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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  Couple Minor Annoyances - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Andrie Chen - December 31 - 10:00 am

  The car performs great; however, it cant link to my cellular phone which is up-to-date and has blue-tooth capability. Lexus website informs me that my cellular is not compatible with their system. No matter how hard I tried, I cant link the garage door opener to my garage door opener which has the rolling code. I did exactly the same thing for my cadillac and it worked beautifully.

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  Ride in style - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By David Ross - November 30 - 1:03 am

  84000 miles on this car begore first repairs!!!! It rides like a dream. Jumps to highway speed quickly even with a full passenger load. Great mileage even by current standards (31 hwy). Always a joy to drive,

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  Lexus versus Camry - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By papilio1070 - November 7 - 11:34 am

  This is a good car but it is no better than the 2013 Camry XLE. Ours is fully loaded with premium Nav and prem. sound system. It is all leather and rides the same as the ES350. Our Camry has more chrome and tinted windows. It has remote start. Our Camry is loaded with every option available and has more features than the first two trims of the ES350. We rented the ES350 along with the Camry, Avalon, Accord and Altima. We drove each car 200 miles. We did this because we got burnt on a 2010 impala. In fact the Nissan Altima had the best ride and comfortable seats of all the cars we rented. They have Zero Gravity seats and they are the best. Just couldnt trust that CVT Transmission.

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  Its OK - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Its OK - October 13 - 6:26 am

  Well it should be better than it is. The engine sounds like a Diesel for the first 10 min. The steering is too light, it has a nervous feel when cornering. The transmission has not been fixed since the 2007 recall. It down shifts very abruptly and shakes the whole car. It drives smooth and gets good gas mileage. The center console is an engineers joke. It always opens (what where they thinking with that button). Hopefully not the same guy that developed the engine with the Diesel noise. I cant say I will buy another one. This was my first Lexus. Oh, and the paint scratches with just a wash. At this price point you have to pay for XM satilite. The Chevy Cobolt comes with it for $11,000. PLEASE!

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  Disabled the Navigation - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Wantin to Nav - June 8 - 9:33 am

  All 2007 Lexus vehicles are set to disable the navigation and phone dialing while the car is in motion. This is a huge pain!! The otherwise very good Lexus quality is overshadowed by the loss of the "override" that was present in older Lexus vehicles. I would have bought an Acura, Audi or BMW (anything, actually) if I had known the nav was disabled.

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  Rolling Valium - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By RI Car Guy - May 8 - 5:50 pm

  The Lexus ES350 pampers the driver and passengers in quiet isolation. The ride quality is best in class and fuel economy is excellent for a car this size. I averaged 27.5 mpg over 37K miles and typically get 31 mpg on highway (+75mph). I do a lot of highway driving and the New England winters are tough on any car, but the paint on the Lexus has more chips than my 6 year old Honda. Recommend getting dealer applied plastic film on hood to protect the new eco-friendly paint.

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  Review after first week - 2016 Lexus ES 350
  By waspenx - April 27 - 9:11 am

  Overall experience is great. It feels like a driving a spaceship! (Considering that I have never driven a luxury car before). One thing I am not crazy about is the door slamming. Those doors dont close easily. Both I and my passengers find ourselves miss the first try a few times. The acceleration is not the best which I have expected but somehow still feel the need to say it here. The look of the car (in and out) is awesome. I am a fan of the spindle grille (that is all that matters). Somehow the feeling of sharp image but comfortable ride works out for me. The white color (eminent pearl white) I chose does bring some challenge in the days after a snow. The fact that this is a nice and new car make the dirty mud on the car less bearable.

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  New Ride - 2018 Lexus ES 350
  By gkmnj2 - January 16 - 1:51 am

  Navigation very mixed. Hard to set and control. Dumb routes sometimes. Miss interprets voice commands frequently. Using own phone probably better.

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  Quality, reliable, efficient car - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By 2008 Lexus ES 350 - December 18 - 9:53 pm

  Ive had my car for about 2 months and I love the looks, quality, technology, and the efficiency of the vehicle. This is a very nice car and it has to be. You know this is a Lexus which stands for quality and leadership.

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  Lexus ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By garsarno - December 3 - 9:00 pm

  The styling of the car, quality of materials are Lexus expectations. What is disappointing is the need for a new transmission within 1,500 miles of new along with valve noise when cold starting. The mechanical problems are outweighing the benefits with this car. The interior is beautiful, Mark Levinson sound system is the best out there. If only Lexus / Toyota researched the build quality before debuting the car early.