Lexus is the U.S. brand name for the luxury car division of Toyota motors Inc. The 2011 Lexus ES is considered an upscale midsize car. The ES ranks 9 out of 21 with 1 being the highest and 21 being the lowest. This is based on more than fifty published works by reviewers, extensive product testing and specification analysis.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan | Base Price: $36,725.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: 19 city / 27 hwy |
| Length: 191.1 in. (487 cm) | Width: 71.7 in. (182 cm) |
| Height: 56.3 in. (143 cm) | Wheel Base: 109.3 in. (277 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3580 lbs (1635 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.5 in.(13.9 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 14.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 3.5-liter |
| Horsepower: 268 HP | Max RPM: 6200 RPM |
| Torque: 248 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic, ECT-i |
| 0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds | Maximum Speed: 137 mph (220 kmh) |
Engine
The Lexus ES is available in one trim, front wheel drive automatic powered by a V6 3.5L/210 engine. Consumption for city driving is 19 miles per gallon and on the highway is 27miles. Price averages at a little more than $37,000.00.
Exterior & Interior
Many believe that Lexus styling is at its best with the ES which delivers clean lines and simple but elegant design. Deponents beg to disagree and some even call the exterior design bland and overly simple.
Interior design and material is where most reviewers rave about the Lexus ES, most reviewers agree that the ES’s cabin can compare and even rival higher end automobiles with its opulent design. Seating is very comfortable with the soft grained leather seats of the ES and no maker and model of its class can match the optional ventilated seats which can either be used as a heater or a cooler. This for less than $40,000.00
Safety
Lexus always places safety first, unfortunately the ES scores below expectations. The low safety score is mostly the fault of the LS’s poor performance in terms of rear crash tests. The good news is that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the LS a “good” score in terms of front, side, roof strength and design.
Standard safety features includes:
- Advanced airbag system for driver and passengers that includes front and rear seat, front and rear curtain, knee airbags;
- Safety Connect, that informs emergency and rescue services of a crash when all occupants are; unconscious or incapacitated;
- Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution
- Electronic stability and traction control
Reliability
Another reliable vehicle from Lexus which garners an extremely high score is the Lexus ES. This score is based on three years data on the models reliability. Standard warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles and six years or 70,000 miles power train warranty.
The Competition
If you like a sportier ride that is more exciting, you should look at the BMW 3 series (MSRP $34,600; 18 city / 28 hwy) and the Infinity G37 (MSRP $32,000; 20 city / 29 hwy). However these models cannot compare to the Lexus ES cabin. Advantages of the Lexus are excellent interior and a smooth and quite ride. Disadvantages are the lackluster exterior design and lack of driver response.
Overall Rating
83 out of 100
What others say:
“For those who value comfort and luxury—and still want the latest technology—but don’t need a sport sedan, the 2011 Lexus ES 350 is one of the best bets.”Car Connection
“ES 350 has competent front-drive behavior. But the ride-biased suspension tuning precludes the cornering poise of its sportier rivals. The steering filters out most road feel. Brake performance is good, though the pedal feels mushy in simulated panic stops.”Consumer Guide
“Powerful and velvety-smooth V6; plush ride; sumptuous interior; high-end luxury features available.”Edmunds
“The ES 350 is a solid and sedate sedan. The punchy powertrain delivers 23 mpg overall. The ride is very comfortable. Handling is not sporty but is ultimately secure. ”MSN-ConsumerReports
