kilo6_one

iTrader: (2)

the ES has a denture holder.........

projectdna

iTrader: (56)

don't know if anyone chimed in on this yet, but the ES is an upgraded version of the camry... (as were previous ES's, no?)

had an ES for a loaner when i took my 2is in for its first 5k maintenance. on the up side, it's got lots more room than the 2is. on the down side, it definitely isn't as fun to drive as.

umpalumpa

i guess thats what it boils down to.

socalJD

I think you need to do more research - why do you feel that the GS is 'too big' ? Physical dimensions are almost identical to the ES, in fact the ES is an inch longer and taller. IMHO, if price is not a factor, you should be looking at an IS350 or GS350, since they are based off the same platform, engine, transmission and brakes. Biggest difference is the GS has 6 inches more rear legroom, so the backseat is roomier. Comparing the ES & IS is like apples to oranges. I love my IS, but the new GS350 has me thinking . . .

ABC

It's actually much simpler than what you guys are saying... Just answer this:

Does anyone sit in the backseat that is older than 3 years old?
If Yes: ES
If No: IS

sdbrandon

Wow, is the IS that small back there? Or are you guys kidding. I will have back seat passengers (adults) are rare occasions for short trips.

Bichon

Before you sign the paperwork, better take it for a test drive. Haven't driven the GS350, but did drive the '06 GS430 before I bought my IS.

The IS and GS may be based on the same platform, but the GS felt much bigger and was not nearly as much fun to drive.

Lexustom

Two adults, short trips and the back seat of my IS is just fine. None of the four of us would want to subject ourselves to a 100+ mile trip. That would not be so great IMO.

As for the IS vs. ES? There was and is no way I can go with FWD. Ah, but that, once again is just MO. I guess I SO agree with pocky.

umpalumpa

the backseat is pretty damn small, especially if you are tall - over 5'10". if you can afford a gs350 - get one, i would, but i cant afford one!

socalJD

Hey, I resemble that remark.
I have 2 - 4 yr old boys that sit in the back, and no way in he!! will I trade my IS350 for an ES. Now in 4 yrs from now, I may need something bigger, maybe a GS-F . . .

lifeisgood

Hey that's almost mean, very funny though. The ES is a favorite among retirees. My 80 year old father recently bought one for my mother to drive. Nice sedan, but totally different feel compared to the IS.

I had the chance to spend a week with a loaner ES (new version) and I'm so glad I have the IS. The ES handling is uninspring, the suspension too soft and there is absolutely no sporty feel to it. I do like the looks on the outside though.

If you need a bigger car, consider the GS--I did not test drive this one but I have to believe that the handling characteristics are closer to the IS than the ES.

ps: both parents still have their original teeth.

sdbrandon

Well I checked out both the IS and ES today.

I liked the outside of the IS, but it is about the size of a Corolla. (Is it based on the Corolla?) It drove nice, but frankly after having several BMW's it does not come close.

So I think for me since I already own a BMW when I want a sports car drive, I will opt fo the ES to pamper myself. I don't think the IS would give me the sport or the comfort, it is more a little of both.

SolaraToIS

No, actually the IS is based on the Lexus GS but the ES is based on the Camary.

linh811

save yourself some money and get the 3.5L camry? my parents have one, I've driven it and it feels almost as strong as the IS350

sdbrandon

Actually the Camry and Avalon are quite nice and considerably less.

The drawback I noticed about Honda, Toyota, Nissan, is you cannot get bluetooth. They all have nav but no BT.

BT is so cheap, why is is not an option on all cars?

Each year the value of buying a Lexus, BMW, etc. goes down. So much of the higher end technology is in the entry level cars. If the Camry had BT I would not even consider the ES. I think Toyota realizes this.