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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  Best car I have ever owned - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By axhandlebill - October 28 - 5:23 am

  Yep, it is the best car I ever owned, I traded my 2008 Chevy Impala LT that I bought new for a yes used Lexus with 25,000 miles on it 10,000 miles less than the Chevy and a year older, it came with a bumper to bumper warranty for 100,000 miles from Lexus...You dont drive a Lexus, its more like you wear it, its part of you when you drive and it will make a better driver out of you, because you dont mind slowing down for others because you know in seconds you can be up to speed again and with the auto/man shift 6 speed, this makes it like a real sports car and handeling is a snap. Braking like you have never seen and with all the safety features I got a $350.00 year discount from my Insurance.

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  Improvement On An Already Awesome Car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By PsychDoc - October 21 - 3:16 am

  Superb fit and finish. Every bell and whistle you could imagine and then some. Great power from the 272hp engine and vastly improved transmission and a huge jump in mpg!!! How do they do it? Compared to other cars in the category, a steal.

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  Love My ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By rd (NY) - October 15 - 11:53 am

  Trust me when I tell you the car is a jewel. This is my first Lexus and I couldnt be more satisfied. Build quality is first rate. The ride is silky smooth. Interior is quiet and well laid out. I test drove the Acura TL, Toyota Avalon, Audi A4 & VW Passat and the ES-350 had just everything I needed. Good turning radius spectacular ride, excellent interior room and nice quality dash. I currently average 23 mpg back & forth to work and weekend driving. My only criticism to date is that the transmission sometimes hesitates shifting between 30-40 mph. Ill see what the dealer tells me about this. I highly recommend this car for anyone looking for high quality build and exceptional ride.

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  Luxury and Quality - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By DRS - October 14 - 5:43 am

  I have owned the ES 350 for almost a week now and I have loved every minute! This car has it all, Luxury, Performance and Quality. For me it came down to the Acura TL and the Lexus. The TL was nice but reminded me of my BMW. The Lexus on the other hand had me "giddy with excitement” This is something for a guy who has seen much of the world and has lived a great life! Kudos to Lexus!

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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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  Surprised at the mileage - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Jay - September 30 - 4:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by my city driving mileage. At present I have just under 2000 miles on the vehicle and have averaged 23-24 mpg. The mpg indicator helps me to manage my driving habits, I hope to exceed the 24 mark once the car gets a couple of thousand more miles. I believe for the $ this vehicle is very tough to beat especially given the fact if I do need service it will be done at the Lexus level. I am very pleased with the ergonomics, ride, styling, and performance. I am recommending this vehicle to friends/family.

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  Nice car to buy - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By DZ FEC - September 23 - 7:00 pm

  I compared GS 300 and ES 350, and I purchased ES 350. It is very fun to drive, great NAV system, bluetooth phone system very clear compare to Lexus 2006 version, very quiet while drive in highway

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  My New Lexus - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Holly - July 7 - 1:50 pm

  I love this car. It is quiet, comfortable, responsive, and the added value of service at a Lexus dealer instead of a Toyota is pretty great. I highly recommend this one!

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  This is not my first - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By bcaf - June 30 - 11:13 pm

  This is the third Lexus overall and two in the family at once. One is an RX 350 for the mountains and snow days and the ES 350 is for everything else. The vehicle is all class. Easy on the wallet, and good gas mileage. I tried the Acura and traded it in on the ES 350 after less than one year. The ES gives me the comfort and power I want in a vehicle. I have never been back to the dealership for anything but standard maintenance service with the RX or the ES and both are 07s.

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  Love the ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ray DiMaio - June 12 - 5:03 am

  When I took delivery of my new ES 350 I really did not know how much I would love the car. I can now say I am really happy with the car. It was such an improvement over the Cadillac 3.6 L CTS that I had. Fit and finish, ride, performance, comfort and general looks were all better than the CTS. I got the Ultra package and I am thoroughly satisfied with all the equipment that the car has. Absolutely nothing was wrong with the car. I have driven it over 2,000 miles so far mostly city driving. For the money you cannot beat this car for what it offers you. I researched cars before finally getting the ES 350, nothing came close to the value.