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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  Exceeds expections - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Dave - October 30 - 4:53 pm

  Bought this car after driving my RX for 10 years, which now my son is driving. Love the features, bluetooth for phone, parking assist, navigation, rear shade, auto wipers, and heated/cooled seats. Black interior can be a challenge to keep looking new but love driving it and the gas mileage is 25+ City and around 30 on highway. Would recommend to anyone. Looking to buy a third Lexus now, which brought me to this page!

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  Smooooth - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By bigt - October 21 - 4:23 pm

  Weve had this car for a month now and it has been everything we could want. Its stylish, very comfortable, great handling, and fast. The best way to describe it is it is the ultimate in smooth. Every electronic feature I could imagine is included.

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  Pretty good, but... - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Picky in PA - October 17 - 5:43 am

  Car looks great, is quiet and comfortable, with many nice touches. Initial build quality was not up to Lexus standards - multiple trips to dealer to address creaks and rattles, especially in and around dashboard. Center console is uncomfortable (padding on top is too thin), and it is frustrating that the nav is largely inoperable when moving (especially as the voice recognition is flakey). Also, the standard audio is barely adequate, especially regarding bass output. All that being said, this is still the best car that I could find in its price range, given its variety of features & functions, and its quietness, comfort & power.

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  2014 ES350 disappointing on the Inside - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By btiger14 - October 16 - 2:20 pm

  This is our third ES350. Disappointed in what Lexus did to save a few bucks. For example the CD Changer is gone, replaced by single disc; the holder for sunglasses above the console - gone; the various console cubbies for storage - gone; lighting above each rear seat on each side - gone. Ash tray and lighter (plug) gone - lost that plug. Front seats are narrower. The car just feels tighter on the inside. With the lighting changes and the deletion of the CD Changer Lexus has cheapened the interior. The trunk is not as easy to get stuff into because it is a deeper access. Cargo net is installed with bolts - makes it hard to get to the spare. Shd have just bought out the 2011 lease.

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  Lexus Delivers - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By nelson - October 7 - 2:23 am

  After looking at many competing vehicles, including Mercedes E-Class, we settled on the ES 350 Pebble Beach edition, with nav and the usual amenities. The Lexus is quite reminiscent of the Benz E Class in power, room and fun to drive. The stats are quite close. Lexus keeps surprising us. We had one of the first RX 300s, and have had the ES 300. This new vehicle blows the predecessors away, with power, quiet and technology (as expected). On the minus side, the visibility could be improved with a higher windshield and back window. On the plus side is the ride quality, which is why we went back to Lexus.

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  First Lexus, but not the last - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Paul R. Mow - September 23 - 6:43 pm

  Purchased this fantastic car on 9/26/2006. What you immediately notice is how quiet the car is. Once you start to drive the car, you will marvel at the incredibly smooth ride. The car glides down the road as if it were on a cushion of air! The steering is quick giving the car a surprisingly agile feel. Maybe the IS 350 was meant to be the sportier car, but the ES 350 is no slouch! The car is quite fast off-the-line. The seats are extremely comfortable. If you like being pampered at an affordable price, this car is definitely for you. My wife chose the "Golden Almond Metallic" color and it looks terrific in the sun. Havent met anyone who doesnt like this color once they see it!

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  Luxury - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Larry Woods - September 19 - 12:56 pm

  Good vehicle for safety and soundness

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  Lots of Luxury! - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Betty - September 8 - 8:46 pm

  Ive had 6 new cars and this is the most luxurious yet. I love all of the fancy features. It is a joy to drive, gets EXCELLENT gas mileage and is very comfortable for my 40 mile roundtrip commute each day. I did a lot of research prior to purchase and the only other car that beat the LEXUS was the 2009 Jaguar XF. Unfortunately, my budget wouldnt allow that but Im very happy with my second choice.

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  Suprised - terrible GPS and bluetooth - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Sanford - August 25 - 8:20 am

  I have never owned a Lexus before. I was impressed by the test drive and buying experience. However, since owning the car for a while the integrated GPS is disaster and the blue tooth phone system does not work well either. I think it has to do with the microphone placement. I also own a Ford explorer (which has its own issues) but the GPS and bluetooth phone features just plain work better. I dont think I will buy another Lexus. I expected to pay more and have an issue free car but that is not the case.

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  Great Value for Luxury - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By David - August 23 - 7:16 pm

  Just got a 09 ES 350, with premium plus package and extras at invoice. Great value compared to G37, Maxima SV, Genesis and CTS. Ride is very comfortable, obviously not sporty, but its also not "Buickesse" either, unlike some reviews have stated. The engine is very smooth and really moves this vehicle in manual shift.