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Lexus ES - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Lexus ES ranks 2 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 47 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus ES, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2009 Lexus ES 350 is a sharp-looking entry-level luxury sedan with one of the smoothest rides in the upscale midsize class and the kind of sumptuous interior Lexus is famous for, combined with bulletproof Toyota reliability. Those two traits helped the Lexus ES win the U.S. News Best Car for the Money Award in the upscale midsized car class.

The automotive press often focuses on a car's track performance, particularly with cars in this price range.  Many buyers, however, aren't as concerned with that as they are with finding a comfortable, reliable car.

For that reason, we see criticisms of the Lexus ES like this one, from Motor Trend: "The Lexus ES 350 is seriously bland and unsporting. It offers an entirely forgettable driving experience, elicits no emotions, and serves as little more than a tool for getting from point A to point B."

But many car shoppers don't care.   The ES is stunningly quiet, more luxurious than many of its peers, and a forgiving car to drive. This car beats a good therapist as a way to relax, even in traffic.

It's also a tremendous value.  Entry-level luxury car shoppers are more focused than ever on getting a lot of car for their dollar in this economy, and the ES may be the best buy available in this segment of the market.  It retains its value over time, offers better fuel economy than many competitors, and with the Lexus reputation for dependability, it's a predictable expense.

That dependability, combined with a reasonable entry price, helped the car win our Best Midsize Car for the Money Award for 2009.

It the Lexus reliability reputation is what appeals to you but this car just doesn't seem to offer the driving fun that BMW and Infiniti do, you should know that Lexus actually makes two midsize cars at this price point.  The IS is the driver's car, and it's worth your time to check it out. 

The 2009 ES is unchanged from 2008 - all Lexus has added for this year is one new paint color.  It can be purchased in just one trim level, but with an extensive list of option packages available.  Those looking to keep the purchase price down, however, be warned: many of the ES' most luxurious amenities come at a considerable premium.

• "I never truly understood the meaning of the term 'easy street' until I got behind the wheel of a Lexus ES 350. Everything in this sedan is easy, from the way it drives and handles to the stereo and climate controls. It's easy to fall in love with, too." -- Mother Proof
• "Lexus paints its trimmer, tauter IS model as a performance luxury car. The bigger, more comfortable ES 350 is focused on coddling, which it does extremely well. If that's what you're looking for in a premium car, ES deserves a high spot on your shopping list." - Consumer Guide
• "The ES350 is meticulously designed and executed to avoid frustration, dampen stress, and lower the heart rate. What every Buick aspires to be." -- Car and Driver
• "With all the appointments of this latest model, the term near-luxury in no way does the car justice." -- AutoWeek
• "If you look at your car as a means of escape from the world rather than a connection to it, this is your ride. It is a cocoon of tranquility, and it will probably deliver many years of trouble-free transportation." -- New York Times
• "The new Lexus ES 350 has Toyota build quality and dependability, an interior equal to the Audi standard, and every modern gizmo Lexus can imagine." -- Motor Trend
• "The Lexus ES is a luxury sedan that celebrates smoothness, quietude and sophistication. It doesn't suffer the hard ride of a sports sedan. You can safely sip a cappuccino on the way to work. -- New Car Test Drive
• "If you're looking for a sport sedan, keep looking. ... But if it's a midsize near-luxury model you seek from a carmaker with one of the best reputations in the business for quality and customer satisfaction, the new ES should satisfy even more than its predecessor did." -- Newsday

ES Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)

The 2009 Lexus ES is no sports car.   Car and Driver calls it "the automotive antidote to stress and road rage in one very convenient and comfortable package."  Lexus offers drivers a quiet, comfortable cruise in a sumptuous interior instead of a white-knuckle, cornering machine.  But make no mistake, it's V6 is not underpowered -- just smooth.  Even performance-focused critics, like Motor Trend, concede that the car "can hardly be accused of being slow." continue

ES Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2009 Lexus ES is an attractive car, though some reviewers seem to find it unexciting.  It has a lot in common with the popular, but less luxurious, Toyota Camry.  Many reviewers see that as a problem in an entry-level luxury car. continue

ES Interior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The Lexus ES may well offer the most luxurious interior in the entry-level luxury car class.  It's definitely the quietest.  Reviewers say it offers materials of exceptional quality and a comfortable ergonomic layout.  The ES does not feature a single driver interface to controll climate and entertainment functions, like Audi's MMI or BMW's iDrive.  Many reviewers cite that in the car's favor. continue

ES Safety - 8.6 (Very Good)

The Lexus ES earns strong safety scores from the federal government, and earned top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in both frontal- and side-impact crash tests.  A full suite of safety equipment, including Electronic Stability Control and driver's side knee airbags, is included. continue

ES Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 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). Lexus offers a four-year/50,000-mile warranty on the ES. continue