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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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Kristin Martin - May 13 - 10:46 am

  Excellent choice for every kind of Buyer. Love this car

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  New to me - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By steve - May 12 - 2:13 am

  Ive had the car for a week, but Im very impressed. This is my wifes car, previous car was a 97 MB E320, I drive a BMW 330Ci so Im more performance oriented. This is a quality car, with all the bells and whistles you could ever want. Acceleration is very good, 6.7 0-60, super quiet, excellent transmission, etc. The electronics are fantastic. Plan to spend time with the manuals. The plastics are top quality. Got 31 mpg on the road back from the dealership, expect 24-26 combined driving. The styling is better in person than the pics. Id say if you want a lux car, loaded with techno, then this car offers the greatest bang for the buck.

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  Snow Performance - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Clarence - May 6 - 1:23 am

  Definitely not a snow car. First real snow test. Very poor performance. Perhaps snow tires would make difference.

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  Lexus es 350 - Great car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Glocktown - April 29 - 3:30 am

  The car is awesome. I will always buy lexus. Super smooth on the road, fast acceleration when you punch the pedal and the car looks great. My vehicle has the basic leather luxury package. Only complaints are the dim headlights or angles, and the stock radio stinks! For the price of the car, Lexus should give you a premium sound system, but that would be another 4k, no thanks.

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  Fourth Lexus owned - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By tallman96 - April 10 - 9:00 pm

  The 2007 is a big step from the 2006. It has a lot more leg room -- important for someone 6 4". Powerplant is far more responsive and transmission much improved too. The 2007 is a lot nicer to look at. Interior lighting is inadequate and center console is almost an embarrassment of cheapness. The double storage compartments of the 2006 are missed. The new one opens and closes awkwardly. Lighted garage door opener buttons would be welcomed. Getting average of 26 MPG which is great for a car with this much power. More fun to drive than 2006 ES 330.

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  Better Than My RAV4! - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Dan - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Awesome ride and so comfortable. Everything is easy to use and practical. I cant imagine a car driving any nicer than my new Lexus ES.

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  Imperfect Lexus Quality - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By toyzm - April 2 - 3:32 am

  Have chosen Lexus ES because of its well-known quality and reliability and value. Happy with its many well-thought features. Having read so much about uninspired driving experience, I didnt expect much about excitement. Still it has decent power and handling. However, the car already has rattles. A Lexus dealer said the rattle is from right front suspension; the car left in the dealer 2 nights and the issue was fixed under warranty. Now I hear another rattle from left rear side of the car. Researched online and found that Lexus under $40k, IS and ES, have had many rattle issues. Quite disappointed in this area.

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  Big Improvement over ES 330 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jim Rooney - March 12 - 12:26 am

  I drive a Mercedes E350 wagon, this is my wifes car but I love taking it for a spin once a week. It gets 30 mpg which is definitely more than my Benz. Also it is slightly quicker with a zero to sixty run of 7.0 sec. Also many options, silky smooth leather, and a very nice console display. Half the price of my Mercedes wagon yet looks just as luxurious. Very hard to believe this car is based off a Camry.

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  I LOVE IT!! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Michele - March 11 - 9:36 am

  This car is such a pleasure to drive! Granted I bought this after driving a toyota tercel for the past 10 years so anything is better. But its definitely THIS car. Its beautiful (inside and out)& drives well. I have the smokey granite mica exterior with black leather interior (ultra luxury package).

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  I Hate The Expresso Woodgrain - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Trinigold - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This car drives like a dream. The exterior color, matador red mica is awesome. I get compliments all the time. However, the interior is another story. I chose black leather because I thought that the ivory interior would be too hard to maintain. The black leather only comes with the espresso wood grain and not the brown walnut, which is dark and along with the dark leather is visually unappealing. The espresso wood grain should not have included in the first place. What were they thinking? In addition, I dont understand why a remote start is not an option. I am satisfied with everything about this car other than the two concerns mentioned above. Pan to change wood grain. Cost: $3500.00