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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  Need Avalon Interior - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Lexus Daddy - June 22 - 1:07 am

  Love everything about the car EXCEPT the interior storage is VERY limited. No storage for glasses under the rear view mirror and the doors will not hold a soda bottle. Avalon has Lexus interior beat. Also, complimentary maintenance is better in Avalon. For purchase price difference one has to hope resale will return a portion of price increase. Remote start is ONLY available if you subscribe to the Lexus suite after the one year subscription expires. $35 a month is TOO EXPENSIVE to continue remote start and from what I am told, is there is not a dealer or after market remote start available.

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  Brakes do not work - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By edah2002 - June 9 - 8:10 pm

  Brakes did not work. Was traveling at 10 mph , braked at a light and went into the car in front of me. The brakes DID NOT connect. Hitting the car in front stopped my car Lexus said it was Not their fault BE CAREFUL! Anyone have similar problem?

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  transmission problems - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By lew18 - June 4 - 12:55 pm

  After owning and loving an ES300 for many years, I purchased a 2014 ES350 and immediately was bothered by transmission problems. If I take my foot off the gas and coast between 45 and 20 mph the car downshifts and feels like my foot is on the brake. Continuing to coast, at some point the car upshifts on its own and feels like Ive put my foot on the gas. My dealer acknowledged that the car behaves as Ive described, but told me that this is the way it is designed to operate. They told me that if I didnt like the way it drives I shouldnt have purchased it. I wish I had been warned about a possible transmission issue when I researched the car on Edmunds.

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  Lexus Feature Value Hard to Beat - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Jmac - June 2 - 7:08 pm

  Great look, very comfortable to drive, safety features are the best, actual mileage beats the advertised expectations, one of the best on the road today. Feature value is unmatched.

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  Luxurious feeling ride. - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By Chris - May 30 - 11:43 pm

  This is my second Lexus. I kept my 2004 es330 11 years and never had any repair issues. It still drove beautifully. I recently got my new es350 which I just love. The navigation is so much easier to use. I am getting used to the new mouse pad. We looked at other cars but nothing drives as softly and quietly as a Lexus. In the end this is the only car I wanted. Its beautiful inside and I can adjust the seat perfectly. I love the memory mirrors and seats. The stereo sounds wonderful. I cant find anything to complain about. I will always be a Lexus owner. Thanks Lexus.

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  Fits my style like a glove - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By george - May 18 - 7:33 pm

  I dont drive for the thrill of it so a couch on wheels feel is what I wanted and got. I dont want to feel or hear the road, and this car does that perfectly. Its such a great car, but my only regret is that it should have its own unique exterior look. The Lexus dealership experience is like going to first class from coach class.

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  "Styling Imagery" - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Drjohn - May 12 - 11:46 am

  The lexus newest generation of cars is impressive. Ride quality and sound isolation is excellent combine with suprising performance and fuel economy makes this car a real pleasure to own.

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  A pleasure to drive - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By joe - May 8 - 4:03 am

  We purchased the car in Dec 2006 and I have put about 2500 miles on the car we love everything about it. It rides great and the only slight problem we have is it is a little noisy when it is not warmed up. We get a lot of compliments on the looks of the car. This is our first Lexus after owning a Mercedes-Benz truck and an Explorer truck. The quality is much better in the lexus I would definitely recommend this car

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  Only 700 miles on it - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By carl1949 - May 5 - 1:46 am

  I have spent a lot of time on this site reading reviews so I thought I would place my own. We shopped and shopped many makes and models. We have had our ES 350 for about a week and are loving it. We are averaging almost 30 mpg!! We live in the country and do a lot of highway driving. Only disappointment is the audio. The brochure and website are misleading. Makes you think if you opt for the navigation you will have the Mark Levinson. Not so. Very pleased overall.

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  Im in love with my ES 350 - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By car guy - April 30 - 6:00 pm

  Had the car for four weeks and still so very excited about it. Really look forward to driving it!! Just a pleasure to drive and operate all its features. This car really coddles its driver and passengers. It feels like its worth every penny of the price when you are behind the wheel. Takes curves and corners surprisingly well! Cant say enough good things about it!!