2007 Lexus ES Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Written by Clifford Atiyeh

Published May 25, 2021

7.2/10

CarGurus expert score

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The CarGurus verdict

The brand-new Lexus ES 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.

7.2

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, space and comfort go first. It's not ugly, but compared to the excitement drawn into the smaller 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 center stack remove the Buick vibe, and the optional panoramic moonroof lets the light shine into this pampering space. Cloth seats are standard, but choose the semi-aniline leather on the Ultra Luxury package. It comes with gorgeous wood trim on the dash and steering wheel. The standard-grade leather is good, but it's not as soft. Fine stitching and two-tone color combinations look rich. It's a shame the exterior isn't as inviting as this interior.

Performance

6/10

The 2007 ES comes one way: as the ES 350. There is a 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic (one more gear than the old ES 330) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The new engine has way more grunt, with 272 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. When called upon, the Lexus ES 350 can accelerate strongly. But bear in mind 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 room for all passengers in every direction. 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 front seats with available power thigh extensions make it easy to get comfortable. A sunroof is standard. The trunk measures a sizable 15 cubic feet.

Technology

8/10

Push-button start and proximity entry is standard, so you'll never need to take the key out of your pocket to unlock the car and start the engine. Ten-way power front seats, dual-zone climate, and the usual power accessories come standard. But you'll want the Premium Plus package, which brings heated and cooled front seats with those incredible thigh extensions, leather, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-dimming side mirrors. A navigation system with voice recognition, a reversing camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a six-disc CD/DVD changer, and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson stereo come together in another package. Xenon headlights, power rear sunshade, and a radar adaptive cruise control that automatically paces the ES to the car in front are available on the Ultra Luxury package.

Safety

8/10

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front and rear head curtain airbags, ABS, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitor come standard. Models with the adaptive cruise control also come with a Pre-Collision Assist system that can prime the brakes if an imminent crash is detected and retracts the seatbelts, plus rear side airbags.

The 2007 ES was not tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A similar Toyota Camry rated 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

8/10

The 2007 ES 350 MSRP starts at $34,185. With options, it can reach into the low $40,000 range. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. 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.

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