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Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES 350

16 messages,  Last post on Jun 14, 2008 at 6:42 AM

You are in the Lexus ES Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Toyota Camry, Lexus ES 350, Sedan


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#1 of 16
Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 by thechoson
Mar 16, 2007 (9:43 pm)
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A friend of mine is trying to make this decision, so I'm posting here to get some advice I could relay to him...
 
I keep hearing that the ES is just a "rebadged" Camry. To what extent is this true?
 
I got to drive an ES around pretty nicely during the Taste of Lexus event, and I was impressed. Obviously nothing like a BMW or even my own Maxima, but the handling was very secure, better than what I was expecting from the "cheapest" Lexus.
 
So anyways, what do you guys think? Does the XLE Camry drive as nicely as the ES350?
#2 of 16
Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [thechoson] by 210delray
Mar 19, 2007 (12:54 pm)
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Replying to: thechoson (Mar 16, 2007 9:43 pm)

I'd say the two are pretty close, so you can base your choice on personal preference. I'm a value buyer, so I'd go with the lower priced Camry.
 
But if you like more gadgets and the prestige of the Lexus nameplate (plus arguably better dealer service) and don't mind paying for the privilege, then get the Lexus.
 
By all means, test drive both before buying.
#3 of 16
Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [210delray] by thechoson
Mar 19, 2007 (4:32 pm)
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Replying to: 210delray (Mar 19, 2007 12:54 pm)

Thanks for the response.
 
My friend is looking at Entry level type luxury cars.
 
And it seems like the Camry is the closest to the ES350, at least more so than say an Accord is to a TL or an Altima is to a G35
#4 of 16
Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [thechoson] by mdames
Mar 20, 2007 (7:40 am)
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Replying to: thechoson (Mar 19, 2007 4:32 pm)

I have driven the Camry XLE V6 and I own a 2007 ES350. Although they may share the same platform and engine, they are light years apart in my opinion. Drive the Camry then drive the Lexus. There's no comparison. The ES is far and away a cut above the Camry. The ultra quiet ride. The fit and finish, incredible technology. Don't get me wrong, the Camry is a fine car. And if price is a big factor, you won't go wrong with that vehicle. But if you're looking for more luxury, the ES easily tops the Camry, in my opinion. The telling is in the driving.
#5 of 16
Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [mdames] by jaspalb
Mar 20, 2007 (9:01 am)
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Replying to: mdames (Mar 20, 2007 7:40 am)

I agree with the view above. I have driven several models of Camry over the last 20 years. I now own ES 350.
#6 of 16
Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [mdames] by stlpike07
Mar 20, 2007 (9:58 am)
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Replying to: mdames (Mar 20, 2007 7:40 am)

I agree too. Its is hard for me to imagine the Camry surpasing the Lexus. I have an '07 Camry and have driven the new Lexus too. I love my car, but it isn't the Lexus.
 
Also, a Lexus is more of a "status symbol" than a Camry, so if you can comfortably afford the Lexus I would go with the Lexus.
#7 of 16
Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [stlpike07] by seiko
Mar 21, 2007 (5:57 am)
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Replying to: stlpike07 (Mar 20, 2007 9:58 am)

I test drove the two cars back-to-back and since the Toyota and Lexus dealers are on the same stretch of raod in my city, I drove the two vehicles on an identical route. The biggest difference that stood out to me was how much quieter the ES350 is under all driving conditions. Both are great cars,
#8 of 16
Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [seiko] by stlpike07
Mar 21, 2007 (5:48 pm)
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Replying to: seiko (Mar 21, 2007 5:57 am)

I believe that is because Lexus (and BMW, Mercedes, etc.) dynomat and foam the entire vehicle to reduce outside noise. I'm not sure if Toyota does that to the same extent. If you dynomat and foam any vehicle it will be extremely quiet......it is just expensive to do, especially aftermarket.
#9 of 16
Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [stlpike07] by tjazz321
Apr 16, 2007 (4:24 am)
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Replying to: stlpike07 (Mar 21, 2007 5:48 pm)

I tested both extensively before deciding and it seemed apples and oranges. ES hands down, not only for luxury, but also interior space (at least perceived space), driving position, and yes--performance. Better road manners, a heavier feel, better balance in curves, etc. Every bit as fast and crisp, but more refined. I do think in this case you get what you pay for. The choice for me was actually between ES and Avalon touring, and ES won out, for a few thousand more than the Avalon.
#10 of 16
XLE vs. 350 by tammy10
Apr 27, 2007 (5:35 am)
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I disagree that there is a significant difference. My husband has an XLE, I have the 350, both are two months old, I've driven both extensively.
 
Besides the extra year bumper to bumper, differences in appearance and a few other tiny features (my husband's car is similarly equipped), I think they drive the same and neither is clearly more quiet.
 
Indeed, my 350 is louder than my 9 year old 300. The insurance premium is the same the same too.
 
BUT, the Lexus brand is historically better at holding it's value.

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