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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  One of first built - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Tommy Mather - April 11 - 8:13 am

  This is not my first Lexus and the only problem is the car has developed squeaks and rattles, sounds like the whole panel has a body flex when going over bumps. The whole panel behind and in roof sounds as if it is bending and making a terrible noise. It has been back to dealer and they have replaced seat and other parts still the same noise rattles/vibrates when I turn. I have stopped using the car 7,000 km in the last year used to be over 20,000 km. Great performance. I have only used premium and it returns great gas mileage. It takes several tries for the voice-recognition system to work. I will most likely go back to Infiniti.

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  Love - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Chuck - March 30 - 11:39 pm

  Have had-14 caddys,4 Lincolns and 7 Mercedes and this is the finest car I have ever owned!

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  Toyota Lexus quality slipping - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By yankster53 - March 25 - 9:06 pm

  Not happy here, ES 350 and paint chips all over the hood, this car is primarily driven by 56 yr old stroke victim who drives 3 miles to Krogers few times a week, it is 08 and has 27K miles on it. Tires are shot, rattle inside that has been there for a long time. Leather seats are not holding up, gas mileage is good for the amount of power it has. This will be the last Lexus/Toyota product... I go back to 1976 Celica, 80 Cressida, 90 Celica, 2005 Sequoia 2006 Scion XB and they would be sorely mistaken thinking I would ever purchase again from them. Nuf said...

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  Great car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By gray fox - March 25 - 12:43 am

  If you can bond with the extra light front wheel drive steering you will love this car. It is quiet, powerful, smooth,and has comfortable seats both front and rear. The gauges are easy to read. We just returned from a 2400 mile trip and averaged 32.69 miles per gallon. The only problem is that the CD player is not working properly. While not a "drivers car", It is a great driving vehicle. I would highly recommend it.

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  Very Pleased - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Bob Chase - March 19 - 6:04 pm

  I purchased the Lexus ES-350 primarily for comfort. I got exactly what I hoped for. Further, designers provided unexpected features for convenience. My only suggestion would be to reengineer the climate controls. It is far too difficult to understand and execute the means for turning on and off the air conditioning.

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  Steering shake & wobble at highway speed - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By zee - February 15 - 8:43 am

  The car is nicely built. At 65 mph and above at highway speeds the car wobbles and the steering wheel shakes.The car has been in for repairs at least more than 5 times in two months. At the dealership they tested new ES 350 2007 cars from the lot, they all had the same problem.The dealership and the Lexus company cannot fix this problem. Lexus HQ from California cannot suggest any repair to this problem, they say it is the characteristic of the car and I should keep driving the car with the steering shake and wobble at highway speeds. I am totally frustrated with this car experience. Spending $40000 and asking for headaches.

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  All Around A Great Experince - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By U.S. Coast Guard - February 9 - 11:20 pm

  While I have not owned my car since new, it has been such a great experience from both the performance aspects of both the car and the dealership, Lexus of Omaha. I have been a loyal Buick owner for 15 years and when it came time to replace my Park Avenue Ultra, I cringed. Buick no longer makes the Park Avenue and I have not been thrilled with their latest offerings. Reliability and longevity were my criteria in selecting my new car. So many people that have owned a Lexus product swear by the reliability of the cars. One owner I talked to was on their third Lexus having got 430,000 miles on the first one, and 375,000 miles on the second with no transmission problems. Consumer reports also rates the Lexus brand as having a good track record for reliability. I chose to go with a pre-owned Lexus ES 350 with 44,000 miles. Having the warranty from the Lexus dealer was added peace of mind. The ride comfort, low cabin noise level, and acceleration made missing the Park Avenue for just those reasons relieve me from my angst. Driving is part of my job as a manager and all-around comfort and performance are of major importance. The other aspect of owning a Lexus has been the experience of how I have been treated by everyone at the dealership, especially Rob, the general manager. I had reservations about not driving an American made car, but the way the dealership has gone out of their way to make sure I was happy has been absolutely exceptional and without peer in my all my years. This is the way we used to do business in this country by taking care of the customer, and in my mind, this removed any anxieties I had of not buying an American car. My fiancee having been witness to my experience, decided to get a new Lexus from Rob and his team. In doing so, she gave up the albatross of high cost of ownership that comes with every BMW, where the cost of service borders upon being absurd. I am so totally sold. The dedication and service that Lexus of Omaha has shown to me by exceeding my expectations makes the dedication to the Lexus product and people all that easier and gratifying.

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  To Date, A Great Car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By R. Howard - February 8 - 7:16 am

  The new ES 350 has been a great car to date. If youre looking for an entry level luxury car at a decent price, its definitely worth a look. It can get pricey with all of the options, but if you watch it, its actually a pretty good value in this segment. Ride, handling, performance, build quality and gas mileage have not disappointed. Although our car still has very few miles on it, I would recommend it. Worth a look and a test drive. It might not match some "sports sedans" in all areas, but I think its an overall very good performer that will hold its value well and be satisfying over the long run.

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  I what I hoped for in a luxury car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By carbuff - February 6 - 3:26 pm

  The ES 350 has met or exceeded my every expectation. It is comfortable, safe and sedate. It is equipped with every feature that I think a luxury car should have.

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  happiness on wheels - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By denise - January 29 - 3:50 pm

  The car handles great on highways and around town. The car is amazing its new design is so fine. This car is always causing a commotion wherever I go. The car is the best driving experience that I ever had! It is good to look at and makes you feel young, this is a happier ever after experience.