Does the Lexus ES Have Any Shortcomings?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 311
From: ON/NY
I think the feedback of the owners about this car are more important than what Alex thinks. An Avalon got a 92 rating in your favourite magazine with 45 series tires, I expect the ES to have a similar rating.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 52
From: AZ
In answer to the original question, yes the 2019 ES350 does have shortcomings.
1.) No sunglass holder
2.) Awkward placement of USB plugs
3.) Some hard plastic in locations that should have soft touch
As you can see from my vast (or half vast) list of critical shortcomings, I really like this car! It is roomy, quiet, smooth riding, and surprisingly frugal with gasoline. The acceleration and smooth shifting 8 speed auto are better than I expected.
1.) No sunglass holder
2.) Awkward placement of USB plugs
3.) Some hard plastic in locations that should have soft touch
As you can see from my vast (or half vast) list of critical shortcomings, I really like this car! It is roomy, quiet, smooth riding, and surprisingly frugal with gasoline. The acceleration and smooth shifting 8 speed auto are better than I expected.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,198
Likes: 1,845
From: WA
I think every car has shortcomings, but it's about prioritizing and designing for your intended audience, and I think the ES pretty much nails it.
For me, I would say FWD is a shortcoming because that's not what I want. But the ES wasn't designed for me.
As much as the ES can get beat up on here for being FWD, I actually think it's brilliant. For many people, FWD is a benefit, and even a must-have.
My folks, for example, would never buy a RWD car. They will only buy FWD or AWD, as FWD does reasonably well around here in inclement weather. Add to that the great packaging, in how the transverse engine layout maximizes interior space, and you have a real winner for those who prioritize comfort, space, and easy cruising. The FWD layout is also less expensive to build, so you can end up with a really good value. FWD is pretty easy to live with for most people.
For me, I would say FWD is a shortcoming because that's not what I want. But the ES wasn't designed for me.
As much as the ES can get beat up on here for being FWD, I actually think it's brilliant. For many people, FWD is a benefit, and even a must-have.
My folks, for example, would never buy a RWD car. They will only buy FWD or AWD, as FWD does reasonably well around here in inclement weather. Add to that the great packaging, in how the transverse engine layout maximizes interior space, and you have a real winner for those who prioritize comfort, space, and easy cruising. The FWD layout is also less expensive to build, so you can end up with a really good value. FWD is pretty easy to live with for most people.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 100
From: Florida
i think Lexus absolutley knocked it out of the park with the new ES. the styling is absolutely beautiful. id go as far as to say they did a better job with the new ES then the LS. the fit and finish has improved, the ride stability has improved, and it feels sportier then the 6ES. they got it just right. theres really only 2 things that are, (to me), a thing. it feels smaller then the outgoing model, which is kinda good in a way cause it makes it feel sportier, but the second is an unforgivable sin that the ES has been inflicted with since day one, FWD. i just cant take a FWD car seriously nomatter what it is and its a shame cause it would change everything about this car. its fast, stylish, fun to drive, but its still FWD. if they had made the 7ES RWD, it would have not only been a true GS replacement, but worthy of doing so.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,690
Likes: 543
From: Ca
While I stand by my statement on the (particular) one I sampled, it is possible, even with the noted Lexus standard of quality-control, that it had a sample-defect in it that just happened to get out of the factory undetected...maybe a bad seal or bad fit around the windshield, windows, or doors, which added to road and wind noise, and I just happened to catch the luck of the draw on the test-drive.
Since several people on the forum disagree with me on the new ES, even on the model with the 45-series tires (and I'm well-aware of that disagreement), what I might (?) do is try and find another sample equipped the same way (45-series), give it another random test-drive, and see if the second sample isn't a little more refined. The 2019 XLE Avalon I sampled, with 55-series tires, was definitely more refined...I might even sample a new ES that way.
Since several people on the forum disagree with me on the new ES, even on the model with the 45-series tires (and I'm well-aware of that disagreement), what I might (?) do is try and find another sample equipped the same way (45-series), give it another random test-drive, and see if the second sample isn't a little more refined. The 2019 XLE Avalon I sampled, with 55-series tires, was definitely more refined...I might even sample a new ES that way.
I can tell you that my daily 18" 45% profile Pirelli Cinturato P7's on my 4GS are very comfortably and quiet compared to the OEM Dunlop SP Sport 050's, but they are never as comfortable nor as quiet as the same Pirelli Cinturato P7 @ 225/50R17 fitted to my old 3GS which my staff drive.
It's all relative; it depends what we compare with.
Certainly, the lower the profile, the more the ride and noise deteriorates.
The sports trim should always use the lower profile tires etc.
However, cars are getting bigger, heavier and higher performing, so even the base models need larger disc brake rotors, and wider tires etc, hence the lower profile.
As for the 7ES, it pretty well has done its job.
No car is perfect.
7ES could always do more.
The front overhang could be shorter like a Volvo, not least even Toyota's own Camry.
The trunk with its pinched tail styling could be deeper.
If anyone has ever driven the 3GS, it has a long wheelbase with very soft coils and soft dampers, resulting in a majestic ride, but because it is RWD, it handles with alacrity compared to any ES.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,825
Likes: 1,328
From: NY
The 7ES is well executed - i haven't driven it yet but sat in a fully optioned-out lux package model in the showroom at my local dealership around $55k. Although I feel like at that price, they could have gone a step further with the materials. There is a more substantial "feel" to seats, doors, leathers, plastics, trunk etc. when you start to get into cars in Lexus lineup that cost that much ($55k+) like the GS, LS, GX and LX.
To me, the 7ES still feels like its stuck in between being an entry level value and a mid-range luxury, step below flagship sedan. Especially with all the talks surrounding impending doom/gloom for the GS, I think the ES's only miss is in upping the level of craftsmanship and feel for its increased price point.
To me, the 7ES still feels like its stuck in between being an entry level value and a mid-range luxury, step below flagship sedan. Especially with all the talks surrounding impending doom/gloom for the GS, I think the ES's only miss is in upping the level of craftsmanship and feel for its increased price point.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 311
From: ON/NY
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,825
Likes: 1,328
From: NY
I think what I was trying to get across was that the only shortcoming of the 7ES is that it is part entry level luxury and part not. They could have used this opportunity to use materials similar to the GS/GX line if its going to cost 50k+ and finally move it up in "class" or category. Maybe they'll do that once it has AWD which will add even more to its price!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,226
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Last edited by mmarshall; May 24, 2019 at 07:07 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,226
Likes: 222
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16,889
Likes: 468
From: Knoxville, TN
On another note, I'm pretty shocked I haven't seen one around town here. I see a new LS about once every 3 months or so; have literally not seen one ES.
Believe it or not, in this SUV crazy area, the Lexus I see the most frequently is the now very old GX by a pretty fair margin.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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