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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  What a ride! - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By John - April 17 - 5:00 pm

  I drove the Hyundai Genesis (alleged Lexus killer) was disappointed with ride not even close to the Lexus. Tried the Nissan Maxima which this car replaced, nice car but that single speed tranny was very strange. Also tried the Infiniti G37, a good performer and quiet ride but it cant touch the Lexus ES350. Get the nav with the back up camera, the rear deck lid sits high and the camera will really help when backing up. When youre test driving it just take note and compare it against any other car youre considering. Then the choice will be easy. Youll pick the Lexus ES350. Great car!

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  Love it! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By luvnlife - March 29 - 5:33 pm

  Im very comfortable in my ES 350. Smooth, quiet ride. Nav system is great. Sound system is pretty good but could be better. Love my back up camera. Only complaint is that I cant seem to get climate controls to a perfect temp for me, but LOVED the air conditioned seats this summer -- keeps you from sticking to leather, ladies. This is my second ES and Id recommend it for someone who wants luxury but cant afford or doesnt want to spend the extra for a better Mercedes or BMW. My husband has complained about the voice recognition but its just operator error. Overall, I love it. Got a great color, too, Amber Pearl and people compliment it all the time.

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  Love my Lexus - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jason B. kane - March 27 - 9:00 am

  I just finished a trip to and from Canada of about 1600 miles. Most of the driving was on good roads in hilly and mountainous country. On regular gas I averaged almost 35 mpg at an average speed of 67 mph. The cars mileage calculator said 34.7 mpg. My calculator said 37.9 mpg. The ES 350 is not a formula one car but it is supremely comfortable, handles well for a sedan and has sufficient power to do what needs to be done.

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  Best buy for the money - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ira c - March 27 - 1:16 am

  Got 33 mpg on highway driving, 18 mpg in city. Very comfortable. GPS is helpful but difficult to first use. Park assist is an excellent option. Quiet and responsive. So far, after 4 months, not one complaint. Car is "bullet proof". blue tooth instructions are not useful. Had to have dealer program the phone.

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  I love this car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Dr. Bob - March 6 - 1:50 pm

  My Lexus ES 350 is very nearly perfect. I love the clean functionality, the comfort of the car, and the driving ease. My mileage in stop-and-go traffic is near 20 mpg; my weekly commute and around town driving is near 26 to 27 mpg, at 55 mpg the mileage is in the 33 mpg range; and at a long-distance 75+ mph the mileage is 29 to 31. The mileage is better if I can buy gasoline without ethanol. My only issue is that the front head room is not adequate, but not enough for me to trade this car.

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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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  Nicest car Ive ever owned - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Steve S. - February 2 - 7:02 am

  I decided to go up one level on the options which includes the telescopic steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors woodgrain trim and a couple of other things. This car rides buttery smooth and the power is there when you need it. I like the high-end buying experience as they kill you with kindness and the dealership is absolutely immaculate with complementary food and drink. Free car washes for life and 3 years of oil changes. They loaned me a GS while my windows were being tinted. The GS has a firmer seat and a much firmer ride, kind of like the Infiniti Q50 I test drove. I made the right decision with the ES 350.

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  Poor GPS - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mhc - January 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several ES in the past, but this is the first with GPS. I agree it is not up to par with the competition and I have been test driving many vehicles over the past couple of months. The voice command response is terrible and not worth the effort. Blue tooth has been fine. Biggest complaint is that GPS does not allow even a passenger to enter info while the car is in motion. Very frustrating as voice commands for navigation are not worth the effort.

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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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  07 ES350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Bob - December 17 - 5:03 am

  The car is still brand new, but we are pleased with the purchase, as well as with the ride, comfort and handling . The new ES offers a lot of near-luxury features for the money. With options, it does cost a little more than some of its direct competition, but that should be made up when its time to trade it in. At this early stage, Id recommend it to someone looking for a car in this segment.