Toyota_F1

iTrader: (1)

Yes, the 2GR-FE engine is heavily shared but results in slightly different numbers in each vehicle due to tuning and exhaust routing.

Toyota-
Avalon
Camry
RAV4

Lexus-
RX350
ES350

Badman Forever

if you compare a base is350 ($36k) to a base gs350 ($44k).. the only functional difference is a few inches of rear seat leg room. imo i don't think it's worth it. (the headroom in the 'gs' is not any better and the 'gs' has a more disconnected road feel.)

don't forget that these cars have the same platform too. so essentially the 'GS' is a stretched 'IS' for about $8k more.

i understand it all comes down to the buyer and what they want, i'm just giving the hard facts.

i do show love for the gs.. it's just not for me.

Faheta

The GS does come with a bit more standard equipments: subwoofer, HID head lamp, wood trim, front power seats, auto-dimming mirrors.

Having said that, the price difference is still significant.

PoppFlyy

The reason I didnt get an IS 350 in the first place was the small "cabin".
Good luck with your decision, and I'll I can say is I'm very happy with my GS. The extra room makes all the difference in truly enjoying the ride.

INHOCJP

Since the GS came out first, isn't more like the 'IS' is a shortened 'GS' for about $8k less?

Bocatrip

As always, choosing a body style is all a matter of taste. To me personally, the IS does not do anything for me and reminds me of a wedge of cheese. The GS is a fat looking husky car that exudes luxo and that is the attraction to me. By the way, I agree with a previous post with regards to the ES350 being a glorified Camry. Besides, I was never a fan of fwd vehicles. Again, this is all personal preference and tastes.

RandalR

That's the difference. The IS isn't bad looking, but the GS looks insanely great to me.

And the ES350 just doesn't quite look like a luxury car - maybe not a Camry, exactly, but too much like the latest generic Toyota/Nissan/Honda/Hyundai $30K sedan. The GS has its own identity.

RedRider

I would encourage everyone who thinks that the ES is just a Camry with Lexus badging to drive both vehicles. There is no comparison - especially when the ES is fully loaded. Just because two cars share the same powerplant doesn't mean you will have the same experience behind the wheel. My GS 400 has the same engine and transmission as the LS 400 but the two cars are quite different in personality, looks and driving experience. I know that before I drove an ES I didn't think that much of it either but after I drove it, I was quite impressed. It all depends on what you are looking for. Personally, I consider the LS the benchmark for a great luxury car. In almost every measurable category, the 2007 ES is better than the original LS and for the money it is a great value. It's not as much fun or as sporty as my GS or an IS 350 but it is a great car that is roomier, quieter and more comfortable than either the IS 350 or the GS 350. At least according to the three Lexus owners in my household who have been in all three vehicles.

Sleepyhead's top item was comfort during daily 2-3 hour daily drives.
If comfort is at the top of the list, I think you should consider an ES 350. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. It may not be sporty enough for many and the FWD vs. RWD is a factor but for comfort on the road I found that the ES reminded me a lot more of my wife's LS than either the IS 350 of the GS 350. Just my two cents...

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

wont gain much space overall from the IS to GS, GS felt a bit small for its class to me, thought it would be a little bigger

INHOCJP

I wholeheartedly agree. The new ES is very impressive, inside and out.

marshmallo

Ride wise the ES is soft and comfortable, but I don't think it is
more comfortable than RWD cars on long trips. The sensation of
being pushed is much more comfortable than being pulled to me.
Does anyone else agree or is it just my imagination????

tqlla3k

iTrader: (1)

But what about... if a cars share the same
1) engine
2) Frame (not shortened or lengthened)
3) transmission
4) Wheelbase
5) Overall length and height

They may drive differently. But no matter what, the ES/Camry connection is not going to be severed. IF you buy a Lexus... because its a lexus.... you dont want people to think. Damn he spent 42K on a camry. And thats a stigma that will follow the ES.

Lets put it like this. If you spend $42K on your Lexus ES. Will you get annoyed when this happens
"Oh I have a Lexus ES"
"Oh the ES, isnt that like the Camry?, how much was it, if you dont mind me asking?"
"It was about 40K"
"40K? Damn, cant you just buy a v6 camry for $25K?"

dseag2

I wouldn't trade the IS if I were you. I test drove both today... GS350 and IS350. I was underwhelmed with the GS. As a previous GS owner I really wanted to love it, but I still can't. I didn't care for the GS430 when I first test drove it, but I thought the GS350 might have a little more feel to it. It seems to have better throttle response, but it is still too isolated for my taste.

The IS350, on the other hand, was a blast and I actually liked the interior, guages, etc. better than the GS. I would seriously think about trading my M for one, and I know another M45 owner in TX who has. The IS is a great car. To me, the only advantage the GS has is the added room, softer ride and price tag prestige. Don't take the financial hit.