2008 Lexus ES Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Long, low, and sleek, the 2008 Lexus ES 350 seeks to refine the driving experience by offering a wide range of upscale amenities in a comfortable, quiet, smooth-riding sedan. Few drivers need an introduction to Lexus, as the automaker has consistently delivered well-received, high-quality vehicles that emphasize status and drivability. And the 2008 ES 350 is no exception. At first glance, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) sedan looks elegant yet competent, with an aerodynamic exterior shape that hints at the high-end features inside. The low-positioned grille, slanted headlights, and hunkered-down appearance might give drivers the idea that the ES 350 is a sport sedan, but comfort and style, not sportiness, are the goals here.
That doesn't mean the ES 350 won't move, and move quickly. Its 272-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine makes that happen, driving the ES 350 from 0 to 60 in just under 7 seconds. A 6-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) also helps ensure good performance. In a nod toward eco-friendliness, the ES 350 has been certified as an ultra-low-emission vehicle.
Following a redesign in 2007, the ES 350 receives only a few upgrades for 2008, like new rear-view mirrors and reading lights for the rear passengers. But drivers of the 2008 version won't be left wanting for features. In fact, the ES 350 comes with an extensive standard equipment list, which includes everything from walnut interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to 10-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, and a premium eight-speaker audio system.
Drivers don't have to settle for the standard list of features, however, since they can choose from an extensive range of upgrades and option packages, including the Premium Package, which adds leather-trimmed upholstery, and a Navigation/Mark Levinson Audio System Package, which adds a voice-activated DVD navigation system and a 14-speaker, 330-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system.
As far as ride and handling are concerned, Lexus has long perfected the art of the smooth-riding automobile, which extends to the ES 350. Many drivers and reviewers note that the ES 350 tends to practically glide over the road, though some point out that the ride can be bumpy over rough roads. The ES 350 also tends to roll a bit in the corners, some drivers say, again the result of the fact that the suspension is tuned more for comfort than for sportiness. Safety features are extensive, and the ES 350 has performed well in crash tests. Overall, for drivers seeking to make a statement and ensure their passengers are pampered by a smooth, comfortable ride, the ES 350 should be high on the list of potential automotive choices.
User reviews for 2008 Lexus ES
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Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · MP3 auxiliary audio input · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
