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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  Need Avalon Interior - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Lexus Daddy - June 22 - 1:07 am

  Love everything about the car EXCEPT the interior storage is VERY limited. No storage for glasses under the rear view mirror and the doors will not hold a soda bottle. Avalon has Lexus interior beat. Also, complimentary maintenance is better in Avalon. For purchase price difference one has to hope resale will return a portion of price increase. Remote start is ONLY available if you subscribe to the Lexus suite after the one year subscription expires. $35 a month is TOO EXPENSIVE to continue remote start and from what I am told, is there is not a dealer or after market remote start available.

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  Pursuit of perfection? Please catch up. - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By dbllc - January 29 - 1:36 pm

  I agree with a writers assessment about noises, poor highway handling and the so-so radio. The important problem is the highway handling. At 60 to 65 mph and above, the car seems to have a wobble, and the steering wheel actually shakes. I am still working with a dealer to fix this. From day 3 of owning the car I have had noises, creaks, rattles, whatever inside. Most of the dashboard noise has been fixed now, but other noises are coming from pillars or doors. I drive a lot, so the problems are very disappointing.

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  2003 Lexus ES 300 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Sunny - December 4 - 11:40 pm

  I have 160k on my 2003. I bought this because I was tired of my Xterras hard suspension. So I wanted a reliable and comfortable car. I thought the reliability would be bullet proof. Ok so it is reliable. Except at about 90k my battery died. So I immediately bought a new one on the same day. Next day battery died again. So I did recharge and never had prob again. I also had to replace the A/C at 90k. Other than that, the rear right window wont go down. So I guess you may say that Ive been fortunate.

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  Falling behind - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By aadez - November 29 - 5:45 pm

  My biggest disappointment is the Avrg 18.9 MPG in totally flat streets and highways in South Florida. Not even close to the sticker 27 mpg. The center arm rest is difficult to slide open. The phone and ipod connections are inconveniently inside the center console. The side mirrors automatically point to the ground in reverse making it impossible for one to see approaching cars or obstacles on both sides other than those on the ground. Hardly any space to hide or place objects. This is my 4th and last ES350. Have not owned one in 5 years and seems Im driving the same old Lexus with new inconveniences added. Mats are thinner and do not match the carpet color. Incomplete under dash carpet.

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  Pretty good, but... - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Picky in PA - October 17 - 5:43 am

  Car looks great, is quiet and comfortable, with many nice touches. Initial build quality was not up to Lexus standards - multiple trips to dealer to address creaks and rattles, especially in and around dashboard. Center console is uncomfortable (padding on top is too thin), and it is frustrating that the nav is largely inoperable when moving (especially as the voice recognition is flakey). Also, the standard audio is barely adequate, especially regarding bass output. All that being said, this is still the best car that I could find in its price range, given its variety of features & functions, and its quietness, comfort & power.

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  2014 ES350 disappointing on the Inside - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By btiger14 - October 16 - 2:20 pm

  This is our third ES350. Disappointed in what Lexus did to save a few bucks. For example the CD Changer is gone, replaced by single disc; the holder for sunglasses above the console - gone; the various console cubbies for storage - gone; lighting above each rear seat on each side - gone. Ash tray and lighter (plug) gone - lost that plug. Front seats are narrower. The car just feels tighter on the inside. With the lighting changes and the deletion of the CD Changer Lexus has cheapened the interior. The trunk is not as easy to get stuff into because it is a deeper access. Cargo net is installed with bolts - makes it hard to get to the spare. Shd have just bought out the 2011 lease.

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  Suprised - terrible GPS and bluetooth - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Sanford - August 25 - 8:20 am

  I have never owned a Lexus before. I was impressed by the test drive and buying experience. However, since owning the car for a while the integrated GPS is disaster and the blue tooth phone system does not work well either. I think it has to do with the microphone placement. I also own a Ford explorer (which has its own issues) but the GPS and bluetooth phone features just plain work better. I dont think I will buy another Lexus. I expected to pay more and have an issue free car but that is not the case.

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  Major problems steering rod, transmission, leak - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mike - July 12 - 4:13 pm

  I have had this car for 4 years. It is a weekend car. The car is fun to drive. But I have had the transmission replaced, when it barely had 10,000 miles on it. It would change gears with a major kick. After a week my vsc came on. About a month ago when I would turn my steering wheel I would feel clicking noises. So back to the shop it went and their was a defect in the steering rods. I also had a oil leak and a plug was defective so they replaced that. Thank god! This car inst what I use daily.

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  Nice to Look at - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ric - May 19 - 5:23 pm

  Overall it is pretty much what I expected from Lexus, except the finicky transmission. It is quiet and despite what the competition thinks of its looks it gets plenty of second looks; its black with darkened windows and the spoked rims. It is often mistaken for the much more expensive LS by the uninformed including my boss and co-workers who ask "are we paying you too much?” and "how did you afford that". If only the transmission would settle on a gear and not want to jolt my bad back when in stop-and-go traffic or even the slightest incline I would give it a strong 9. Had to have a new transmission put in at 5000 miles, new transmission only slightly better.

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  Not like previous ES cars - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By taxedtoomuch - May 6 - 11:15 pm

  The current ES350 is not you fathers car. Too bad it is not. I have owed five of these cars and this one does not meet previous expectations. It drives like an Rav4. The road performance could be better. The ride is not as soft and cushiony as previous cars. You will feel every bump on back roads and roads that are not perfectly paved. For that reason, I am disappointed. Overall it is quiet and has plenty of power, although there is a slight delay. Remember this is not the inline six as before. My guess is, the IS engineers got ahold of this car instead of the LS engineers and did it their way.