you park your GS next to any of Nissan's sedans, you're screwed!

 

I agree. On Sunday we parked behind a GS350 at a model home we were looking at. The GS is very nice, but the styling is similar to the current gen Maxima/Altima, especially from the rear.

 

Good choice!!
I was planning on getting IS350 last year... but, I ended up with GS300 instead. Thanks to Sept sales event!!

 

Great choice going with the GS350

 

Hmmm, interesting perspective. I agree that the current Camry is a departure from prior gens, almost as if they stole a page or 2 from L-finesse. I do know that in the past, the ES was based off a JDM version (Vista/Windom) that was not rebadged and sold in N. America, but is now based off the N. American Camry (since Toyota dc'd the Windom last year). I always viewed the ES as the red haired stepchild of Lexus, since all the other cars are rwd (not including suvs or hybrids) . . .

 

Speaking of which, is there any advantage of FWD over RWD anyway?

 

In terms of strictly traveling from point A to point B - Yes.

In terms of spirited, enthusiasticly traversing from point A to point X - Hell NO

 

If you have to drive in snow, FWD is probably better than RWD. AWD is the best of the bunch in snow.

 

Damn. I've got a Lexus Maxima.

 

So what is more insulting: Owning a $50,000 Maxima with a Lexus badge (the resemblance is an eye opener) or a well dressed Honda Accord in Acura RL clothing?

 

To me, that doesn't make any sense. The Acura RL IS a Honda Legend overseas... Of course they're going to look similar.

Now, this might be the correct question:
What's more insulting, owning a $50,000 Maxima with a Lexus badge or an overpriced Camry with a Lexus badge?