download

I think they intentionally made it like that. Because to make the structure stronger when rear ended.
They called it "shell design" please correct me if it is wrong.
To protect the rear passengers rather than extra space for storage.

Power6

If you remove the back seat, you'll find a big brace across the opening where a fold down seat pass through would be. The Camry of this generation did have a fold down rear seat I believe. You might even be able to remove the brace and swap a Camry seat in if you cared.

It seems fold down seats are a hit or miss with every mfr, they are always deciding between stiffer chassis (via bracing) for better ride and handling, or the convenience of fold down seats. Looks like Toyota thought the ES drivers wanted the former while Camry drivers wanted the latter.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I didn't know that there was an extra brace for protection/chassis stiffening. My guess is that Lexus engineers decided that luxury customers are less likely to use their expensive sedans for hauling large items, so sacrificing the extra storage for comfort and a higher safety rating was a better trade off.

hypervish

The 4th gen ES has seats that fold.

PuReChaos

Really? Haha, I just learned something!

hypervish

Now, you have me doubting myself.

I could have sworn i have folded them once. I'll have to double check, but I'm pretty sure they fold.

PuReChaos

You're probably right. I've just never checked. Its not really a feature I would use often if at all.

Natey2

If you drop something between the driver's seat and the center console (ES 300), it will be difficult getting it out.
I notice my 05 LS has some kind of removable padding there to prevent anything from falling into that gap.

Sent from an Android device using IB AutoGroup forum reader.

KLF

My Mom has a set of these in her '07 ES:

http://www.buydropstop.com/

They actually work pretty well and don't look terrible. These guys went on Shark Tank and got backing. I should order a set, it really is a pain when you drop something down there, and I've done it often. Like the other day when I dropped my bank card just as I pulled up to the ATM.

bchboyfm82

discovered that the passengers side seat warmer switch was stuck in the on position during a date 3 days after purchasing her (the car) LOL.. bought a replacement off ebay soon there after.

speedkar9

They don't fold.

I learned that after I bought the car and tried to stuff my bike in the trunk

PuReChaos

After seeing this post, I had to go look for myself since I didn't bother after Hypervish posted that they did. And it is confirmed, they definitely don't fold.

hypervish

Oh, I must have been on something then. JK

Sorry guys for the false hope!