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When the Lexus ES 350 was introduced in 2007, it earned a spot on our Best New Cars of 2007 list for its combination of comfort, luxury and value-for-money. Now in its third year of production, the ES 350 is little changed -- as are the reasons to love it. But several new competitors have sprung up in the past couple of years -- so does the ES 350 still stand out? Read on.
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- Everything a Lexus should be: Handsome, smooth, quiet and comfortable
- Offers similar options to those found on high-end Lexus models
- Reasonably priced
- Leather seats are an extra-cost option
- Not very involving to drive
- ES 350 is the entry-level Lexus model; shares mechanical bits with the Toyota Camry
- Price range: $35,145 - $46,625
- Model tested/price: ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition, $41,995
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 19 MPG city/27 MPG highway
- Best rivals: Lincoln MKZ, Infiniti G37, Hyundai Genesis Sedan
Lexus builds very nice cars -- posh, smooth, quiet and relaxing -- and the ES 350 is the most cost-effective way to surround yourself with all that Lexus goodness. Critics dismiss the ES 350 as a glorified Toyota Camry, and maybe it is -- but so what? The ES 350 is designed to coddle, not to thrill, although it has plenty of power and holds the road quite nicely. If using the guts of a Camry helps keep the cost down, well, so be it.
Pricing for the ES 350 starts at $36,425. Okay, that's not entirely true. The actual base price is $35,145, but that's with cloth seats -- and who the heck wants a Lexus with cloth seats? The $1,280 Premium Package is the cheapest way to get leather. I tested the $39,115 Pebble Beach Edition, which includes special paint and trim and several options (including heated and cooled front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and rear seat airbags) plus the buyer's choice of gift packages (Callaway golf clubs and balls, a leather luggage set, a $200 gift certificate for Viking Cooking Schools, etc.). Personally, I'd skip the Pebble Beach edition and spend my money on some of the ES 350's cooler options, like the Mark Levinson DVD-audio system, touch-screen navigation, or active cruise control, which automatically matches the ES350's speed to the car ahead.
The biggest thorn in the ES 350's side is the Hyundai Genesis, a significantly bigger car that offers V8 power and rear-wheel-drive -- though not as many high-tech gizmos -- for about the same price as the front-wheel-drive ES 350. The Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are better to drive, and the 2010 Lincoln MKZ does everything the ES does, and nearly as well. But if what you want is a quiet, comfortable car with handsome styling, first-class amenities and a proven reputation for bulletproof build quality, the ES 350 is still the one to have. -- Aaron Gold
