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:

• 

  LIKE BUDDUH - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By jdgmusic - September 5 - 8:23 am

  I purchased my 07 ES 350 after totaling my Cadillac STS. This is a near-perfect balance of comfort, QUIET ride, economy, performance, amenities, and quality!!

• 

  Meets expectations - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By nice car - August 25 - 3:06 pm

  Compared all mid sized luxury and kept coming back to ES 350. Considered A6 also. Power and economy are surprisingly great. Really glad I got the nav.

• 

  Best in its class! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By gr8blazerfan - August 18 - 1:00 am

  After driving much of the competition, we decided on the ES 350. It was leaps and bounds above any of the vehicles that we drove in luxury, performance, and comfort. It drives and handles like a dream, is extremely comfortable to travel in and has all of the incredible amenities you could want. Drive a Lexus and you will buy one. These cars sell themselves.

• 

  Love/hate relationship - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By rggsims - August 13 - 7:53 pm

  The car came with defects that Lexus wont fix. Seats are very uncom- fortable. Thin people bottom on on the seats supporting wires. Inadequate foam was used in the seats. Who placed the wiper stalk- you cant see it while driving. Auto lights keep turning dash lights on and off at dusk. Handling is poor at highway speed. Stereo is only fair. Horrible center storage. Minimal storage. Interior plastics are poor quality. Voice activated bluetooth doesnt like zeros. The car has rattled since day one. Poor quality interior carpets.

• 

  Better than expected..... - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By MyNewLex - August 10 - 2:30 am

  I purchased my new ES 350 a month ago today. I must say I continue to look forward to every time I drive it. Sometimes I think it was built for just for me. The driving experience has been very fabulous, the creature comforts incredible, and my fav feature is that its not Camry looking. I have the Nav system and its great (first vehicle with it). Sometimes I just want it to get dark outside so I can see my HID lights adjust as I turn. Acceleration is much more improved over the ES 330 and the transmission is agile and responsive. You will not be disappointed with this car. Im gonna buy a spoiler for it as this will complete the sporty look with the awesome dual exhaust. No regrets here!!

• 

  Purchased a low mileage lease vehicle - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By T. Juerisson - August 2 - 6:17 am

  -My last car was a 2002 Maxima GLE . A " lower tech " vehicle but outstanding in its time I dont like all of the new dash controls & menus seen through the display screen. Havent figured out yet how to operate more than the basic controls so far. The owners book is well illustrated but is almost two inches thick. Backing this vehicle up would be treacherous without the rear camera & screen plus the side mirrors ( High rear glass line ) . The Lexus is very quiet on the open road. Mine is black / black . Love the way it looks.

• 

  The Best Sedan - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Leo - July 26 - 5:46 am

  For more than a month I researched and test drove 5 different competition sedans before deciding on the ES 350. Ive had the car almost 3 months now, the car is very smooth to drive and theres a lot of room. Very comfortable and fun to drive. With all the standard equipments and options, its priced much less than its European counterparts. And of course its a Toyota which only means its going to live longer.

• 

  Satisfied - but..... - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Rick - July 16 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased the Ultimate Luxury Package - even though packed with features the car remains intuitive to operate and is VERY easy to drive - performance better than anticipated but performance is not a reason to purchase. The quality is excellent - used for commuting. Cant get over the quality. Only one nagging issue - I am 62" and am VERY close to the roof panels, even though I purchased the panoramic roof for the extra clearance - drivers over 61" beware and make sure that you are comfortable with the head room - vision at stop lights can be limited.

• 

  my lexus saved my life - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By jfman sr - July 14 - 5:10 pm

  This happened to me on Saturday March 20th in Laurel md at approximately 4pm while driving on rte 1 as I entered the intersection of rte 1 and cherry lane a black Ford or Mercury grand marquis or crown vic ran a red light and t-bone my es 350 totally destroying my car. Every air bag on the drivers side deployed thus saving my life the other driver was dui going approx. 70 miles per hr, I dont think that I would have survived had I not been in my Lexus. That car saved my life theres no doubt about it. I called my Lexus dealer today to get me into another es 350 asap. My family and I want to say thank for building such a great car its truly a life saver. Thanks Toyota keep up the great job. Jfman

• 

  2007 Lexus ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Lexbg - July 12 - 3:16 pm

  I have had this car 10 months with 11,000 miles currently and have read all reviews. I agree with jerky transmission when below freezing, otherwise OK and you get used to the transmission. Be careful when coming to the first couple of stop lights because it will jerk. No mechanical issues but dashboard has this creaking noise every time I hit a bump. If you turn up radio you dont hear it but I dont always want to listen to the radio that loud. I have taken it to dealership twice and very helpful but no solution. They said something about rubber stoppers that are between glass and dashboard. Surely this will be a recall on the initial builds.