2010 Lexus ES
- 2009 Lexus ES
- Used Lexus ES
Based on analysis of 46 ES reviews and test drives.
Lexus ES - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Lexus ES ranks 2 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 46 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus ES, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
If you’re looking for comfort, smoothness and isolation from the road in an upscale midsize car, the 2010 Lexus ES may be the best choice the automotive world has to offer. Rock-solid Lexus reliability only adds to its appeal. If you want sporty performance, however, there are a number of more athletic options that are worth your attention.
The 2010 Lexus ES is a car that tests the biases of the automotive press. Some reviewers criticize the car because it can’t hold its own in track testing against sport sedans aimed at driving enthusiasts, like the BMW 3-Series or Infiniti G37. Some complain about its conservative styling next to aggressive designs like the Cadillac CTS or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Built on the same chassis as the pedestrian Toyota Camry, the ES just doesn’t match those cars in dynamics or attitude.
Yet, the ES outsells most of those cars easily, because many buyers have different interests than enthusiast-focused car magazines.
"There is nothing exciting about the 2010 Lexus ES 350. It could be filled with fireworks, painted fuchsia and launched over 23 school buses by Robbie Knievel and still be less interesting than every other entry-level luxury sedan on the market," writes Edmunds. Yet, they conceded, it “remains a top choice among entry-level luxury sedans,” because “excitement isn't the be-all and end-all requirement in this segment, despite what marketers and car enthusiast media would advocate.”
The 2010 ES may be the most comfortable car available in its price range. It offers a supple ride that insulates driver and passengers from road bumps, outside noise and anything else that might intrude on a commute. ES owners can comfortably settle into their ventilated leather seats, turn on the extraordinary (optional) 14-speaker surround-sound audio system and calmly pilot their luxurious cruiser through a daily commute or a long road trip, barely wasting a thought on their car.
Just a few years ago, Lexus was the only automaker to build an upscale midsize car with such a comfort-oriented personality. This year, however, the car has clear competitors. The all-new 2010 Buick Lacrosse is such a close competitor that the ES is mentioned in many Lacrosse reviews. It’s also a few thousand dollars cheaper and a few inches larger in most cabin measurements, and carries a longer warranty. ES shoppers might want to test drive the Lacrosse before making a purchase. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis is also nearly as comfortable as this car -- and it offers a bit more performance for a similar price.
But shoppers might well test drive those cars and return to this one. After all, the ES is a tremendous value. Its long reliability history means solid resale value and its V6 is reasonable fuel-efficient. With those attributes, the mechanically-similar 2009 edition of this car won out Best Midsize Car for the Money Award last year.
For 2010, Lexus has tweaked the exterior styling of the ES, and redesigned its dashboard to increase storage capacity. Lexus Enform, a new telematics system that puts drivers in contact with an operator who can provide turn-by-turn directions, like GM’s OnStar, is now available. Lexus Safety Connect, also new for 2010, can automatically notify emergency services in the event of an accident.
Shoppers should note that the ES is included in a massive and highly-publicized recall due to a floormat design that can trap the vehicle's accelerator pedal, causing unintended acceleration. Lexus safety personnel have informed us that customers can currently purchase a 2010 ES with floormats. The car will be delivered with the driver's side floormat attached to the track of the driver's seat with zip ties. Customers are asked not to remove the ties. Lexus will contact buyers with a recall notice when a permanent fix is available.
- “The Camry-based ES350 puts the emphasis on a plush ride, a pampering interior, and impeccable reliability. It glides the byways with a big, luxurious interior but without any pretension. Look to Acura or a German make if fun is a purchase priority.” -- Car and Driver
- The ES 350 ranks among the fiercest competitors in the entry-luxury segment. We think it's an excellent choice among luxury sedans, particularly when comfort and ride quality are priorities.” -- New Car Test Drive
- +“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, put this sedan at the top of your list." -- Consumer Guide
- "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
- “It would be harsh to call it a road-going couch, if for no other reason than the lack of a bench in the front. Road-going La-Z-Boy recliner would be a more apt description. Often derided as being little more than a gussied-up Toyota Camry -- the two are built on the same platform -- the ES is actually substantially different.” -- Motor Trend
ES Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2010 Lexus ES isn’t built to take on the BMW 3-Series or the Cadillac CTS in the sort of sport sedan performance comparisons that many car magazines love to publish. Lexus builds its more athletic IS cousin for that. Instead, the ES is the ultimate family car and luxury commuter. It offers ample power for any situation, and a soft, luxurious ride over even rough roads. Driving enthusiasts need not apply, but those who want a sumptuous ride may not find a better car than this one. Read More
ES Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)
For 2010, Lexus has made subtle revisions to the exterior of the 2010 ES. The overall impression the car gives off, however, is still a restrained one. Reviewers have little to say about the understated look of the ES. Read More
ES Interior - 9.0 (Excellent)
Many sub-$40,000 entry-level luxury cars are sold primarily as sport sedans, but the Lexus ES is sold as a luxury cruiser. Because of that, designers worked hard to build what might be called the most sumptuous cabin available at this price range. Reviewers warn, however, that optional electronic upgrades can quickly escalate the Lexus’s price. Read More
ES Safety - 8.6 (Very Good)
Both the federal government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have given the ES very good crash test scores. For 2010, the ES comes with Lexus’s new Safety Connect system, which can contact emergency services on the driver’s behalf in the event of an accident. Read More
ES Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2010 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 protects ES buyers with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. Read More
