My IS is in for its 5000 mi service, plus various rattle TSB's. I have an ES350 loaner. There are only a few things I like better about the ES than the IS. Obviously, it's more roomy (but, it's a different car, and I knew that when I bought the IS). The smart key is tied to all four door handles--great feature.

But--when the information display is NOT on the outside temperature, the temp is STILL DISPLAYED below whatever info screen is on (like, say, MPG), just in smaller type. LOVE THAT--really P.O.'d that the IS doesn't have that. Makes total sense.

 

It also uses the cool led map lights as the entry lights unlike the IS having that second yellowish light.

 

Yes I noticed that same thing about the Outside Temp. display on the ES, and I liked that as well.

 

its cuz the ES350 cost more...so they get more features

 

actually, I think a fully loaded IS 350 costs more than a fully loaded ES 350

 

the is smart key can be programmed to open all four doors, just tell your dealer, you get one customization of all the features. i would suggest reading your manual carefully before having it done that way you get everything programmed correctly

 

I think what Tex2670 means is that the ES has the little lock/unlock buttone on each door handle, not just the fronts as with the IS,

 

More features, less features.........the ES still is powered by the wrong pair of wheels. Just in MHO.

 

Yes, I know. You can actually program that your self, which I did for my key. BUT--the IS doesn't have a sensor in all 4 doors, only the fronts. ES and GS have it in all 4 doors.

 

I had a es350 for my loaner too. its a family car, but its very similar to a camry imo. the ES is in the same price range as a is350. if not maybe 2g more or less. I wish the is had the buttons on all 4doors too!

 

Even without options, a base IS350 costs $2,185 more than a base ES350.

Both are entry level Lexus models, the IS for customers looking for a performance car with a bit of luxury, and the ES for those who want a luxury car with a bit of performance.

I suspect the reason they left the buttons off the rear door handles on the IS is because the rear seat is smaller, and most likely to be used by children rather than adults.

 

I realize why--I just hate it. That's my situation--I have 2 little kids with car seats, and I need to help them in. So I need to grab the front door handle first, then open the back door and help belt them in.

 

The ES350 is a nice car with a nice grill, but it does not compare to the IS for looks. It is a old man's family car (LOL). I am not bashing the ES in any way, I like it very much, but don't regret ever buying the IS over it. It has the buttons on all 4 doors to anticipate kids and family ease of access.

 

Yeah--I just don't buy into the family access thing.

First, the key has to be in close proximity to the door handle that's actually grabbed. Even if the driver stands by the driver's door, if the passenger side rear door handle is grabbed, the car won't unlock.

Second, what if I'm driving the IS as my daily commeter, and before I get in the car to drive to work, I want to put my brief case or laptop bag in the back, or hang a sport jacket or suit jacket on a hanger on the coat hook in the rear seat? Either I have to unlock the doors by pressing the button on the remote, defeating the Smart Key idea, or I have to grab the driver's door, then open the rear door, defeating the "convenience" idea. If I used a normal remote, I'd push the button once or twice as I approched the car, and go straight for the rear door.

It's not just the fault of the IS--I don't think I've seen any Infinitis with the Intelligent Key handle on the rear, including the M35/45. Even the Toyota Highlander Limited has it only on the front handles (so much for the "family" theory).

It's just cost cutting, plain and simple. Just would have been a nice feature to have it on all 4 doors.

 

I too had an ES350 loaner car. It made me really miss my IS. The ES350 was roomy and comfortable but I was a little disapointed in it. The ES, to my surprise, seemed to have more road/wind noise. The seats aren't nearly as comfortable and I just hate FWD. Of course, I also like the look of the IS a lot better.

Having said all that, the ES was still an enjoyable car and I'm sure it serves it's market segment very well. I just realized it's definitely not for me and it made me more fully appreciate my IS purchase.