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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  Good family sedan, plenty of room for four - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By nikormat - June 11 - 10:42 am

  I bought this car right at the height of the accelator problem that was two years ago. To be honest, I was scared of the possibility that it might happen to me so I brought the car in for Lexus to fix the accelerator pedal issue. So far the car has been good to me, I now have 58000 miles on the car. The ride is smooth, and the sound system just very nice to listen to any kind of music -- rock, jazz, country, classics....I really like the car.

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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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  Lexus ES 350... Big Fan - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By DT - June 4 - 8:36 am

  Traded in an 2006 Acura TL for the 2008 Lexus ES 350. I loved the TL but I love the ES 350 that much more. Totally diferrent drive as the TL is a much more aggressive car. This car feels much roomier and everything put into the car is of top notch quality. Little disappointed in the stereo but overall am very satisfied. The gas mileage as well as the ability to not have to use premium gas is much improved over the Acura and the displays are very easy to read.

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  First and Best - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Steve From Texas - May 29 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first Lexus. I bought it as my retirement car after a lot of research. It lives up to all my expectations. It is classically stylish on the exterior with the most beautiful paint job I have ever seen on any car. The interior is a visual pleasure and comfortable. Love the navigation system plus the voice command is efficient and simple to use. Thus far, I cannot find anything to criticize about the vehicle. I look for reasons to just get out and drive it. I am so glad I decided to wait and get the 2010 instead of an end of year bargain on a 2009. The upgrades for the new model year are significant and hardly added any additional cost.

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  4th Lexus - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By stewart Brenner - May 25 - 5:20 pm

  Comfortable, roomy, easy to handle. Love the toys. GPS works easy. Rear view when backing up is a great idea. Very good road car, and gets very adequate milage.

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  Great investment! - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By Kent - May 18 - 4:09 am

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  ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By James - May 17 - 9:46 pm

  This is my wifes car and we both just love it. She has gotten more positive comments then she ever did on her old one. Much more upscale than the previous model with much better power and room. Also the gas mileage has been much improved in town with the new six speed transmision.

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  Great car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By J G - May 15 - 1:10 am

  I bought a loaded ES350 with 30,000 mi, car was about as perfect as you could expect with 30,000 mi. Hway MPG about 32 (amazing). Quiet, very comfortable, great car for trips & around town and handles better than you would expect from the reviews. Not a sports car (I already own one) just a beautiful, comfortable car & ride. I have owned Acuras & Infinitys, this is the best.

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  Wait for the 2008 fixes - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Rich - May 14 - 12:53 pm

  Overall the car is great with a beautiful interior and a smooth ride. There are two annoying design flaws that I am sure Lexus will fix in the upcoming 2008 model. The LED lighting is ridiculously dim, what were they thinking! Second, the latch to open the center console is exactly where your elbow goes causing it to open constantly. It is also a strange design that limits your ability to use it. They should also make the car interior a little bit bigger - an inch more headroom in the frony, an inch each more hip, shoulder and leg room in the rear. Then it would be closer to perfect. It is better than all its competition except maybe the BMW 5 Series which is about $15K more.

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  Review of the Lexus ES 350 - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Marc - May 10 - 8:40 am

  This is my third Lexus lease and I am 39 yo. Each time I looked at other options, including the BMW, Mercedes, etc., and chose Lexus. For me, it was the best value for the money, providing the luxury and comfort that I wanted. Quite frankly, I am more interested in a luxury ride than a sporty one. I have never had a problem with any of the cars. My only wish for the Lexus was a little more of a sportier feel which the ES 350 achieves and then some.