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2007 Lexus ES 350 Full Review
Date Published: 4/09/08
Also in the 2007 Lexus ES 350 Review:
2007 Lexus ES 350 Review
Lexus's best-selling car is redesigned for 2007 with fresh styling, more power, and additional features. The ES remains essentially a luxury version of the Toyota Camry; Lexus is Toyota's premium division. It gains 2.2 inches in wheelbase compared to the 2002-2006 version, but other dimensions are little-altered. Called the ES 350 for its 272-hp 3.5-liter V6, it replaces the ES 330, which had a 218-hp 3.3-liter V6. The sole transmission is again an automatic, but it's a 6-speed vs. a 5-speed. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. Newly optional is Lexus's Pre-Collision System, which readies airbags, seatbelts, and brakes when sensors detect a skid or imminent crash. It's paired with newly available adaptive cruise control.
Standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags are joined for '07 by front knee airbags and by optional rear side airbags. Wood interior trim and a sunroof are included; leather upholstery is optional. Newly available is an Ultra Luxury Package with a "panorama" glass roof. A navigation system is again optional, and now includes a rearview camera. Newly optional are steering-linked headlamps.
Standard front side airbags and curtain side airbags are joined for '07 by front knee airbags and by optional rear side airbags. Wood interior trim and a sunroof are included; leather upholstery is optional. Newly available is an Ultra Luxury Package with a "panorama" glass roof. A navigation system is again optional, and now includes a rearview camera. Newly optional are steering-linked headlamps.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
News
The latest ES has just launched, so no major near-term changes are forecast. A gas/electric hybrid version seems a strong possibility by 2009.
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2007 Lexus ES 350 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Steering feel |
| Quietness | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
V6 takes a moment to summon power, but then scoots away with satisfying strength. Test example did 6.4 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission changes gears smoothly, but can require lots of throttle to deliver a highway-speed downshift.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
V6 takes a moment to summon power, but then scoots away with satisfying strength. Test example did 6.4 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission changes gears smoothly, but can require lots of throttle to deliver a highway-speed downshift.
Fuel Economy
Test ES 350s averaged 19.6-19.8 mpg overall. Other examples averaged 26.3 mpg in mostly highway driving and 18.9 with more city use and gas-eating acceleration runs. Lexus recommends premium-grade fuel.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test ES 350s averaged 19.6-19.8 mpg overall. Other examples averaged 26.3 mpg in mostly highway driving and 18.9 with more city use and gas-eating acceleration runs. Lexus recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
ES models excel for cushioned comfort, but they trail European rivals for composure on bumpy roads. Some bobbing and pitching noted at high speeds.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
ES models excel for cushioned comfort, but they trail European rivals for composure on bumpy roads. Some bobbing and pitching noted at high speeds.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Competent front-drive behavior. But ride-biased suspension tuning precludes sporty cornering poise of Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35. Steering filters out most road feel. Good brake performance, though pedal mushy in simulated panic stops.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7.2 |
Competent front-drive behavior. But ride-biased suspension tuning precludes sporty cornering poise of Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35. Steering filters out most road feel. Good brake performance, though pedal mushy in simulated panic stops.
Quietness
Among class leaders. Excellent isolation from road and wind. V6 suffers minor vibration at idle, but sounds rich in rapid acceleration.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Among class leaders. Excellent isolation from road and wind. V6 suffers minor vibration at idle, but sounds rich in rapid acceleration.
Controls
Large gauges clearly marked. Steering wheel spoke hides windshield wiper stalk, and rain-sensing wiper function frustratingly inconsistent. Navigation system absorbs some audio and climate controls, requiring familiarization. Wood trim, padded surfaces, grained panels add to upscale ambiance.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Large gauges clearly marked. Steering wheel spoke hides windshield wiper stalk, and rain-sensing wiper function frustratingly inconsistent. Navigation system absorbs some audio and climate controls, requiring familiarization. Wood trim, padded surfaces, grained panels add to upscale ambiance.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Tall occupants will complain of too little head clearance beneath housing from sunroof or panorama ceiling. Generous leg room. Seats nicely padded, contoured for set-and-forget support. Power tilt/telescope steering column replaces previous manual-tilt-only unit for finer tuning of driving position, though power-adjustable pedals no longer offered. Fine outward visibility enhanced by convenience of rearview camera.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Tall occupants will complain of too little head clearance beneath housing from sunroof or panorama ceiling. Generous leg room. Seats nicely padded, contoured for set-and-forget support. Power tilt/telescope steering column replaces previous manual-tilt-only unit for finer tuning of driving position, though power-adjustable pedals no longer offered. Fine outward visibility enhanced by convenience of rearview camera.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Again, taller riders will want more head room. Plenty of knee clearance, through toe space a tad tight beneath front seats. Cushion comfortably shaped, but a little low to floor for best thigh support. Three-across will be OK for short distances thanks to soft padding, nearly flat floorboard that makes center position more comfortable than most. Panorama roof enhances airy cabin feel. Easy entry/exit.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Again, taller riders will want more head room. Plenty of knee clearance, through toe space a tad tight beneath front seats. Cushion comfortably shaped, but a little low to floor for best thigh support. Three-across will be OK for short distances thanks to soft padding, nearly flat floorboard that makes center position more comfortable than most. Panorama roof enhances airy cabin feel. Easy entry/exit.
Cargo Room
Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges impede on otherwise roomy, usefully shaped trunk. Low liftover, but opening cramped for loading bulky boxes. Rear seatback has pass-through opening. Cabin storage just adequate. Center console lid slides up and back, making access to console bin awkward.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges impede on otherwise roomy, usefully shaped trunk. Low liftover, but opening cramped for loading bulky boxes. Rear seatback has pass-through opening. Cabin storage just adequate. Center console lid slides up and back, making access to console bin awkward.
Value within Class
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. That's what makes ES a Best Buy pick among premium-midsize cars.
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 10 | 9 | 6.1 |
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. That's what makes ES a Best Buy pick among premium-midsize cars.
Total Score
| Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys. | Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg. | Class Average |
| 68 | 67 | 62.2 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 49 | |
| Average Score | 62 | |
| High Score | 75 |
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2007 Lexus ES 350 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/23/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan | $33,170 | $29,410 | $695 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 10-way power front seats, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, iPod connection, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 215/55R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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Base
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$1,280
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$1,098
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Leather upholstery, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel). Requires rear side airbags, wireless cell phone link.
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Premium Plus Pkg.
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Base
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$2,480
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$2,058
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Premium Pkg. plus heated/cooled front seats, power driver-seat cushion extender, rain-sensing wipers. Requires rear side airbags, wireless cell phone link.
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Ultra Luxury Pkg.
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Base
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$5,380
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$4,378
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Premium Plus Pkg. plus rear side airbags, power panorama sunroof, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power rear sunshade, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, full-size spare tire, unique alloy wheels. Requires Mark Levinson Navigation Audio Pkg. or navigation system.
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Navigation System/Mark Levinson Audio Pkg.
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Base
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$4,050
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$3,350
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Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, Mark Levinson AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer, wireless cell phone link. Requires Premium Pkg., Premium Plus Pkg., or Ultra Luxury Pkg.
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Pre-Collision System
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Base
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$2,250
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$1,800
|
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Includes adaptive cruise control. Requires Premium Plus Pkg. and steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights or Ultra Luxury Pkg.
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Preferred Accessory Pkg.
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Base
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$194
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$116
|
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Cargo mat and net, wheel locks.
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Safety |
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Rear side airbags
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Base
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$250
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$200
|
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Require Premium Pkg. or Premium Plus Pkg.
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Front-and rear-obstacle-detection system
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Base
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$500
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$400
|
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Requires Premium Pkg., Premium Plus Pkg., or Ultra Luxury Pkg.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base
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$2,650
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$2,230
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Includes voice recognition, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link. Requires Premium Pkg., Premium Pkg. Plus, or Ultra Luxury Pkg.
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Heated/cooled front seats
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Base
|
$640
|
$512
|
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Requires Premium Pkg.
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Satellite radio
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Base
|
$486
|
$389
|
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Wireless cell phone link
|
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Base
|
$300
|
$240
|
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Requires Premium Pkg. or Premium Plus Pkg.
|
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Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
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Base
|
$330
|
$264
|
|
Requires Premium Pkg. or Premium Plus Pkg.
|
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Power rear sunshade
|
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Base
|
$210
|
$168
|
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Requires Premium Pkg. or Premium Plus Pkg.
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Rubber floormats
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Base
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$95
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$58
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights
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Base
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$815
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$652
|
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Requires Premium Pkg. or Premium Plus Pkg.
|
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Rear spoiler
|
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Base
|
$299
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$199
|
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Full-size spare tire
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Base
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$205
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$164
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Special alloy wheels
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Base
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$1,250
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$878
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Lexus ES 350 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lexus ES 350 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3580 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /211 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 272 @ 6200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 254 @ 4700 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed automatic | 21/30 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lexus ES 350 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Navigation System (Generation 5 Navigation System with rear camera, Bluetooth, and voice-activation with destination input), Intuitive Parking Assist, Premium Plus Package (perforated leather trim interior with memory driverÂ’s seat and front passenger seats, outside mirrors, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, driverÂ’s power cushion extender, rain-sensing wipers), Wood and Leather Steering Wheel, Full Size Spare Tire, High Intensity Discharge Headlamps w/AFS, Power Rear Sunshade, Preferred Accessory Package (trunk mat, cargo net, wheel locks) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 19.79 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski ES 350, thankfully, is more than just a gilded Camry. There's plenty of luxury, and for quiet cruising, this sedan has few equals. Keep a close eye on option selection, as it's very easy to break $41,000. At that price, ES becomes a less-compelling value against other premium midsize cars that are just as luxurious and far more entertaining to drive. John Biel The ES350's room, comfort, coddling, and power are all at the proper percentages, and at $33,170 to start, are quite affordable in this class. The particular car in this test was optioned to the point that the sticker, with delivery, topped $41K, but leaving off some of those options would still present a shopper with a very well equipped ES350 for comfortably under $40,000. Kirk Bell At $41K, our tester is over-optioned. Take that price down to the mid $30s, and you have a true value. ES remains a Best Buy as the only luxury-oriented model in a class of sport sedans, a character that many will appreciate. Tom Appel The Lexus ES is the last of the "near-luxury" cruisers that isn't taking pot shots at BMW's 3-Series. If you are free of sporting pretense, and just want a quiet, refined sedan, this is a really good one. $41,000 is a little steep, though. |
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Also in the 2007 Lexus ES 350 Review:
1.
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