EmailBest Reviewed
Luxury Cars
- Best "budget" luxury sedan 2008 Lexus ES 350 *Est. $34120
- Luxury car as technological showcase 2008 Lexus LS 460 *Est. $62900
- Best no-compromises luxury car 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 *Est. $87575
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Best "budget" luxury sedan
- Smooth ride
- Comfortable, quiet cabin
- Premium-grade interior materials
- Lexus' reputation for reliability, dealer service
- Decent gas mileage
- Soft handling is not sporty
- Steering is too light
- Styling is too conservative for some
Reviews consistently emphasize that the Lexus ES 350 is smooth, quiet and comfortable, but will not appeal to drivers who desire a sportier driving experience. The ES 350 is front-wheel drive only, with competent and predictable handling, but it cannot keep pace with similarly-priced rear-drive sports sedans, reviewers say. They recommend several sportier alternatives for drivers who want a car that's more fun to drive, such as the BMW 3 Series (*est. $32,700 to $53,800) or Infiniti G35 (*est. $32,250 to $34,750).
Reviews point out, however, that many entry-luxury car shoppers place a higher importance on a plush ride and reputation for quality and reliability. For them, many editors call the Lexus ES 350 a "perfect" choice for the money. The single engine is a 272-hp V-6, rated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Test drivers report respectable real-life mileage ranging from 19 to 27 mpg.
One of the best reviews comes from Edmunds.com, with a thoughtful summary of the Lexus ES 350's strengths and weaknesses. Consumer Reports also has an informative summary review and exclusive reliability information available only to subscribers. Among several recommendations for the Lexus ES 350 are top awards from Consumer Guide and Cars.com, both of which provide good road-test reviews. The Car Connection has a well-written summary of the ES sedan, and New Car Test Drive has a longer review with plenty of road-test details, although not much criticism. MotherProof.com gives some insight into the family friendliness of the ES 350.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com editors note that not all entry-luxury sedan buyers are looking for a sports sedan. For this "silent majority" who covet "classy styling, superb build quality, plenty of luxury features and a reputation for safety and reliability" the Lexus ES 350 is an excellent choice, editors say.
Review: 2008 Lexus ES 350 summary, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports have a good summary review of the Lexus ES 350. Consumer Reports is unique in that it compiles data on historical reliability through large, annual owner surveys. You must be a subscriber to read this report.
Review: 2008 Lexus ES 350 Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
3. Cars.com
Cars.com names the ES 350 a Best Bet. Editor Mike Hanley drives the 2007 model (virtually identical to the '08 version) and admits there are sportier alternatives, but says that the Lexus ES has strong appeal for its "capable performance, a serene ride, advanced safety features and a nicely appointed cabin."
Review: 2008 Lexus ES 350, Mike Hanley, Oct. 15, 2007
Consumer Guide gives the Lexus ES 350 its Best Buy rating, commenting that the ES 350 "is focused on coddling, which it does extremely well." Editors notes that the ES 350 "excels for cushioned comfort but trails rivals for composure on bumpy roads."
Review: 2008 Lexus ES 350 Full Review, Editors of Consumer Guide, Sept. 25, 2008
The Car Connection's Marty Padgett says the conservatively-styled ES 350 "handles with competence and predictability" but is otherwise uninvolving. He also adds, "Hard cornering is actively discouraged by lots of body roll and ample tire squeal."
Review: 2008 Lexus ES 350 Bottom Line, Marty Padgett
New Car Test Drive's Jim McCraw says the ES 350 is "an excellent choice among luxury sedans, particularly when comfort and ride quality are priorities." Other than noting that "we'd like a little more steering feel in corners and on the highway," the review has very little criticism.
Review: 2008 Lexus ES -- Smooth, quick, luxurious sedan, Jim McCraw
J.D. Power & Associates offers car reviews in its Power Steering blog. Reviewer Christian Wardlaw says Lexus offers the IS for those who want a sport sedan, while the ES 350 is focused on comfort. He says, "Evaluated from that perspective, the Lexus ES reigns supreme over the competition."
Review: 2008 Lexus ES 350, Christian Wardlaw, others, July 10, 2008
Mother Proof gives insight into the aspects of new cars as they relate to everyday family life with kids. Contributor Lori Hindman clearly enjoys driving the car, but loses a bit of credibility in her giddiness and a few ambiguous phases such as, "In traffic or at high speeds, the car requires almost no thought to drive."
Review: 2008 Lexus ES 350 – Elegant Sedan Gives Mom Some Class, Lori Hindman, Sept. 9, 2008
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