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2008 Lexus ES 350 Review

November 5, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a new level of slickness
Automotive.com

a classy, conservative design
Cars.com

appearance still remains a bit too conservative
Kelley Blue Book

a delicious blend of luxury and sporty
Mother Proof

The 2008 Lexus ES 350's appearance appeals to many, but some reviewers found its lines a little stodgy.

Though it shares running gear with the Toyota Camry, Edmunds points out that “the ES doesn't share a single dash panel or material with its less expensive Toyota sibling.”

The shape is vastly improved over the previous entry-level sedan from Lexus; 2008’s ES four-door has “a classy, conservative design,” Cars.com says, while acknowledging its “sharper angles and more defined body panel creases.” Automobile agrees--the ES 350’s “all-new suit of sheetmetal is considerably more flattering than the ES330's bathtublike shape”—as does Motor Trend, which reports that “from the nose on, the sheetmetal flows into a rakish, aerodynamic body with a bit of the GS and IS sport sedans' flavor.” While Mother Proof describes the exterior of the 2008 Lexus ES 350 as "curvy and sharp,” Kelley Blue Book wonders if it may be "a bit too conservative."

Reviewers had few complaints about the interior. Car and Driver calls out the 2008 Lexus ES 350’s “posh interior.” The five-seat cabin “has a flowing dashboard design” that “looks a bit plain when finished in black,” Cars.com reports, but the controls “are easy to learn.” Edmunds waxes the most about the Lexus ES 350: “Inside the ES is a combination of indulgent shapes and textures that are as functional as they are pampering.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Lexus ES 350 has better looks than before, but it’s still conservatively styled.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:a new level of slicknessAutomotive.coma classy, conservative designCars.comappearance still remains a bit too conservativeKelley Blue Booka delicious blend of luxury and sportyMother Proof The 2008 Lexus ES 350's appearance appeals to many, but some reviewers found its lines a little stodgy. Though it shares running gear with the Toyota Camry, Edmunds points out that “the ES doesn't share a single dash panel or material with its less expensive Toyota sibling.” The shape is vastly improved over the previous entry-level sedan from Lexus; 2008’s ES four-door has “a classy, conservative design,” Cars.com says, while acknowledging its “sharper angles and more defined body panel creases.” Automobile agrees--the ES 350’s “all-new suit of sheetmetal is considerably more flattering than the ES330's bathtublike shape”—as does Motor Trend, which reports that “from the nose on, the sheetmetal flows into a rakish, aerodynamic body with a bit of the GS and IS sport sedans' flavor.” While Mother Proof describes the exterior of the 2008 Lexus ES 350 as "curvy and sharp,” Kelley Blue Book wonders if it may be "a bit too conservative." Reviewers had few complaints about the interior. Car and Driver calls out the 2008 Lexus ES 350’s “posh interior.” The five-seat cabin “has a flowing dashboard design” that “looks a bit plain when finished in black,” Cars.com reports, but the controls “are easy to learn.” Edmunds waxes the most about the Lexus ES 350: “Inside the ES is a combination of indulgent shapes and textures that are as functional as they are pampering.” ConclusionThe 2008 Lexus ES 350 has better looks than before, but it’s still conservatively styled. 2008 LEXUS ES 350 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automotive.com: "a new level of slickness" Cars.com: "a classy, conservative design" Kelley Blue Book: "appearance still remains a bit too conservative" Mother Proof: "a delicious blend of luxury and sporty" The 2008 Lexus ES 350's ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Lexus ES 350's interior finishes look expensive--but so do the trims in the Hyundai Azera, which undercuts the Lexus by thousands in price and handles slightly better. The Lincoln MKZ is a bit sharper-edged, but its interior is more stylish and at the same time less rich-looking; its engine also has more growl, and it's available with all-wheel drive. The Acura TL is a much edgier performer, with a style that's up to the challenge.

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See the Lexus ES 350 in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007

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