2007-2008 Lexus ES 350: Road Test

Acceleration is swift enough. The V6 takes a moment to summon power, but then this sedan scoots away with satisfying strength. A test sedan accelerated to 60 mph in a snappy 6.4 seconds. The transmission changes gears smoothly, but can require plenty of throttle to deliver a highway-speed downshift. Test examples of the ES 350 have averaged 19.6 to 19.8 mpg overall. Others averaged 23.6 to 26.3 mpg in mostly highway driving, and 18.9 mpg with more city use and gas-eating acceleration runs. Lexus recommends premium-grade gasoline. A class leader for cushioned ride comfort, the ES 350 trails European rivals for composure on fast, bumpy roads. Some undue bobbing and weaving may be noted at high speeds. Front-drive behavior ranks more than competent, but ride-biased suspension tuning precludes the sporty cornering poise of an Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, or Infiniti G35. Similarly, steering is precise enough, but filters out most road feel. This sedan's tight turning radius is helpful for maneuvering. Brake performance is good, though the pedal feels mushy in simulated panic stops. Among the class leaders in quietness, the ES 350 provides excellent isolation from the road and wind. The V6 suffers minor vibration at idle, but the only sound is a rich growl during rapid acceleration. Large gauges are clearly marked. Center dashboard controls are numerous, but not obtuse. On the negative side, a steering-wheel spoke hides the windshield-wiper stalk, and the rain-sensing wiper function is frustratingly inconsistent. The navigation system requires familiarization and absorbs some audio and climate controls. Wood trim, padded surfaces, and grained panels add to the upscale ambiance. Tall occupants may complain of insufficient front-seat head clearance beneath the housing for the sunroof or the panorama ceiling, but legroom is generous. Seats are nicely padded, contoured for set-and-forget support. A power tilt and telescoping steering column replaced the previous manual tilt-only unit, for finer tuning of the driving position, though power-adjustable pedals no longer were offered. Fine outward visibility may be enhanced by the convenience of the rearview camera. In the backseat, too, taller riders may want more headroom. Knee clearance is plentiful, though foot space is a tad tight beneath front seats. The rear cushion is comfortably shaped, but a little low to the floor for best thigh support. Three-across seating would be tolerable for short distances, thanks to soft padding and a nearly flat floorboard that makes the center position more comfortable than most. The panorama roof enhances the airy cabin feel. Entry and exit are easy. Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges impede on the otherwise roomy, usefully shaped trunk. Liftover is low, but the opening is cramped for loading bulky boxes. The rear seatback has a pass-through opening. In-cabin storage is good. The center console lid slides up and back-a clever idea, but not the best for full access to the console bin.

Value for the Money
In 2007, Lexus took a two-pronged approach to the premium midsize car market. The company pointed its trimmer, tauter IS model toward the performance end, and aimed the bigger, more comfortable ES 350 at the luxury end of the spectrum. This strategy allowed the ES to drop most sporty pretensions, and concentrate on coddling-which it does exceptionally well. Few cars have so clear a mission or accomplish it so thoroughly as this Best Buy pick.