Overview & Reviews

Few premium automotive brands have as varied a lineup as Lexus does. Instead of offering one entry-level luxury sedan, Lexus offers two. For buyers who put the highest priority on comfort and luxury, there is the midsize, front-wheel-drive Lexus ES 350 sedan, while those desiring a harder-edged sport sedan can go with the company's compact, rear-drive IS series.

Today's Lexus ES 350 is the latest version of the company's long-running ES series. Like its predecessors, it's roomy, quiet, comfortable and assembled with care. Lexus offers plenty of standard and optional upscale amenities for the ES 350, but adding a few of the option packages can quickly drive up the price. However, for consumers seeking the utmost in refinement and relaxation in their next entry-level luxury car, the Lexus ES 350 is certain to have just as much appeal as every ES sedan before it.

Current Lexus ES 350
Debuting as a 2013 model, the current-generation Lexus ES 350 maintains its familiar and successful formula. That means it's a well-crafted, well-equipped luxury sedan that puts more emphasis on quiet, comfortable motoring than it does on athletic handling. Styling is evolutionary and handsome, while the cabin boasts a modern and interesting aesthetic.

For power the ES 350 relies on a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. As before, the transmission is a six-speed automatic transmission and all ES 350s have front-wheel drive.

Standard feature highlights include 17-inch wheels, xenon headlamps, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, premium vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. Options include a panoramic sunroof, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, real wood trim, a rearview camera, a navigation system (includes the Lexus Enform suite of Internet-based apps), a Siri-based control system for iPhone users, a Mark Levinson audio system, heated and ventilated seats and a power rear sunshade. If certain options are ordered, the ES 350 also features Lexus' mouselike Remote Touch multifunction controller.

In reviews, we have found that the latest ES 350 delivers a refined driving experience that's bolstered by the smooth and energetic V6 engine. Handling is more buttoned-down than before, which we appreciate. Still, this is no sport sedan. The ES continues to provide a very quiet drive that's ideal for consumers ranging from harried commuters to families who enjoy frequent road trips. All told, Lexus has updated and thus increased the appeal of its popular entry-level luxury sedan without abandoning its core character that has endeared it to its massive, often repeat-business customer base.

Used Lexus ES 350 Models
Current-generation ES 350s debuted in 2013. Minor additions for the 2014 models include xenon headlights and the Siri Eyes Free iPhone control system. The base premium vinyl seats with ventilation and bamboo interior trim were also made available.

Produced from 2007 through 2012, the previous-generation Lexus ES 350 didn't change much, making low-mileage, well-kept examples top used car choices. This generation shared its basic underpinnings and mechanicals with the 2007-'11 Toyota Camry. Of course, the ES 350 had different exterior and interior styling as well as more luxury features. Power was provided by a 3.5-liter V6 that generated 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque and put its power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment included a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, power front seats, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and lovely wood trim. Popular options included a panoramic sunroof, a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, a navigation system, adaptive xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control and heated and ventilated front seats.

In our reviews, our editors found this entry-level luxury sedan pleasant to drive. The V6 engine was smooth, and if you're not particularly interested in sporty dynamics, the ES 350's isolated and soft ride will be to your liking. Inside, materials quality and the overall level of opulence are impressive for this segment. For buyers seeking an affordable used luxury sedan, the ES 350 makes a great choice.

The previous generation of the ES, which ran from 2004-'06, was known as the ES 330, while 2002 and '03 models were sold under the ES 300 name. Although they weren't as powerful as the ES 350, the 300 and 330 are fine choices for a used entry-level luxury sedan, thanks to their capable performance, serene cruising demeanor and high-quality cabin treatments. For any ES, reliability is typically well above average.

User Reviews:

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  First Impressions - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Gene - December 2 - 1:53 pm

  I spent several months researching a car purchase, and decided on the ES 350 in stead of the sportier Acura TL. After driving 1 week, here are my impressions: The NAV system is the worst of all the 6 car makes I test drove. Voice recognition is useless at best. Took 12 tries to get my home phone right. Cannot adjust the NAV while driving. If NAV is important to you DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!. Very smooth ride as I expected. Good performance and acceleration for a luxury vehicle. Very poor center console. Difficult to use and little storage space.

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  Love the new 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jason - November 27 - 10:36 pm

  Ive had my car for a week and am enjoying it more and more. Learning all the technology is a steep curve for a genetic anti-technoid. I like the comfort, the body style and the Royal Red Metalic paint! It turns heads everywhere. I especially enjoy the multi adjustable seats and the quietness inside the car at speed. Im coming off a 7 year old Viper so it may not be as noticable to you. I averaged about 27.5 miles per gallon in mixed driving and expect that will improve with a bit of mileage.

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  Luv our ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By eskay - November 19 - 2:26 pm

  This vehicle is outstanding. Couldnt ask for a better made, truely fun to drive car. Great acceleration, tight turns, excellent features.

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  So far I LOVE everything about it - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By luv2drive - November 16 - 1:16 am

  Just bought a 2009 ES 350 - got a smoking good deal as the dealers are getting ready for the 2010s and want to move the 2009s out. $200 under invoice on a fully loaded model, premium plus, navigation, etc. I really like all of the features and have not experienced the GPS or Bluetooth probs another reviewer mentioned. Car handles like a dream, smooth, quiet, plenty of power. I drove and researched many other makes and models such as the Infiniti G37, Hyundai Genesis, etc. The ES 350 was the best of the bunch and the best bang for the buck, too. So far, so good.

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  AWESOME RIDE - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By rjc3360 - November 14 - 4:06 am

  I just purchased the 2010 es as a surprise 50th birthday present for my wife and she loves it. She had a 2007 es and like a dummy I traded it in for a Challenger srt 8 in may of 09 and that was a big mistake. But I did give her my 2008 ls 460 when I did that but she really liked the es so I surprised her with another one. The car is great and we are very pleased and I will not purchase another brand of car anymore! I added the premium wheels, side door molding and window tint and I got every option I could get one its loaded and it looks awesome. I cant say enough about this car we love it.

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  Awesome car, nav a bit disappointing - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Chicagoboy - November 5 - 9:40 pm

  Car looks and drives great. Ride is cloud-like. Much softer steering than my old SC 400 a sports car but its a sedan and to be expected. Everything is great but NAV/GPS could be much better. Voice recognition works great so far except it is horrible with street names. Easy names bring up other streets. Its like 1 for 4. Thats unacceptable. Also, you cannot type in destinations or bring up lists of places while driving only when stopped. Voice recog. works while driving but its slow process. Its not a deal killer but I expected a much better nav design. Still a winner of a car. No Sirius radio installed bc of probs. Hope Lexus fixes this soon. Highly recommend car.

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  Just what we were looking for! - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By PrAl10 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  We had been shopping around for our new family sedan for a long time. Eventually, no other options came close to the ES350 in terms of style, build quality, luxury, comfort, value, and fuel economy. I actually disagree with comments about this not being a "sporty" car: I have driven many "sporty" sedans, and I find the ES350 to be perfectly adequate and entertaining at legal speeds on a typical US public road: it is safe, predictable and agile enough to please its driver. And 30 m.p.g. are very easy to get in normal driving, very impressive! We have seen 31 mpg. tank average (real) during its first road trip (less than 1,000 miles on the odometer).

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  Great VALUE - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By LexMan - October 12 - 5:50 pm

  Smooth serene (very minimal wind noise at 70 MPH) luxurious ride on freeways. My previous 93 LS 400 (AIR SUSPENSION) however, was still noticeably smoother on bumpy roads. The Mark Levinsons CLARITY is auditory nirvana. Bluetooth, navigation, parking assists, and backup camera are highly useful features. Glovebox is small; SECRET: there is an elastic strap in its upper right FRONT corner to secure the HUGE owners manual to the small ledge at the back of the glovebox. Center storage consoles capacity is better in the 2010 design. Only serious competitor for IMMEDIATE VALUE is the Hyundai Genesis, but can be jittery over bumpy roads with unknown reliability and likely faster DEPRECIATION.

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  Luxury car at middle class price - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By jarmstr73 - October 11 - 11:16 pm

  I leased this car last week after trading in my 2005 Honda Pilot. Needless to say its like going from cattle class to first class on an airplane. This vehicle has many of the features of the LS (Lexus flagship model) at less than 1/2 the price. Acceleration is competent but the front wheel drive reminds you this is not German engineering. Interior creature comforts abound, seats are comfortable (heated & cooled), sound system is good, features like bluetooth, Navi, etc. are easy to use and intuitive - unlike many vehicles today. Noise is minimal, ride is soft, feedback is not great - steering is a bit soft. Overall good family car if youre looking for excellent service and low main.

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  Lexus Does It All - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Edward - October 8 - 5:23 am

  This car has everything - great looks and performance. I feel like Im driving in my living room. Love the very quiet and smooth ride from the V6 272 HP engine. The Mark Levinson Sound System is incredible.