I am sure this has been posted here before so please excuse the
redundancy.

Just how much better is a Lexus than a Toyota? I recently drove a
friends 2004 ES330 and I really like the quiet and smothness of the
car. I have heard in the past that the Es is just a spruced up Camry..
Is this really the case? Are the Lexus cars engineeered any better than
the Toyota?

Thanks,
Tony

"Tony" <tonyjohnson32 (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

The Camry and ES are both based on the same chassis. Whether the ES is
"better" than a Camry depends on how you define "better."

The Camry is available in 4 and 6 cylinder engines, the ES is available only
with a 6 cylinder engine.

Only certain models of the Camry have a 6 speed automatic, the ES comes
standard with a 6 speed automatic.

The Camry and ES offer different standard and optional equipment.

The ES has more sound insulation and a more isolated suspension than the
Camry.

The engineering that goes into a Lexus and Toyota is the same.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

And in the UK one Camry model was withdrawn as it was perceived, according
to Lexus/Toyota management, as competing with Lexus.

"Ray O" <rokigawa@tristarassociatesDOTcomn> wrote

Tony wrote "the Es is just a spruced up Camry".

What would that make the Avalon?

Regarding Lexus' competition, are there any cars that would be
considered spruced up Mercedes or BMWs?

<Regarding Lexus' competition, are there any cars that would be
<considered spruced up Mercedes or BMWs?

Are they not already the spruced up versions???..lol

So the Avalon is pretty much the ES330?

"Bob Smith" <bobesmith (AT) webtv (DOT) net> wrote

The Avalon, Camry, Sienna, Highlander, ES, and RX share the same platform.

Previous generations of the Avalon had more interior room than the Camry and
ES. I would imagine that the same is true of this generation.

Again, it depends on your definition of "spruced up."

If a Mercedes is not luxurious enough, you could upgrade to a Maybach. Or,
you could spend less money on a Chrysler.

If BMW is not prestigious, you could upgrade to their Rolls Royce brand or
spend less money on a Mini, all part of the same family.

If the VW brand is not prestigious enough, you could spend some additional
money and get a Bentley.

If the Ford Mustang or GT is not prestigious enough, you could get an Aston
Martin


--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

My bad, I meant is the Mercedes or BMW a spruced of version of a less
expensive car?

The ES is the only Lexus passenger car to share a platform with Toyota. The
GS and LS are strictly Lexus cars. I was told that the top of the line SE
Camry was built only in Japan and on a production line right next to the
Lexus line. I don't have much experience with Toyotas, but I can tell you,
IMHO, the Lexus GS-430 is worth every penny.


"Tony" <tonyjohnson32 (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

We have a 2004 4cyl. Camry and a 2005 ES 330. Overall, I would say the 330
is the better car, but I'm somewhat hesitant due to the transmission jerk
and hesitation that so many of the 330 owners (including myself) are
experiencing. This problem might be a precursor of bigger problems to come.
I've heard the ES 330 called a Camry in a Tuxedo, and that's pretty much the
case. As far a value goes, I would give the nod to Camry where you get more
for your dollar. Also, another factor to consider is that upkeep on the ES
330 (especially at the dealer) costs much more. If you still decide to get
the ES 330, opt for the 16" wheel over the 17". The 17" comes with
"performance tires" which are expensive and can wear out fast. There are
fewer replacement choices available, and they won't give the average
motorist any significant benefit.
Al

"Tony" <tonyjohnson32 (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

"Bill in Yakima" <wjh1nospam (AT) yvn (DOT) com "Ah I didn't see a hold..." - John
Madden, 2-5-06> wrote

the GS had a Toyota badge equivalent (now dropped)(I have seen one!),
likewise the LS (I haven't seen one of these and presumably it too was
dropped from the Toyota line)