I don't know I've had 2 ES350 and loaner's and I never really liked them either time. I definetly wouldn't take over my IS350. We have a 05 TL which is a direct competitor to the ES350 and the TL in my opinion is far better car.

 

LOL everyone in the IS forum is so performance biased. I bet in the ES forum, they hate our cars for the same reasons we love them, just as we hate their cars for the same reasons why they love them.

 

The engine in the ES350 is much weaker than the one in the IS350. It doesn't have dual (direct+port) fuel injection, and puts out 34 fewer horses.

 

Hmmm...I always thought it was the same engine, however, the ES is a bit heavier, so fewer horses.

 

I consider the ES a true Lexus. It's made in Japan, and has the Lexus sales and service treatment. If you consider the perception of the Lexus brand, for better or for worse, the ES is more a Lexus than the IS, IMO.

Regarding the claim that the ES is priced the same as an IS250 perhaps goes further to show that the IS250 is overpriced more than the ES being underpriced. MSRP wise, I'm not sure there's a more expensive sedan out there with less HP and space... anyway, just want to give some support to the ES.

 

^^^ Funny, the ES doesn't need anyone's support or sympathy. It's been around since the birth of Lexus and still is the best selling Lexus car, 2nd only to the RX. I'm sure Toyota is giggling all the way to the bank . . .

 

I've been driving a loaner es350 for the last day or so and it's not bad. It's not my style so I wouldn't buy it. I do like the engine better than my 250awd, and the ventilated seats seem to work better. I also see a coin holder of some sort.

 

If I had to choose between an ES and IS250 then I'd go with the ES simply because it's more power and luxury for the price. The IS250 isn't all that much better handling wise cuz the 2nd gen IS's have crazy amts of body roll too. Overweight underpowered with lots of body roll doesn't make it a handling champ for me to choose it over an ES.