Just pulled this thread up after hearing the news about Toyota's quality problems and how the V6 Camry and GS AWD are no longer recommended.

As I said back in May, we would have to wait and see what the data shows from actual owner's surveys. The time has come, and the owners have spoken.

 

I wonder why the ES350 isn't being mentioned in the press reports along with the Camry V6 and its transmission issues? An oversight, or maybe because the ES hasn't sold in the big numbers like the Camry?

 

I don't know, but I am happy that it is not on the list (as of yet). Current values of the car will drop if it is not desirable, which will hurt us all when it is time to sell the car.

For the past year, I have tried to give a fair report on the ES on this forum, even if somethings are negative. Cars are my hobby, I work in the industry, and have owned and driven many different makes and models. I know when something is not right, and the ES has some major flaws. Toyota/Lexus has dropped the ball and handled the situation poorly, and now has some very upset customers. Sure, there are many that are happy with their cars. But the results from these surveys shows that there are some angry owners out there.

 

ES350 is actually ranked #1 in the upscale/large cars of the consumer report based on actual 2007 data:

http://autos.msn.com/advice/CRArt.as...tentid=4023544

"UPSCALE/LARGE CARS: Lexus ES350*, Lincoln Zephyr*, Hyundai Azera*, Acura TSX, Acura TL."

It is a surprise since ES350 share the same V6 engine with Camry (which is below average). Obviously the ES are built in Japan, maybe that makes the difference.

 

Seems now that owner surveys have come in, it has dropped to average. Hey, I'll take it. Considering the issues, I'll take an average!! Lets keep the ES off the "worse than average radar". Better for resale!!

 

socal...beware the asterisk...the article you refer to is based on 06 data to make a prediction not actual 07 model owner input data.

********These 2007 models earned the highest and lowest predicted-reliability ratings, based on CR's 2006 reliability survey. Models marked with (2006) have been redesigned for 2007. Models with * use data based on one model year only.