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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  Expected a better car - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Victor - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my last Lexus. The car feels and rides a lot, a lot less secure and solid than my wifes Mercedes e350, she has just oil service, I had to go to the service station 3 times to fix audio system.

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  Very disappointed for this ES350. - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By mineg - June 10 - 3:29 pm

  Very disappointed for this ES350, its 19km now. I bought it for its serene and comfortable reputation, this vehicle is not quite at lot. 1. The car vibrates when it stopped and the engine is engaged, the vibration makes me so uncomfortable that I have to switch to neutral whenever stopping before traffic light. I took it to dealer to check, I was told its rotors problem. I dont think thats the case because it vibrates also when I dont press breaker.

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  Toyota Lexus quality slipping - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By yankster53 - March 25 - 9:06 pm

  Not happy here, ES 350 and paint chips all over the hood, this car is primarily driven by 56 yr old stroke victim who drives 3 miles to Krogers few times a week, it is 08 and has 27K miles on it. Tires are shot, rattle inside that has been there for a long time. Leather seats are not holding up, gas mileage is good for the amount of power it has. This will be the last Lexus/Toyota product... I go back to 1976 Celica, 80 Cressida, 90 Celica, 2005 Sequoia 2006 Scion XB and they would be sorely mistaken thinking I would ever purchase again from them. Nuf said...

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  Unhappy with 2016 Lexus es350 Rides like a truck - 2016 Lexus ES 350
  By Mona Frame - December 3 - 7:53 am

  If you have owned a 2011 or 2005 Lexus do not expect the same comfort inside or on the road. The seats are hard, road noise inside is bad and I am very dissatisfied with its over all ride and comfort, and road noise. Mine rides just a tad above my husbands 2015 Dodge truck. I dont know what happened to the quality but I am very unhappy with my new 2016 Lexus es350. I did not test drive it and that was a big mistake. However, I did not test drive my 2011 or 2005 and I am m not sure a simple test drive would have been enough to tell me how uncomfortable this 2016 was going to be. I trusted since I was buying a high end car like the lexus it would be of a quality I had known before. I am looking for a 2012 or earlier used lexus and will sell this one. I just hate that Lexus has fallen into the cheap car routine. Why not have leather seats?? I dont want a sports car I want a car that is comfortable. Very displeased with this new car would not recommend unless a person wants an sports rcar.

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  This car is all over the place.... - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By joem59 - October 26 - 2:33 pm

  Bought the car in 06. Needless to say Im very disappointed. The car has a nice looking exterior, great stereo and terrific gas miles (26 plus). That is where it ends. Since the first month I noticed paint chipping and scratches. I thought is was bad road luck. Then more started appearing along with blotching. I barely drive the car and never on dirt roads. Its garage kept. I have a Hyundai with 100k that gets driven every day and no front chips or scratches. The seats are very uncomfortable and feel like your sitting in a hole. I have always had rattles in dash and under carriage and door seat position buttons have always had problems and now dont work. Plus poor int lite + button design.

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  Falls short - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By bggiseries - August 12 - 7:44 pm

  This would be my second ES350. I liked the 07 version better but this one does have many things I like. This one is pretty much loaded. The blind spot / cross traffic alert is great but a lot of vehicles have that now. I like streaming the music from my smartphone. Acceleration is very good but sometimes sluggish from the start. The window design is ridiculous. They slope into the car a fair amount so when it rains, water will drip on your arm, leg and seat when you open the door. There is no wow factor in this car. There is just way to much wind and road noise. Most all road imperfections are felt. I will not buy another one.

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  First year lemon - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By phillipson - February 13 - 7:20 am

  I love my car but hate its electrical system. I have had a number of defects with this cars electronics and of course they have all occurred after the warrantee has ended. Lexus charges $150 just to diagnosis the problem. On one occasion the issue was a loose wire which feed all of the sounds the care made. sure enough plug it in and my car was fixed but i was down the diagnostic charge. Recently my car had the air bag light go on. I received an estimate for $8700. A bit hi since my car is worth 11K at this point. My local mechanic fixed the issue for $500.

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  Over-Hyped - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By carreragt3 - November 8 - 1:54 pm

  My wealthy Uncle just traded in his couple-year-old ES for the top-line 2015 ES, which I shuttle him around in. I have a BMW 5-series, so I understand I am not in the ESs target demographic. But seriously, when I drive the ES, I am reminded just how poorly front-drive platforms perform. They push, yank, and protest. They are positively poor driving cars, but probably not unlike most FWDs. Luxury-wise, the interiors are ok; ok materials, fair design, not a fan of ANY touchscreen, but definitively targeted at old people. There is not a touch of passion to this car, nor of austerity. I suppose, like Cadillacs of a few years ago, this car is made for people who have "given up."

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  Mistake - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By brb - October 19 - 8:36 am

  I purchased my first new Lexus ES350 looking for a quieter more comfortable ride. I was shocked that the injectors were so loud we thought we had a diesel engine. It is worse when it is cold. I guess that is why they had it in the showroom when we tried it out. I returned to dealer and they said "Thats the way it is". Anti-locking brakes shook the car (ABS). I had to have the rotors turned on this new car. Wind noise in the front windows, tires out of balance and they roared. Wind noise repaired (I think). Cup holders too small. Not enough interior storage. (They did give me a Lexus ball cap.) Would I own another Lexus? Never!

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  Reliable but just ok - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Scott - September 17 - 8:53 pm

  I owned an ES 300 from the mid 90s and loved it. I have owned an ES 350 for 6 months and am less excited about it. The seats are uncomfortable and it feels very small for a person who is over six feet tall. Having said this, I think it will be a very reliable car, because I do believe Lexus is all about quality.