2010 Lexus ES 350 Review Summary
For those who can accept inferior performance, handling and style (in comparison with the competition) in exchange for superior comfort, luxurious appointments, affordable cost, and good fuel economy, the 2010 Lexus ES, ranked 8.5 by ACG, is a solid option in the Upscale Midsize Cars category. Indeed, reviewers almost unanimously agree that the ES provides the most carefree enjoyable ride of any in its class, despite its lack of excitement. When it comes to performance, the typical car enthusiast will be disappointed with the ES. Although the car offers a soft and quiet ride, it’s definitely not in the same class as the BMW 3-Series or Cadillac CTS. That said, consumers shouldn’t feel that the ES is underpowered, as the only available engine, a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 272 horsepower, offers particularly strong acceleration between 50 and 75 miles per hour and also moves from a stop fairly well. The exterior of the ES, as it has since its inception, will please consumers looking for a conservative look. It will not please consumers looking for an aggressive, sporty look. Therefore, make no mistake about it, this car is not the BMW 3-Series and certainly not the Cadillac CTS. For 2010, however, the ES has been changed subtly. Lexus has redesigned the grille, added a little bit of chrome, as well as sharply distinct lights in front and rear to give the ES an even more tailored look. While the exterior of the ES might appear dull and boring to some, the interior is really where the ES scores major points. Indeed, the cabin of the ES would not be at all out of place in a significantly more expensive luxury vehicle. Additionally, the wood trim, padded surfaces, and grained panels are about as high grade and upscale as one can find in any vehicle. Reviewers find the soft-grain of the leather on the ES to be far more comfortable than in most of the competition. One particular strong seating feature, optional heated and cooled ventilated seats, are almost entirely unparalleled in this car class. The ES continues to impress when it comes to interior features and available cargo room, even if many of the available optional features drive up the cost of the car considerably. Reviewers give particular praise to the user-friendly available touch screen, voice-activated navigation system and 14-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound Audio System. As for cargo space, the ES boasts one of the largest trunks in this class, with more than 14 cubic feet of available space, along with a newly increased center console storage compartment. Overall, the 2010 Lexus ES is the best option available in the Upscale Midsize Cars class if you are looking to be pampered while getting from point A to point B. But at the same time, it’s probably one of the worst options for the serious driver who wants to show off behind the wheel and fly past the rest of traffic.
2010 Lexus ES 350 Review Handling
The ES cannot compete with its competitors in the Upscale Midsize Cars class when it comes to hard cornering, balance, and steering precision. That said, it does offer passengers a soft, cushioned ride, and because of the solid suspension, it’s almost impossible to feel any imperfections in the road pavement. Additionally, reviewers report that the 2010 ES offers good solid brake performance.
2010 Lexus ES 350 Review Safety
The 2010 Lexus ES has received five out of five stars for protecting both driver and passenger in frontal-impact crash tests performed by the federal government. The ES gets five out five stars for protecting the driver in a side-impact crash, and four out of five stars for protecting the rear seat passenger. Standard safety features on the 2010 ES include: ten airbags, including the standard ones offered on every vehicle in this class, but also rear-seat side-airbags, and knee airbags for both the driver and front-seat passenger. Electronic Stability and Traction Control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution is also standard. One safety feature that is new to the 2010 ES is the Lexus Safety Connect, which contacts emergency services in the event of an accident, even if the passengers in the vehicle are unable to communicate. This system, therefore, is much like the OnStar system offered by General Motors.
2010 Lexus ES 350 Noteworthy
Those interested in the 2010 Lexus ES should be aware that the ES was included in the highly publicized recall centered on a flawed floormat design that can trap the accelerator pedal, causing unintended acceleration. However, Lexus has said that customers can currently purchase a 2010 ES with floormats, even though the permanent fix is not yet available.
