Lexus ES
Overall Score - 9.2 (Excellent)
The ES 350 delivers a powerful, smooth ride, luxurious comfort and overall good looks, but isn't as sporty as others in its competitive class.
The 2007 Lexus ES 350 distinguishes itself from its ready-to-run competitors by focusing on driver and passenger comfort rather than outright handling and performance. "The ES is targeted at buyers who value a cushier ride and increased insulation from the road, rather than a dynamic and interactive driving experience," says Forbes. Though it's a car that's not likely to please gearheads, the ES 350 is the perfect choice for drivers looking for a comfortable ride wrapped in a blanket of superior styling and an air of success. Automobile Magazine calls the ES "exactly the kind of car Lexus does best: a plush, comfortable conveyance for people who don't care a whit about sportiness," while Motor Trend adds, "you've been warned: The perfect car is out there."
Perhaps the execution by the engineers at Lexus is best summed up by USA TODAY, which states, "part of what makes the '07 ES 350 so impressive is a bundle of nothing: Nothing stupid about it. Nothing spoils the elegance of the interior. Nothing seems out of place or thoughtless. Nothing caused the test car to misbehave in routine and spirited driving. Nothing was complicated to operate, despite layers of advanced technology."
The ES comes in one trim level, making its MSRP seem like a bargain. However, many touches that make a luxury sedan truly luxurious don't come standard on the ES, and the desired add-ons come at a premium. As Car.com says, "While the sticker price of the ES 350 is competitive, even a good value for the car you get, adding a few options can really zoom the final price tag. Our car was priced at more than $40,000. Shoot - does anyone think buying an ES for 40k or more is a good deal?" However, IntelliChoice gives the base ES an "excellent" value rating, based on an estimated five-year total cost of ownership.
ES Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
On balance, reviewers evaluating the Lexus ES find it a very quiet, comfortable and well-engineered vehicle, with a strong engine and smooth transmission. However, it should not be considered a sporty luxury vehicle. Car and Driver calls it "the automotive antidote to stress and road rage in one very convenient and comfortable package." continue
ES Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
The exterior styling of the ES receives generally strong praise from reviewers, though some believe the styling is too plain. "From the nose on, the sheetmetal flows into a rakish, aerodynamic body," reports Motor Trend. Though reviewers generally don't see the Lexus as flashy, many believe that the ES projects confidence, power and success. continue
ES Interior - 9.0 (Excellent)
With leather and plush seating, reviewers almost universally describe the cabin of the ES as extremely quiet and comfortable. The level of soft comfort provided by the car causes Car and Driver to call the ES "the closest thing to driving a Sealy Posturepedic." continue
ES Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)
The 2007 Lexus ES comes full of standard safety features, and receives the highest rating possible in both front and side-impact crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In government crash tests, the ES also receives the highest possible score (5 stars out of 5) in frontal impacts. In side impacts, it receives 5 stars out of 5 for front seat protection, and 4 stars out of 5 for backseat protection. continue
ES Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2007 Lexus ES reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Lexus ES is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. continue
