Family portrait (PICS)
The biggest differences between them is their suspension calibrations and steering ratio and effort. The GS being the sport design, it got a very firm suspension (by normal Lexus standard), once in a while the suspension "almost" feels harsh. And it's steering ratio is the quickest with the heaviest steering effort. Which makes it drives very sporty and responsive, it "almost" feels like a sports car. Extra low end torque from the inline 6 makes it feels quicker then the ES.
The LS's having the ultra luxury's airbag suspension, on the sport setting which I drive on, is on the firm side but very compose, which makes it very comfortable. The car feels substantial but don't feel big at all, it is very maneuverable for it's size. It got a pretty slow steering ratio and very light steering effort, which makes it a lot less responsive but it is also why the car feels so comfortable. And of course the V8 makes it the fastest of the 3.
The ES being the even older model, it is small and light (700 lbs lighter then the LS!!), it feels petite and very easy to maneuver. It's front wheel drive layout does have all the disadvantages of FWD, it doesn't drive quite as nice as the other 2 RWD cars. The biggest short coming of the ES compare to the other 2 is the smaller, less supportive seats. And it's 4-speeds transmission is not as smooth as the 5 and 6 speeds in the other 2 cars.
But these are comparing Lexus to Lexus, they are all excellent cars that drive absolutely wonderful. I love them all!
Last edited by BNR34; Mar 31, 2008 at 01:21 PM.
Yes it is 
White on black is pretty rare for that generation of GS, it is only available with the Sport Design package, these are pics when we first got it:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...t=84008&page=3
White on black is pretty rare for that generation of GS, it is only available with the Sport Design package, these are pics when we first got it:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...t=84008&page=3
Now... I normally drive only short distances because I live close to work -- I probably wouldn't want a GX or LX for a long commute, or a lot of highway driving. But for local/around town use, I love the GX.
LOL I know what you mean -- I used to say the EXACT same thing (even though I have owned lots of trucks from 18 wheelers down to pickups, and appreciate them when they are NEEDED to do a job). However, have you driven a GX470 or LX470? I was dead set against an SUV (and for example, I absolutely DESPISE the feel of a Tahoe or Escalade or Expedition) but once I drove the GX I bought it. If I had to get rid of one of my Lexus right now, it'd be a tough choice between the LS and the GX.
Now... I normally drive only short distances because I live close to work -- I probably wouldn't want a GX or LX for a long commute, or a lot of highway driving. But for local/around town use, I love the GX.
Now... I normally drive only short distances because I live close to work -- I probably wouldn't want a GX or LX for a long commute, or a lot of highway driving. But for local/around town use, I love the GX.
1, The high sitting position, looking down on things is always cooler then looking up.
2, Don't have to slow down for speed bumps or curbs....etc.
3, The huge cargo space.
But I absolutely can't tolerate the high center of gravity of SUVs, making it VERY unstable during higher speed cornering and driving. You are 100% correct on SUV is good for around town local driving because it is all at very low speed, and you don't have to slow down for speed bumps. But once you get on the freeway or have to take a turn fast, I HATE having to slow down to take a turn and that unstable feeling, it is not acceptable to me.
The most sporty SUV on the market with the stiffest suspension setting, the BMW X5 4.8i, AMG ML63 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, still are not anywhere close to the stability of a car. No one can change the law of physics.
Before my LS, all of my daily driver were very sporty sports car with rock hard suspension.....Skyline GTR, WRX STi....etc. Now I am only old enough to appreciate the softness level of the LS430. Maybe someday when I am old enough to drive slow enough that a SUV is acceptable, but I am not at that point yet.
....But I absolutely can't tolerate the high center of gravity of SUVs, making it VERY unstable during higher speed cornering and driving. You are 100% correct on SUV is good for around town local driving because it is all at very low speed, and you don't have to slow down for speed bumps. But once you get on the freeway or have to take a turn fast, I HATE having to slow down to take a turn and that unstable feeling, it is not acceptable to me.
so it's a bit unique circumstance that makes me like the GX so much. When I drive very far off-island, I usually take the LS or the Supra.
The most sporty SUV on the market with the stiffest suspension setting, the BMW X5 4.8i, AMG ML63 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, still are not anywhere close to the stability of a car. No one can change the law of physics.
