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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  Rumble and grumble - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By drivesme - July 14 - 10:50 pm

  I bought my ES Feb 24 on the 26th it developed a shake/rumbling when in Drive or Reverse. The noise and shake are absolutely not what Lexus should be. The dealer tried and said nothing found on the first visit. The second try they had the Lexus rep/engineer from Atlanta look and he replaced one of the engine mounts. It was improved but still not right. Now at 4k miles the vibration and sound is getting worse. The service Mgr rode with me and called The Lexus rep in Atl who said it was normal. BEWARE test drive any ES and watch for the shake and noise. Do not buy the Lexus. I hate my Lexus and will be out of it as soon as Im not upside down.

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  Eh...not so great - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ashillington - May 26 - 12:06 pm

  This is my second Lexus. Had a 1997 ES300 that was really reliable. Got another newer model in 06 and was never happy with the quality. There were somethings that were just down right cheap and the car was built so that even minor repairs required 18 hours of labor to reach the places that need fixing. Fuel pump went out quickly (replaced under warranty). Flimsy plastic headlamp connector broke when changing a burnt out bulb ($800 to change a light bulb, really?). Final straw was a $250 AC condenser coil went on what was still a "young" car. $1800 in labor later decided enough was enough. Traded it in for a BMW 5-series as my wife has had great luck with her last 2 Beemers.

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  What a disappointment - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By NK - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Since Aug 10 I have owned 2 ES350s. First one totaled in a flood after 3 weeks of purchase. Drove well. I was very happy. I replaced it with another one. The cabin shook violently since day one. I drove other demo ES350s. All had steering vibrations, one worse than the other. After taking the car back to the dealer 3 times, they finally found out that my brand new car had fix-a-flat in all 4 tires. With new tires steering doesnt shake, but the cabin still vibrates. All demos and loaners I drove have a cabin vibration at all speeds. Bad engineering flaw! I am extremely disappointed. Lexus was known to have the best drive!

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  Quality is horrid - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By snowman22 - March 9 - 10:05 am

  After taking my 2013 RX into the dealer for a NYS inspection I asked for a ES 350 as a loaner car for the day. No problem. As soon as I sat down I could tell that cheap was the order of the day with this interior. Cheap- cheap and more cheap. Also no room and hard un comfy seats. I mean hard and narrow and I m not that big. The ride was ok but not that firm quality experience one would expect from this car. My neighbors new IMPALA was fantastic in comparison. Lexus has really missed the beat with this ES 350. They should re-think this whole car. On the positive side--- my RX is the best ,high quality car I have ever owned. Nothing CHEAP--- high quality and beautiful interior.

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  HATE This Car - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Linda - December 22 - 2:43 am

  Am I the only person in the universe who bought a rattletrap? Have taken it back several times but still develops more rattles. I have an 8 year old RX that doesnt have one rattle. Very disappointed.

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  transmission problems - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By lew18 - June 4 - 12:55 pm

  After owning and loving an ES300 for many years, I purchased a 2014 ES350 and immediately was bothered by transmission problems. If I take my foot off the gas and coast between 45 and 20 mph the car downshifts and feels like my foot is on the brake. Continuing to coast, at some point the car upshifts on its own and feels like Ive put my foot on the gas. My dealer acknowledged that the car behaves as Ive described, but told me that this is the way it is designed to operate. They told me that if I didnt like the way it drives I shouldnt have purchased it. I wish I had been warned about a possible transmission issue when I researched the car on Edmunds.

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  Poor Ride, Noisy and Cheap Finishes! - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By JC - January 31 - 7:03 am

  If youre expecting a quiet smooth ride like the older models forget it! This is my 3rd and last Lexus ... theyve cheapened it so much. When you close the door it sounds like a tin can. So disappointed. Air cooling on the ventilated front seats even after the fix is still poor. Use to be a great car ... now it feels like a toyota.

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  Inferior seating material - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By Craig Mack - January 20 - 10:14 am

  On a 500 mile road trip you will notice how Lexus cut corners. The pleather armrest irritated my elbow so bad that on the way back from Miami I had to buy a hand towel to cover armrest to keep elbow from hurting. Never had this issue on road trips in my Mercedes or Jaguar!