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2009 Lexus ES 350 Review

February 22, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

from the nose on, the sheet metal flows into a rakish, aerodynamic body
Motor Trend

a delicious blend of luxury and sporty
MotherProof

doesn't share a single dash panel with its less expensive Toyota sibling
Edmunds

appearance still remains a bit too conservative
Kelley Blue Book

Styled to appeal to the masses, the ES 350 can’t please everyone and some detractors find the appearance of the 2009 model to be pedestrian.

Although the 2009 Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry utilize the same running gear, Edmunds points out that “the ES doesn't share a single dash panel or material with its less expensive Toyota sibling.”

The improved shape of the entry-level Lexus ES 350 has numerous critics singing its praises. The 2009 has “a classy, conservative design,” Cars.com says, while also acknowledging the vehicle’s “sharper angles and more defined body panel creases.” Motor Trend agrees, commenting that “from the nose on, the sheet metal flows into a rakish, aerodynamic body with a bit of the GS and IS sport sedans' flavor.” Automobile Magazine reports that the ES 350’s “all-new suit of sheet metal is considerably more flattering than the ES 330's bathtub-like shape.” MotherProof describes the exterior of the 2009 Lexus ES 350 as "curvy and sharp,” while Kelley Blue Book wonders if it may be "a bit too conservative."

The 350’s interior draws nary a complaint, with Edmunds waxing the most about the vehicle. “Inside the ES is a combination of indulgent shapes and textures that are as functional as they are pampering.” Cars.com reports that the controls “are easy to learn,” while Car and Driver calls out its “posh interior,” saying the five-seat cabin “has a flowing dashboard design [that] looks a bit plain when finished in black.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Lexus ES 350 retains its good looks from the 2008 model, which means it is still too conservatively styled for some enthusiasts.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:from the nose on, the sheet metal flows into a rakish, aerodynamic bodyMotor Trenda delicious blend of luxury and sportyMotherProofdoesn't share a single dash panel with its less expensive Toyota siblingEdmundsappearance still remains a bit too conservativeKelley Blue Book Styled to appeal to the masses, the ES 350 can’t please everyone and some detractors find the appearance of the 2009 model to be pedestrian. Although the 2009 Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry utilize the same running gear, Edmunds points out that “the ES doesn't share a single dash panel or material with its less expensive Toyota sibling.” The improved shape of the entry-level Lexus ES 350 has numerous critics singing its praises. The 2009 has “a classy, conservative design,” Cars.com says, while also acknowledging the vehicle’s “sharper angles and more defined body panel creases.” Motor Trend agrees, commenting that “from the nose on, the sheet metal flows into a rakish, aerodynamic body with a bit of the GS and IS sport sedans' flavor.” Automobile Magazine reports that the ES 350’s “all-new suit of sheet metal is considerably more flattering than the ES 330's bathtub-like shape.” MotherProof describes the exterior of the 2009 Lexus ES 350 as "curvy and sharp,” while Kelley Blue Book wonders if it may be "a bit too conservative." The 350’s interior draws nary a complaint, with Edmunds waxing the most about the vehicle. “Inside the ES is a combination of indulgent shapes and textures that are as functional as they are pampering.” Cars.com reports that the controls “are easy to learn,” while Car and Driver calls out its “posh interior,” saying the five-seat cabin “has a flowing dashboard design [that] looks a bit plain when finished in black.” ConclusionThe 2009 Lexus ES 350 retains its good looks from the 2008 model, which means it is still too conservatively styled for some enthusiasts. 2009 LEXUS ES 350 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Motor Trend: “from the nose on, the sheet metal flows into a rakish, aerodynamic body” MotherProof: "a delicious blend of luxury and sporty" Edmunds: “doesn't share a single dash panel with its less expensive Toyota sibling” Kelley Blue ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The ES 350 compares to stylish, albeit conservative, front-wheel-drive luxury cars that favor ride over performance. The interior of the Lexus ES 350 looks and feels expensive, but so does the trim inside the Hyundai Azera—a vehicle that handles better than the Lexus while undercutting it in price by thousands of dollars. The Lincoln MKZ is a sharper-edged car, with an interior that is at the same time more stylish but less rich-looking. The Lincoln’s 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. Another more distant rival is the Nissan Maxima, which is roomy and stylish, with a surprisingly comfortable and opulent interior—emphasizing performance without sacrificing ride. However, the Maxima doesn’t offer the superior service that names like Lexus, Lincoln, and Acura bring at the dealership level.

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See the Lexus ES 350 in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007

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