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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  Not totally happy - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By frostyr - January 2 - 2:20 am

  I feel that the car is good but not great. The seats are not very comfortable, the stereo does not sound very good and the voice recognition does not work well. My main complaint is that there is a rattle or creaking from the dashboard. On the plus side, the car has great forward visibility and gets great mileage.

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  Truly Exceptional - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By apar72 - December 27 - 11:23 pm

  Having owned a 5 series, (2) 3 series convertibles, and an 2003 Lexus Es300, I felt compelled to write about the 2007 Lexus ES 350. On to the good stuff, the 350 engine has all the power you need, much better than the lackluster performance of the es300. it does have significant body roll and a slight delay in throttle response (drive by wire). Than again its a lexus not a corvette. The fit and finish quality is outstanding, the ride is very soft, no rattles, drives like a smaller version of the LS 430. Extremely quite interior and well appointed at that. If you like a real "luxury" car than there is no better. This is not a Camry and anyone who says it drives like one does not have a clue.

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  Its a blessing - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Vasche - December 13 - 11:36 pm

  This is my first brand new car, and to drive it is so much fun, its very comfy and looks good too. The only problem I have with the car is that there are too many of them around now. Copycats! Also, I use to drive like a racer before, but this car definitely calms you down and encourages you to enjoy the ride. Absolutely love it.

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  TREMENDOUS : 2011 ES 350 awd sedan - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By mitchellrowe - December 5 - 9:26 am

  Build : Japan : Flawless Colors : Double Black with Body Side Mouldings Xenons : Brighter than the 2009 traded Interior : Superb Materials , Build Quality , Rear Privacy Shade , Navigation Package with Destination Assist , XM Radio with Traffic + Weather . Fuel : Regular - 87 Octane Noiseless Inside Cabin Factory Trunk Money Brings Price Down Years Reccomend . Hands Down ... The Best . Compares with my LS 460 Favorably .

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  2012 ES 350 : Last of the Run - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By mitchellrowe - December 5 - 5:47 am

  The 2010 , 2011 , and 2012 ES 350 are the last of the production run for the model . History since 1990 shows the end of the run with Lexus are the best of the best cars . We bought a 2011 , and 2012 Ultra Luxury with the Levinson radio . The Ess are as near perfect as one can buy . Do not hesitate , on the Es . History will rate them like 55 chevys . Dont hesitate , buy em before its too late . This sedan is a 10 .

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  2003 Lexus ES 300 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Sunny - December 4 - 11:40 pm

  I have 160k on my 2003. I bought this because I was tired of my Xterras hard suspension. So I wanted a reliable and comfortable car. I thought the reliability would be bullet proof. Ok so it is reliable. Except at about 90k my battery died. So I immediately bought a new one on the same day. Next day battery died again. So I did recharge and never had prob again. I also had to replace the A/C at 90k. Other than that, the rear right window wont go down. So I guess you may say that Ive been fortunate.

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  improvement of the perfect car with awd - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By mitchellrowe - December 2 - 9:59 am

  how does the factory improve the best? 1- they made it 4" longer : smooth quiter ride , more legroom in the back 2 - kept the same price as the 2012 and 2011 when new 3- same engine and tranny thats quite perfect 4- added lane assist as option ------------ - -NEGATIVES " NO SPARE TIRE ( a donut) ------luxury package worth the $ -------- MY DEALER , LEXUS of CHERRY HILL (nj) , AS ALWAYS , DELIVERED THE CAR PERFECTLY. BEST SALES MGR. IN THE BIZ : MICHAEL C... ***** ( 5 STAR GUY )

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  Falling behind - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By aadez - November 29 - 5:45 pm

  My biggest disappointment is the Avrg 18.9 MPG in totally flat streets and highways in South Florida. Not even close to the sticker 27 mpg. The center arm rest is difficult to slide open. The phone and ipod connections are inconveniently inside the center console. The side mirrors automatically point to the ground in reverse making it impossible for one to see approaching cars or obstacles on both sides other than those on the ground. Hardly any space to hide or place objects. This is my 4th and last ES350. Have not owned one in 5 years and seems Im driving the same old Lexus with new inconveniences added. Mats are thinner and do not match the carpet color. Incomplete under dash carpet.

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  Certified - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By Rico - November 12 - 10:36 am

  Only buy a certified used car

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  Not a car, but rather poorly integrated collection of features - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By mentin - November 10 - 9:52 am

  My wife moved from Infiniti G20 to Lexus ES 350. While the new car is definitely an upgrade in some dimensions, where G20 from the very start felt like well designed car that does everything exactly as you want it to do, ES feels like a poorly integrated list of features - kind of the way (bad) software was done and advertised in nineties. Up to the point that when the rest of the car moved from daylight saving time, the navigation is still on summer time. There are tons of features in this car, but when you actually start to use them, you find out they are garbage.