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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  Okay car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By JW - May 11 - 5:50 pm

  Pretty car. Great for long trips. Loud clicking in the engine until it warms. Taken to dealer several times and they report that it the noise is normal. However, loaner cars do not make that noise. Car has several rattling noises and is poorly insulated from road noise. Poor thigh support. Poor rear vision. Love the keyless entry. Love the large trunk.

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  An Honest Reliable Review of Lexus ES350, $44,592 - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By donisland - April 23 - 7:43 am

  I have had two Lexus cars before and was very happy with them. DESIGN-The new design is Very Nice inside and outside. NAVIGATION-I especially like that large navigation screen - it is so much better than the previous ones that were smaller. RIDE-The ride is much more stiff. I think they were right to do this, it makes driving the car much more safe than the "cushy" ride that can be dangerous in emergency situations. POWER-Its good, but for this new car and more powerful engine would have been very nice. GAS MILEAGE-I am getting 22 mpg overall because I push the gas peddle down a lot.

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  Small nitpicks in a near-perfect car - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By channing - February 15 - 2:40 am

  Bought it over the Lunar New Year, got everything except Ultra Luxury package. Drives like it should. Have yet to take twisties but the car should be able to hold its own despite not being a sports sedan. Otherwise, wonderfully smooth and quiet--and fast! A few chinks in its armor of perfection: despite the stylish profile, the roofline is low as a result. I am just under 61" and I cannot sport an explosively spiky hairstyle in this car (I love contradictions). The glove compartment is unlit, which can be an annoyance at night.

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  Looking for more in a Lexus - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Diane Bennett - February 5 - 5:30 pm

  First Lexus. Great exterior look with sun and moon roof. Poor exterior paint quality and interior quality not what I expected for a Lexus. Tires did not last as expected. Overall, few problems just a little disappointing. Nav of little use- maps not up to date and system not user friendly.

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  ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Stan - February 2 - 8:33 am

  A smooth, comfortable ride, without sacrificing too much in the way of handling. Coming from a BMW convertible, I miss the sharp cornering, but I love the smooth quiet ride. Much better on the freeway. The premium stereo is all anyone needs. Plays mp3 disks, so with 6 disks, you can load about 1000 songs at one time. Nav system works like a charm.

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  Great Highway Car - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By masonbarge - November 15 - 5:23 am

  We wanted a reliable, quiet luxury car at an affordable price, and thats exactly what we got. For the price, the degree of luxury and smooth, quiet ride really makes road trips a pleasure, and theres lots and lots of space for passengers and cargo. The big positive surprise is the gas mileage! We are now averaging 31 MPG on the highway, and about 23 mpg overall. No doubt this is improved by 1 or 2 mpg simply because of the excellent variety of displays, which make you aware of the mpg you are getting. The trade-off is disappointing handling. There is plenty of pickup and stopping power for us, but the steering and lateral feel are average at best, and visibility is average minus.

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  very nice car - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By JerseyJoe - September 14 - 6:02 pm

  great ride, quite, comfortable, very reliable. 65,000 no problems at all

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  ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By John - September 9 - 5:16 pm

  My car is an 11/06 build w/o Nav. This car is very smooth and comfortable, a solid and quality build. It takes a second or two for the car to accelerate after I mash down on the pedal, but after I learned the cars quirks I have found it to be responsive. I havent experienced any of the transmission issues of earlier models; however, I have discovered a definitive wind noise which emanates on the driver’s side window between the A-pillar and the middle of the door. I have taken the car back to the dealership to investigate the problem but so far no luck in solving it. I am afraid that this is a design/engineering issue rather than a build issue. Great exterior styling and interior design.

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  Not a drivers car - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By arnie - August 23 - 5:50 am

  Great fit and finish, quality materials, outstanding fuel economy; the only down side is the car has lousy cornering capability; I may go Infiniti next time.

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  Transmission, brakes, tires and rattles - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mike - May 6 - 7:56 pm

  I have had transmission problems from the beginning and at every 5000 mile check I have complained to the dealer. No help from them. Brakes are bad and two separate rattles have developed, one in the dash and one when the moon roof is open. The brakes are bad at 23,000 miles as are the tires which I am told need replacing.