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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  Wonderful Car--But Now Have Mysterious Sound System Issue - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By ROBERT GOYETTE - June 28 - 1:27 pm

  Great car, smooth quiet ride, best car I have owned. Recently was in accident where I backed out of my driveway too quickly and backed into an immovable utility truck parked on street. Very foolish, my fault. Rear bumper and passenger side fender crunched. Private, very reliable body shop did work, beautiful outcome. Now Sound system is on sometimes, off sometimes. Excellent sound system. Understand amplifier is underneath drivers seat on this model year. Am driving myself and body shop crazy as sometimes sound is OK, then it is not OK. Moved the seat around to different positions, no effect. Sound system was OK this a.m., went to worked, parked, and when returned in p.m., sound system did not work. Stopped at pharmacy on way home, picked up an item, returned and sound system now works again. Anyone have any ideas on this?

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  Very satisfied after 10 months - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Bob Jones - November 10 - 3:00 am

  I have been very satisfied with the Lexus ES 350 I have been driving for the last 10 months. I live in the coastal plain of North Carolina and drive 90% of the time on flatland. If I drove in an area with hills or mountains I dont think I would be as satisfied with the ES 350 driving experience because the transmission seems to get "confused" in hilly terrain. But, I have been very satisfied overall with the ES 350.

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  Good and Bad - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ES 350 - October 20 - 5:40 am

  Very smooth transmission. Great, quiet ride. Great radio and sound. I expected more than cardboard on door panels. Flimsy glove compartment door, trunk lid. Not enough front seat thigh support. Navigation system a colossal disappointment. It is practically useless outside major metro areas. Pretty picture, though. No way to open trunk if power lost. Fold down rear seatbacks with full access to trunk would be great. Front end too low, scrapes most curbs. Fatter tires would give even smoother ride. Roof line too low for tall people. Does not come with body side moldings, door sides are naked to damage. Support has been minimal from Lexus headquarters and dealership.

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  Lexus could really do better but didnt - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By ChuckHall - July 28 - 4:06 pm

  If you love the feel of the road then you will love this series of Lexus because due to the stiff suspension you will feel every bump in the road. If you are broad in the beam get a different car. When I drove the car I had to shift my position numerous times to feel comfortable - the seat is not wide enough for a larger than average person. There is a wind noise on both sides of the windshield that should never be heard from a car in this price range - and owners of the same style Camry have reported the same noise as well but Toyota/Lexus report that this is normal. If you are long waisted (short legged) get a different car - it is impossible to adjust the height for comfort.

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  You Must Drive This Car - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By wofat - June 17 - 4:21 pm

  I spent several months researching vehicles before finally making a purchase. I was focused on a mid to large sedan that would be very comfortable for my long commutes, that would get at least 25 MPG, FWD or AWD, and that would LAST for at least 200K miles. The final list was the 2013 Audi A4, 2013 Hyundai Azera, 2013 BMW 328xi, and the Infinity G37x. After driving and pricing, the G37x and BMW were eliminated. They were simply under-equipped compared to the others at the same price point. The BMW especially was bare bones unless you dropped another 10K. The Audi was eliminated for reliability (big issues with burning oil). After driving the ES350 I was in love. Not squishy at all.

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  Not Quite Lexus Quality - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ron - May 31 - 11:03 am

  The wind noise is a deal killer. It drives me crazy. The ticking of the motor on cold start is like driving a diesel. Many noises made by this car are not Lexus quality. The interior lighting is very moody and dark. There is no switch for the backseat reading light in a Lexus? There are numerous squeaks and creaks from the windshield and dashboard. My ES 300 was better.

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  Best car for the amount of money - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ClemCheng - May 22 - 8:20 pm

  It is a wonderful car for the money. Not as athletic as the Acura TL-S, but it is definitely a comfortable cruiser. Need to test out and drive the car you want on highway first before buying. Heard a lot of complaints about wobbling and dash board squeaking from postings on various sites. In fact, the test model I drove squeaked.

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  Disappointed - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By texas81 - April 21 - 8:06 am

  After owning my ES 350 with Ultra Luxury package for 3 months, I am truly disappointed. Several rattles have developed in the doors, dashboard, and sunroof. When washing the car, water accumulates inside of the rear taillights. Overall, Im dissatisfied in the build quality of the new ES.

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  Disappointment - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By jose maria campos - January 29 - 10:46 am

  There so many unexpected repairs on the car. Lexus have a good reputation to be very reliable. But didnt expect to have several unscheduled, unexpected repairs. I am so lucky to have purchased a extended warranty. I would suggest to get an extended warranty to all future buyers. Try to look for a warranty that would be good for 200,000 miles. I am very, very disappointed in purchasing this car. I am not sure if I would purchase another Lexus, especially this is my first time to purchase one. I am not sure how Lexus, a high-end automobile company, could sell such a defective vehicle with less than 100,000 miles with a repair list that is too long to list in this box.

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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.