I'm not sure that it is helpful to over generalize about either of the
models.  Facts are facts and one bad experience should not be
considered fact.  If your experience with the TL was that the tranny
failed then that doesn't make the TL a bad car.  It just means your
specific TL has a problem.

When we are talking about "no tranny lag with the TL versus the ES330",
that is a design fact not an isolated incident.  The TL is known to be
the car of choice for people who prefer a better driving exerience and
who don't want to pay an arm and a leg for a 3 series or a G35 with all
the same toys that come with the TL for $35K.  This is mainly because
of its power and its handling.  The Lexus ES330 is for people who
prefer a luxurious soft ride (you won't even feel like you left your
nice comfortable couch at home feeling in a Lexus).

I wouldn't say that one is better than the other.  It all depends on
the type of driver you are and what you want to get for your money.  I
have to admit that I am an owner of the 2005 TL Auto/Nav.  It's a
blast.  Prior to that I owned an Mini Cooper S.  I loved taking the
corners with that Mini at 75 to 85 MPH.  I loved knowing what the car
was going to do and how it was going to do it when I "told" it to.  I
don't get that same feeling in the TL but it's a totally different car
altogether.  However, I like that the TL is responsive, fast, handles
the turns very well, the feel of the road even if it's definitely a
softer ride than what I'm used to.  But at least I can feel the road
and feel fairly confident that the car will respond to my driving the
way I intended it to respond.  I don't think that I could drive the ES
the way I drive my TL.

If you want a nice sophisticated and wonderfully detailed car go with
the Lexus.  It'll get you noticed for sure.  Also, as most people know
Lexus has a higher resale value than any of the cars in its class.  But
if you're a real "driver" who enjoys understated class and style; and
you love performance without paying 20% more for it then go with the
TL.  Newer technology has gone into the redesigned TL like voice
command and bluetooth capability for handsfree operation of your
bluetooth capable cell phone.  Some of these technology you can't find
in the other cars of it's class including the ES330, BMW 3series or the
G 35 no matter how much you pay for it.

Finally, why it less costly to by the TL.  Not that it is less of a
status symbol to own a TL versus the others but keep in mind how many
radio and television commercials and advertisments have you seen for
the Lexus, Infinity and even the Beemer?  Advertising!!!  Acura does
less of it and that's a big savings to Acura and to their customers.  I
mean...  They could have a commercial with a TL in a livingroom under a
Christmas tree with a big red bow on it OR they could sell you one at a
lesser price than their competitor and you can drive it home and enjoy
it for the holidays.  It seems like a no brainer to me...  But that's
just my opinion on how this pricing game is played.

Happy New Year everyone!!!