2007 Lexus ES Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Written by Clifford Atiyeh

Published March 9, 2023

7.5/10

CarGurus expert score

Search Listings

Compare

The CarGurus verdict

The brand-new Lexus ES luxury sedan brings new technology and more power.

The Lexus ES is new for 2007. While the styling takes a new direction, it's very much the same ultra-plush midsize sedan it's always been. Drivers will find more technology, better performance, and some unique high-end options in this segment of cars.

7.5

out of 10 expert review

Look & feel

6/10

By "new direction," take that to mean "new Camry." The exterior is dull as can be, and compared to the outgoing model, this ES feels almost as fat and bloated as a Buick. Then again, that's the point of a car like this: Style comes last, while space and comfort go first. It's not ugly, but compared to the excitement drawn into the smaller Lexus IS, the ES is proud to be a boat out of water.

The ES excels inside, because that's where its owners sit for hours on end. Materials are plush, and assembly quality is very good. The three-spoke steering wheel and tall, slim centre stack remove the Buick vibe, and the optional panoramic moonroof lets the light shine into this pampering space. The Premium Package adds gorgeous wood trim on the dash and steering wheel. Choose the semi-aniline leather on the Ultra Premium Package package. The standard-grade leather is good, but it's not as soft. Fine stitching and two-tone colour combinations look rich. It's a shame the exterior isn't as inviting as this interior.

Performance

6/10

The 2007 ES powertrain comes one way: as the ES 350. There is a 3.5-litre V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission (one more gear than the old ES 330) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The new engine has way more grunt, with power specs of 272 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. When called upon, the Lexus ES 350 can accelerate strongly. But bear in mind that the ES 350 is designed to deliver ultimate comfort, so the steering effort is finger-light, the suspension is very soft, the brake pedal feels squishy, and the transmission takes a moment or two to react. But the result is a creaminess (yes, creamy like butter left on the counter) that isolates passengers from the outside world. It's one of the most relaxing cars to drive. Driving dynamics suffer, and there's no fun to be had, ever. So just sit back and try not to fall asleep. It's that quiet and refined of a car.

Form & function

7/10

As a midsize car, the Lexus ES has plenty of headroom and legroom for all passengers in the front and rear seats. The stereo and climate controls have lots of small buttons, but everything is labeled and illuminated well, including the gauges, which feature what Lexus calls Optitron high-contrast lighting. A power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, large door openings, and a driver’s seat with available power thigh extension make it easy to get comfortable. A sunroof is standard. The trunk measures a sizable 416 litres.

Technology

8/10

Push-button start and keyless entry entry is standard, so you'll never need to take the key out of your pocket to unlock the car and start the engine. Heated 10-way power front seats, a six-disc CD changer with MP3 functionality and an auxiliary input for an iPod or other MP3 player, dual-zone climate, auto-dimming rear-view and side mirrors, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the usual power accessories such as windows and door locks come standard. But you'll want the Ultra Premium package, which brings cooled front seats with that incredible thigh extension, premium leather seats, adaptive high-intensity discharge headlamps, rain-sensing wipers (which are also part of the Premium package), a navigation system with voice recognition, a backup camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and a power rear sunshade.

Safety

8/10

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, ABS, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitor come standard.

The 2007 ES was not tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A similar Toyota Camry earned the best Good ratings in three crash tests, but this car is not directly comparable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did crash-test an ES. It received five out of five stars for driver and passenger in the frontal tests and for the driver in the side crash test; the rear passenger side-crash test fared four stars.

Cost-effectiveness

10/10

In Canada, the model year 2007 Lexus ES 350’s new car MSRP starts at $42,900. The Premium package adds $3,600, while the Ultra Premium package adds $11,400. Fuel economy is estimated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.2 on the highway. For such a comfortable, plush, and tech-driven car, the ES delivers so much more space and refinement than smaller luxury cars costing just as much money. It is only, however, for drivers who prioritize comfort over all aspects of driving.

Note: Images show a US model.

What owners say

AI Summary · 14 reviews

"Overall, owners of the 2007 Lexus ES are quite satisfied with their cars, highlighting its reliability, performance, and luxurious feel. Many appreciated its stylish appearance and comfort features. On the downside, some mentioned concerns about space and specific maintenance issues as potential drawbacks."

4.7

14 reviews

Write a review

by Daman S

love the rich interior with wood and leather trim, everything about it speaks luxury. Also like the very little road noise of the car.

June 15, 2008

by Faith O

I love this car through and through. This was an amazing price for this car. The only thing I would add to the car is Bluetooth to the audio.

December 19, 2023

by Ashraf A

Excellent car, fast, excellent gas mileage, like a tiger!

June 19, 2008