SaintNexus

Is the ES350 Front Wheel Drive?

I know that all the other Lexus' are either Rear Wheel Drive, or All Wheel Drive. But I just can't figure out if the ES350 is Front Wheel Drive or Rear.

So what is it?

lucasb7

The ES, HS, CT, and RX are all based on a front wheel drive platform. The RX, however, can be had with AWD.

Hope that helps.

SaintNexus

That actually didn't answer my question.

At the Lexus website, the IS250/350 is either Rear Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive option.

The GS350/460 is either Rear Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive.
The LS460 is either Rear Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive.

Now, is the ES350 a RWD/AWD/ or FWD?

lucasb7

The ES is front wheel drive only. That work?

SaintNexus

Yes, and that sucks!

I hate FWD. I've driven RWD all my life, I tried a FWD (Honda), and I didn't like it, didn't feel like I had control of the car. I know that a Honda is different than a Lexus, but I figure that its all the same.

Will they ever make a RWD version?

lucasb7

No, I don't ever foresee a RWD ES happening. For one, it is based off the Camry which will always have roots in FWD. The most you could hope for is AWD. Lexus already sells the GS which is in a similar size class and offers RWD and AWD along with more power and luxury amenities.

SaintNexus

True bout the GS, but it starts at $11k more than the ES. Fully Loaded GS will be around $50k, and probably able to get it for $47-$48k. I'm not sure how much a Fully Loaded ES will cost, but I'm pretty damn sure it won't be over $40k, and you can probably get it for like $38k

garsarno

Fully loaded ES350, Ultra version, has a MSRP in the mid $40,000.

safford197

If you don't get snow just get an IS350. If you need more room get the GS... The ES is not for you if you want a car that has sporty handling.

If you come to realize that most daily drivers spend their time on the highway and you decide you want to be wrapped in a luxurious soft ride for what you do most, drive in a straight line, then get the ES. I'm making the assumption you drive on the highways so forgive me if I'm wrong...

Good luck.

ekwlee

+1 I agree...the IS is tight and fun to drive but I realized I wanted more comfort since the majority of driving I'm doing is straight line driving Orr either just waiting in a lot of bumper to bumper traffic

Lexusfam

iTrader: (3)

Some people need a FWD Lexus, especially for snow, they're actually not bad at all because the 6 speed transmission makes it smoother.

SteadyEddy

iTrader: (1)

My front wheel drive sucks!!! Last year with new tires I went out in a snow storm to pick up some stuff before we left for Florida. With the new tires I figured I could get around. Wrong, I got stopped on a little hill and with not having a switch to shut off the traction control I was stuck. The forum told me how to get it off, I made a copy of it, but never tried it out. (10 things) Wish we had the switch. I'm told that the new models do have a switch.

static

Traction control really does make it harder to go uphill (my driveway for example) in the snow/ice. I have a flat spot at the bottom where I try to build up a little speed and it won't let me. I can put the gas on the floor and nothing happens, it shuts down as soon as the tires spin.

A simple toggle switch would be nice.

jkutti2000

wow. reading about the snow ice. driving. I am happy to live in Texas.. ,but we have horrible roads. AAA tow truck guy told me Dallas roads have the maximum. potholes and flats.. etc..

garsarno

Have had no problems with snow in Northeast PA. Just once, the car could not get traction (because of the traction control) crashing thru a 12" snow bank in front of the car. Had to shovel the wheel area out and then it was okay. We live in a townhouse / no garage. In the warning of a major snowfall, we park the ES350 in my sister in laws garage until the snow is over and our parking area is plowed out.