Lexus ES 350
🚘 2008 Lexus ES 350 – Quiet Luxury and Smooth Comfort
The 2008 Lexus ES 350 is a refined midsize luxury sedan known for its silky ride, quiet cabin, plush interior, and reliable Toyota-based engineering. It appeals to those seeking a smooth, luxurious experience rather than aggressive performance.
⚙️ Engine & Performance
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Horsepower: 272 hp
- Torque: 254 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual-shift mode
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- 0–60 mph Time: Around 6.8 to 7.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: About 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
The V6 engine is powerful yet refined, delivering quiet acceleration with little vibration. It’s ideal for highway cruising and daily driving alike.
🛋️ Ride & Comfort
The ES 350 emphasizes ride quality over sportiness. It has a soft suspension that soaks up bumps with ease, creating a calm and isolated driving experience. Road and wind noise are minimal, making it one of the quietest cabins in its class.
🧩 Interior & Features
- Materials: High-quality wood trim, leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces
- Seating: Spacious and supportive for both front and rear passengers
- Comfort Features:
- Dual-zone climate control
- 10-way power-adjustable front seats
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Power sunroof
- Optional ventilated seats, navigation system, rearview camera, and premium audio
The interior is one of the ES 350’s highlights—luxurious and well-crafted, with a thoughtful layout and upscale feel.
🛡️ Safety
- Standard Safety:
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Traction and stability control
- Eight airbags including front, side, curtain, and driver/passenger knee airbags
- Optional Safety Features:
- Adaptive headlights
- Pre-Collision System
- Rear-seat side airbags
- Rearview camera
The car received high safety ratings for its class, offering peace of mind for families and commuters alike.
📏 Dimensions & Practicality
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 191.1 inches |
| Width | 71.7 inches |
| Height | 57.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 inches |
| Trunk Space | 14.7 cubic feet |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gallons |
The ES 350 is roomy without being oversized. The trunk is large enough for luggage or groceries, and rear seats provide generous legroom for adults.
💬 What Owners Say
Many owners love the ES 350 for its comfort, reliability, and value. They often mention the quiet cabin, smooth acceleration, and long-term dependability. Some caution that 2008-specific issues like sunroof malfunctions and transmission quirks should be checked before buying.
When well maintained, the ES 350 can easily surpass 200,000 miles and continue performing like new.
🔧 Reliability & Maintenance
- Uses many proven components from the Toyota Camry
- Routine maintenance includes oil changes, fluid flushes, and spark plugs every 100K–120K miles
- Common concerns: sunroof mechanism, dashboard cracking, and occasional transmission hesitation (often improved with fluid changes)
- Premium fuel is recommended but not required
As a used luxury car, proper maintenance history is key to long-term satisfaction.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Premium interior materials
- Strong V6 engine
- Excellent long-term reliability
- Solid safety ratings
❌ Cons:
- Not sporty to drive
- Some models had minor build quality issues
- Expensive optional features
- Uses premium fuel
✅ Final Verdict
The 2008 Lexus ES 350 is an excellent choice for drivers who value comfort, quietness, and luxury over aggressive performance. It’s ideal for commuters, families, or anyone wanting a near-luxury sedan without the steep price of German competitors. While some early models had minor issues, most owners enjoy years of dependable and comfortable driving with proper upkeep.
