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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  The Squeakmobile - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Eduardo Jimenez - November 19 - 10:00 pm

  My first Lexus, but oh, what a disappointment. Love the ride and the power, but the car has developed squeaks and rattles everywhere. The whole panel behind the rear seat rattles/vibrates when I turn the radio up. The glove compartment door latch broke and wont close. It takes several tries for the voice-recognition system to get the numbers right. The interior materials are cheap: the glove compartment and coin doors are flimsy, and quality of the leather is third-rate. Also, this is not a car for tall people; all-around visibility is VERY limited; the roofline is low, the windowsills are very high and the windshield is very inclined, even the rearview mirror gets in the way.

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  Kinda disappointed - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By carmoo - October 3 - 4:23 pm

  I have driven an Acura TL for the last five years. Let me unequivocally say that the TL is a superior vehicle except in one area. The lexus has a plush and very comfortable ride. The panel on the Lexus is completely dull. The low roof line really compromises us guys over 6 feet tall. The lexus lacks many features that are standard on the TL, like satellite radio. Upgrades on the lexus like land navigation are very expensive to add. This is not a sports sedan, lots of body roll in the curves. Decent power and excellent fuel efficiency for a v 6. BE AWARE: the paint job on this model really sucks! Two paint chips the day after I drove it off the lot and there are more! Loud engine!

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  Nice Ride - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By sfs - July 31 - 3:56 am

  Would prefer a DIGITAL clock - clock is hard to see. Center console is a bit crowded & not useful - no space for sunglasses. Overhead interior lighting is cheap looking - "spot" lights would look more refined. Does not have blind-spot monitor - really wanted that. Just, a glorified TOYOTA

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  engine noise and A/C problems - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By monacokid1 - June 24 - 6:56 pm

  I have had 50 cars in my lifetime. the last five were the Lexus 250, 300, 400,330, & 350 since Lexus became a car. This 2007 has 2 major problems which Lexus has not been able to correct. #1 the engine makes a noise when cold that sounds like the tappet noise of previous years the engine idles rough. Lexus tells me it is the fuel injectors and is normal. My 97 Nissan Altima was quieter and did not make this type noise or rough idle. #2 the A/C covers my dash board area with tiny white specs. Lexus has change the evaporator twice and A/C filters numerous times. It is still spewing and I think it might be causing me a health problem with my lungs. I really am disappointed in the year

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  I really have no Complaints One of the the better cars i have owned - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By thumper1279 - April 26 - 5:08 pm

  I have gone through many cars in my life. I am hard on cars i admit so that is no help to me when it comes to them. Any issues that i have had with this car have only been caused by issues that i feel would have been appropriate for the miles.I bought my 07 Es350 in Feb of 2013 with 44k. It is now 17 months latter. i have put 40k on the car. When it was still under factory warranty the passenger front axle boot was leaking Lexus Fixed it best experience i ever had when having to have a repair done. just 2 month ago with 80k on the car My Extended service Contract Replaced the Front and rear Struts all 4 of them needed replacing. at 81k the W/P warranty covered it

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  Navigation Audio - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By 12voltman - February 23 - 7:40 am

  1200 miles is not enough for an accurate rating, but a couple of items really irk me. First being the destination cannot be changed while driving unless you pull over or call the enform service that will COST you $250 bucks after the first year. Second is the audio. Lexus says for safety reasons you are blocked out of scrolling for artist on the IPOD, USB and CDs. However can you can scroll tracks, select from over 200 satellite channels and have full use of a Blue tooth capable portable player. Whats that all about? It should be all or nothing. And if it is nothing they will be at a competitive disadvantage. Lexus needs to have a consumer focus group on this one.

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  Very disappointing - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ttt - January 19 - 6:36 pm

  Very smooth and comfortable ride, but overall very bland. The experience is ruined by a hopeless navigation system that falls way short of Garmin or even mapquest. The dealer has looked it over many times and confirmed "it is what it is". It only seems to want to calculate straight line routes, even if highways are much quicker. The iPod connector is also buried in the center console - which is a really awkward design anyway. A lot of the components and switches have the same look and feel as a Toyota Prius. I wish I had gone for the BMW instead.

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  Our first Lexus - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By A Town Bubba - November 15 - 4:26 pm

  I finally tempted my wife out of her SUV with this car. After a week of daily use and one road trip, I asked how she liked it. She replied "I will never own anything else". I look forward to many years of driving this and other Lexus cars.

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  Lexus ES 350 Is A Strange Car - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Sam - September 14 - 7:20 am

  In many ways this car is very nice. It is solid and fast contrary to most user opinions. Even though the car is quiet....it is hard to explain you can hear rattles and noises that are annoying. BMW and Mercedes are better built cars but the ES 350 feels better when you are in the car purely for comfort. The ES 350 needs to get rid of the rattles.

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  Love/hate relationship - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By rggsims - August 13 - 7:53 pm

  The car came with defects that Lexus wont fix. Seats are very uncom- fortable. Thin people bottom on on the seats supporting wires. Inadequate foam was used in the seats. Who placed the wiper stalk- you cant see it while driving. Auto lights keep turning dash lights on and off at dusk. Handling is poor at highway speed. Stereo is only fair. Horrible center storage. Minimal storage. Interior plastics are poor quality. Voice activated bluetooth doesnt like zeros. The car has rattled since day one. Poor quality interior carpets.