...options. dont tell me NOT to.?
just need justification to spend the extra 10K

You should buy a camry because it is the Motor Trend 2007 car of the year and it has very good reviews.

I will be very honest and you decide if you helps in your decision.

First of all, those who can sit at their keyboards and say they are the same vehicles are just not car savvy. Come winter, spring, summer or fall, a Lexus is still a Lexus, inspite of being produced by the same manufacturer.

Lexus has managed to become one of the leading luxury brands in the world. They have managed to offer customers the best luxury value for their money.

On the other hand, Toyota has managed to become synomous with quality and reliability.

The outer carriages are not the same. The interiors are not the same. The ride is not the same. The features are not the same. The resale value is not the same. And you will not feel the same.

This is what makes a brand different from another even if it is the same manufacturer. If you feel better, more comfortable personally in the Lexus, and you can afford it, then make it your own.

In the long run, you want to drive what makes you happy with no regrets, afterall we spend so much time in our vehicles it should be enjoyable.

I have a lexues you are paying for service my friend and I like it!
If you have the means why not treat yourself

Both do have the same 3.5 liter v6 engine. You are paying for the brand, looks, and ego in the end.

I had an 05 Camry Loved it. Loved the ride MPG everything. But now I have an 03 ES. Yes it's an older car but almost the same amount of miles on it. BUT! I have noticed that the ES is much better ride and quieter then the Camry. The gas milage wasn't that much diffrent for having a V6 over a 4 banger. The interior makes you feel like your in a type luxury that you have to experiance yourself. Yes it's still a Toyota no matter how you look at it. But like TOPINVERIONISTA said "drive what makes you happy"

The Toyota Camry is a good utilitarian automobile. It transports in a safe, reliable and economical manner. Its fit and finish is equal to or surpasses its closest Honda and Nissan competitors.

The ride quality of the Camry is good. Its engine and transmission performances are excellent. Overall, the Camry is a very good choice for daily needs. But, if you want more than just a decent ride, consider upgrading to the ES350.

Although the Lexus ES350 shares much with the Camry (platform, power plant and transmission), it becomes a much different automobile because of its upgrades. The body conformation, rich appointments and technical features of the ES stimulate the senses. These factors define a fine luxury automobile.

The differences between the ES and the Camry begin with the exterior. The sheet metal configuration of the ES looks sleeker and thereby more stylish than the Camry. Secondly, the ES interior skin, paneling and seating is of higher quality. This ambiance produces a greater visceral satisfaction then that offered by the Camry. The ride of the ES is also quieter, more comfortable and sedate because of the insulating produced by added buffering materials.

The Es features a greater number of technical upgrades to assist the driver then the Camry. These features provide a cockpit in which the driver has more assistance to better control the vehicle during stop and go city traffic, for accelerated high speeds on the freeway or for distance traveling on the interstate.

One pays more for all of these ES features. I for one believe that they are well worth it.

If you can afford to pay the difference between the Lexus ES350 and the Camry, do so. You will not be sorry.

I had an 05 Camry Loved it. Loved the ride MPG everything. But now I have an 03 ES. Yes it's an older car but almost the same amount of miles on it. BUT! I have noticed that the ES is much better ride and quieter then the Camry. The gas milage wasn't that much diffrent for having a V6 over a 4 banger. The interior makes you feel like your in a type luxury that you have to experiance yourself. Yes it's still a Toyota no matter how you look at it. But like TOPINVERIONISTA said "drive what makes you happy"
Thanks for the information.. I haven't ever compared a Camry and ES back to back - so I wasn't sure how much quieter the Lexus was.. So thank you for that information.. And the ride - when you say 'better' - do you mean that it handles better? Or is it softer? I actually prefer softer rides...

The Toyota Camry is a good utilitarian automobile. It transports in a safe, reliable and economical manner. Its fit and finish is equal to or surpasses its closest Honda and Nissan competitors.

The ride quality of the Camry is good. Its engine and transmission performances are excellent. Overall, the Camry is a very good choice for daily needs. But, if you want more than just a decent ride, consider upgrading to the ES350.

Although the Lexus ES350 shares much with the Camry (platform, power plant and transmission), it becomes a much different automobile because of its upgrades. The body conformation, rich appointments and technical features of the ES stimulate the senses. These factors define a fine luxury automobile.

The differences between the ES and the Camry begin with the exterior. The sheet metal configuration of the ES looks sleeker and thereby more stylish than the Camry. Secondly, the ES interior skin, paneling and seating is of higher quality. This ambiance produces a greater visceral satisfaction then that offered by the Camry. The ride of the ES is also quieter, more comfortable and sedate because of the insulating produced by added buffering materials.

The Es features a greater number of technical upgrades to assist the driver then the Camry. These features provide a cockpit in which the driver has more assistance to better control the vehicle during stop and go city traffic, for accelerated high speeds on the freeway or for distance traveling on the interstate.

One pays more for all of these ES features. I for one believe that they are well worth it.

If you can afford to pay the difference between the Lexus ES350 and the Camry, do so. You will not be sorry.
Great information! You answered a few of my own questions. I had the opportunity to drive a 2005 Lexus LS430 on MANY occasions.. The 2007 Lexus ES350 is A LOT like the 05 LS430. I was very surprised when I took my first test drive.. I was also surprised to read that the ES350 is more luxurious in every way than the original 1009 LS400. That REALLY says a lot.. The new ES is an amazing 'entry-level' luxury car. I don't see how they can even call it 'entry-level' anymore...

I agree with topinversionista and carbuff. These are thoroughly differentiated cars, even if they share powertrains and the underlying platform. I test drove an ES 350 and Toyota Camry Hybrid back-to-back about a year ago. Aside from the powertrain differences, the Lexus looks and feels like a premium automobile, while the Camry does not.

The Licoln MKZ and Ford Fusion aren't quite as thoroughly differentiated, but even in that case I'd argue that, by spending more money, you're getting a more luxurious car.