Hey members of a 2002-2006 ES. I have learned that the 2nd generation of the RX is based off a 4th generation ES. That's really fascinating. Was wondering what some key similarities are between the two. I'm heavily interested in learing a whole lot more about not just the 04-09 RX but also the 02-06 ES models and how they relate.

If I had to get a sedan, this would be the one. I could see why people say the ES is a dressed up Camry but that's not really accurate. However, I think that's a compliment! A Camry itself is a very, very good car. Or at least it was during the early-mid 2000's. Using that chassis, engine, and adding all the Lexus touches inside and out makes for a pretty special car.

If anyone has experience with owning both a 2nd gen RX and a 4th gen ES, even better. I would love to hear your thoughts as to how each drives, ownership costs, reliability, maintenance with OEM parts, etc.

 

Hello,

Not exactly sure what you are expecting to get here, so I will just give a list of thoughts.

Camry, Solara, Avalon, Highlander, ES and RX are all based around one chassis, what that means is that if you were to look at them from underneath, you will have a pretty tough time finding any differences, hence a lot of parts are interchangeable, helping to maintain a stock of replacement components. Which one to get solely depends on your needs and use cases, seeing that they are built on the same bones, any mechanical flaws will be shared across all those cars, for the most part.

I have a 2000 ES300 with close to 250,000 miles on it by now, and it's still going strong, even if it does require occasional maintenance to keep it afloat, nothing really unusual. Those cars will last you a lifetime if you are to treat them right, and not wait until the wheels start falling off.

Hope this helps and best of luck!