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2012
Lexus ES 350

Starts at:
$36,725
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New 2012 Lexus ES 350
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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2012 Lexus ES 350 2012 Lexus ES 350 2012 Lexus ES 350 2012 Lexus ES 350 2012 Lexus ES 350 2012 Lexus ES 350 2012 Lexus ES 350 2012 Lexus ES 350

Notable features

268-hp V-6
10 standard airbags
Optional glass roof
Optional heated and ventilated front seats
Pre-Collision System option

The good & the bad

The good

Comfortable ride
Strong acceleration
Intuitive touch-screen display
Hushed cabin
Fuel economy

The bad

Low-effort steering at high speeds
Brake pedal feel
Front-seat comfort
Long rear doors

Expert 2012 Lexus ES 350 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The ES 350 is Lexus’ front-wheel-drive midsize luxury sedan. It seats up to five people, and in keeping with Lexus’ naming conventions, the numeric portion of the ES name reflects the engine size, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The ES 350 competes with the Acura TL and Lincoln MKZ.

New for 2012
A limited-edition Touring Edition debuts for 2012. It features 17-inch wheels, a full-size spare tire, wood and leather accents for the steering wheel and shifter, heated and ventilated front seats, a navigation system and leather seats. Lexus is limiting production to 2,000 copies.

Exterior
Smooth, flowing lines define the ES 350’s exterior, which is free of body cladding. Exterior features include:

  • Standard moonroof
  • Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Available 10-spoke wheels with Liquid Graphite finish
  • Standard dual exhaust tips
  • Standard rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Available panoramic glass roof

 
Interior

Safety Connect, a subscription-based communication system, is standard, and the available navigation system includes the Lexus Enform concierge service and Bluetooth phonebook download. Interior features include:

  • Leather upholstery
  • Push-button start
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 10-way power-adjustable front seats
  • Available 14-speaker Mark Levinson stereo with iPod, USB connectivity
  • Available navigation system with backup camera


Under the Hood

The ES 350’s 3.5-liter V-6 drives the front wheels through an automatic transmission. Mechanical features include:

  • 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 makes 248 pounds-feet of torque
  • Runs on regular gas
  • Six-speed automatic transmission with clutchless-manual mode


Safety
An available Adaptive Front Lighting System allows the headlights to swivel when rounding curves. Safety features include:

  • All-disc antilock brakes
  • Traction control
  • Electronic stability system
  • Driver and front passenger knee airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Side-impact airbags for the front and outboard rear seats
  • Available Pre-Collision System

2012 Lexus ES 350 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The ES 350 is Lexus’ front-wheel-drive midsize luxury sedan. It seats up to five people, and in keeping with Lexus’ naming conventions, the numeric portion of the ES name reflects the engine size, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The ES 350 competes with the Acura TL and Lincoln MKZ.

New for 2012
A limited-edition Touring Edition debuts for 2012. It features 17-inch wheels, a full-size spare tire, wood and leather accents for the steering wheel and shifter, heated and ventilated front seats, a navigation system and leather seats. Lexus is limiting production to 2,000 copies.

Exterior
Smooth, flowing lines define the ES 350’s exterior, which is free of body cladding. Exterior features include:

  • Standard moonroof
  • Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Available 10-spoke wheels with Liquid Graphite finish
  • Standard dual exhaust tips
  • Standard rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Available panoramic glass roof

 
Interior

Safety Connect, a subscription-based communication system, is standard, and the available navigation system includes the Lexus Enform concierge service and Bluetooth phonebook download. Interior features include:

  • Leather upholstery
  • Push-button start
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 10-way power-adjustable front seats
  • Available 14-speaker Mark Levinson stereo with iPod, USB connectivity
  • Available navigation system with backup camera


Under the Hood

The ES 350’s 3.5-liter V-6 drives the front wheels through an automatic transmission. Mechanical features include:

  • 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 makes 248 pounds-feet of torque
  • Runs on regular gas
  • Six-speed automatic transmission with clutchless-manual mode


Safety
An available Adaptive Front Lighting System allows the headlights to swivel when rounding curves. Safety features include:

  • All-disc antilock brakes
  • Traction control
  • Electronic stability system
  • Driver and front passenger knee airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Side-impact airbags for the front and outboard rear seats
  • Available Pre-Collision System

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2012 Lexus ES 350 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
3/5
Combined side rating front seat
4/5
Combined side rating rear seat
2/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
2/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
2/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
2/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
2/5
10.9%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
2/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
2/5
10.9%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
6 years / 70,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase.
Basic
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase. Coverage begins after completion of the 4-year / 50,000 new vehicle Basic Warranty.
Dealer certification
161-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.9 / 5
Based on 45 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.7
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.9

Most recent

  • A great sense of comfort.

    Very nice car. A real sense of dependability,reliability, smooth. I only wish it were another color. Should go well into the hundreds of thousand miles range.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    13 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The car was exactly what we were told

    I had a Lexus Es350 2007. I knew what I wanted and the car was everything we were told low mileage with hardly any defects.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car

    Need an USB plug so I can use my Samsung Galaxy phone and other devices. Window tinting works have been nice to have installed before purchase.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The ride is so smooth, we look good together.

    My Lexus 350 is roomy, beautiful inside and out. In addition, I love the power that it has.My Lexus and I fit perfectly. I am a Lexus Girl.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I feel and look great driving this vehicle

    I am so proud to own this car. I love everything about it except my 2002 Volvo S60 got better gas miledge but fails in comparison when it comes to the luxury feel of a Lexus.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • For Luxury and Value you can't beat a Lexus

    You will find few mechanics to argue that the Japanese build great reliable autos. The Lexus offers something you don't normally find in an automobile : Luxury and Value. Great performance, comfort and reliability, yet offering a good price value, especially in their used cars.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Car

    Beautiful car. Runs and drives great. Great Gas Mileage, the entire family loves it. Glad I bought this. Thank you Jay of Autobahn Subaru of Countryside.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car I have ever owned by far.

    Great dependable car. Has never given me one second of trouble. Comfortable, easy driving car. Would recommend the ES 350 to anyone. Best car by far, for me.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Luxurious, smooth, reliable!

    Best car I’ve owned thus far. Spacious, comfortable and sound proof! To many good things to list off. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for comfort, class and reliability.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fantastic car – just ready for an upgrade.

    The car looks like brand new. Had The rear bumper replaced and half the car repainted. All four door locks have been replaced. My wife drives it exclusively and it’s been maintained by Pohanka Lexus in Chantilly it’s entire life.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • It is an enjoyable car to drive.

    This car exceeded my needs. It is a very reliable car , easy to drive, likes to go fast . No tickets so far, but close.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • What can you say its a Lexus RELIABLE !

    Meets all my needs as a comfortable commuter vehicle. Stylist, with every accessory needed and most of all a reliable automobile. Smooth ride and very quite. Perfect everyday commuter car or for an evening out on the town.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Lexus dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2012 Lexus ES 350?

The 2012 Lexus ES 350 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2012 Lexus ES 350?

The 2012 Lexus ES 350 offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2012 Lexus ES 350?

The 2012 Lexus ES 350 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2012 Lexus ES 350 reliable?

The 2012 Lexus ES 350 has an average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2012 Lexus ES 350 owners.

Is the 2012 Lexus ES 350 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2012 Lexus ES 350. 97.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 45 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.9

Lexus ES 350 history

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