The 2008 Lexus ES isn’t quite as fuel efficient as an Acura TL or as powerful as an Infiniti G, but it splits the difference as a powerful, practical compromise, typically selling in the low $8,000 range.
Is the 2008 Lexus ES a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – Maybe the best all-around luxury sedan released in 2008.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The ES could use a hatchback or wagon body style to expand the cargo space a bit, but other than that there are few complaints to be made about the car’s interior.
- Reliability 8/10 – It’s a Toyota with a fancy brand name. You’ll probably hand this car down to your kids someday.
- Safety 7/10 – Good crash test ratings and generous standard safety features make the 2008 ES one of the safer used luxury cars on the road.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – The 2008 ES averages 19/27 miles to the gallon, city/highway, a slight downgrade from the previous model year, but still good for a mid-size sedan.
- Value 8/10 – There are cheaper mid-size sedans out there, but low ownership costs will make up the difference within the first couple years of ownership.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Lexus ES?
Consumer Reports liked the Lexus ES’ luxurious interior and “lavish amenities,” praising the vehicle for being quick and fuel efficient. But, they note that the car has made a deliberate effort in trading sporty handling for luxurious ride quality.
Kelley Blue Book praised the Lexus ES for delivering an affordable luxury sedan, pairing a spacious, comfy cabin with innovative features and an impressive build quality. They note that the car may be a bit boring in style and performance for drivers seeking a more sporty, flashy driving experience.
Edmunds liked the strong, quiet performance of the Lexus ES, they had plenty of praise for the car’s crash test scores, and they liked the long list of luxury features. They weren’t so excited about how expensive some of those features were, noting that many other luxury cars from this model year offered the same features for less.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Lexus ES Have?
The 2008 Lexus ES has generated 313 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than two thirds of these are for airbags, with drivers reporting airbag failure and warning lights staying on despite three airbag recalls between 2016 and 2019.
A handful of drivers have reported melting dashboards. This is not typically an instance of dashboards literally melting, rather, the adhesive used to assemble the dashboard bubbles up through the porous surface of the dashboard as a result of prolonged sun exposure.
Some drivers have reported faulty door lock actuators, meaning that the automatic door locks won’t work as intended.
The 2008 ES has been recalled 5 times, which is within the median for a vehicle this old. There was also an investigation in 2007 for gas pedals getting stuck in the floor mat.
How Long Will the 2008 Lexus ES Last?
A Lexus is just a fancy Toyota, so you should expect a minimum lifespan of around 250,000 with good care. ES drivers may report their car running 300,000 miles or more, but you should bet on the lower end if you’re buying a used model.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $399, which is very low for a luxury car. The most expensive common repairs include new exhaust manifolds and radiators, starting at around $1,082 and $911, respectively. Fuel evaporative canisters aren’t far behind, at $899 to $976.
Yes is very reliable. Since I've had my car the only problem I had was a valve leak. Other than that no problems yet.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology features in the Lexus ES are good for 2008, with a 6-disc CD player and 8 speakers as your base equipment. There are no real upgrades for that, though. No DVD player or MP3 add-on. What you see in the base model is what you get.
Safety technology in the 2008 Lexus ES is about as good as it gets in a 2008 sedan, including anti-lock brakes and stability control as standard features.
Is the 2008 Lexus ES a Good Value?
The 2008 Lexus ES is a good value. The car typically sells for around $8,132, which is higher than most mid-size sedans, and more expensive than many luxury cars for that matter. But given the brand’s reputation for longevity you might put another 100,000 miles on the transmission before the first expensive repair pops up.
Low cost-of-ownership is what puts the ES over the line. It’s fuel-efficient and cheap to maintain, so, while it may cost more than some of its competitors up front, it’s going to make up the difference in the long run.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Lexus ES?
The 2008 Lexus ES is offered in just one trim level, featuring:
- Cruise control CD player with 6-disc changer and 8 speakers
- 10-way power adjust driver seat
- Cloth seating
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls
- Power heated exterior mirrors
Upgrade packages add features like leather seating, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and style upgrades like wood and leather steering wheels. You’ll have to shop around and see what you can find in this regard.
What Engines Come In the 2008 Lexus ES?
- The 2008 Lexus ES comes packed with a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 272 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in front wheel drive, and it averages 19/27 miles to the gallon, city/highway. It can do zero to sixty in 6.8 seconds, which isn’t bad for a luxury sedan, even if it doesn’t exactly put us in muscle car territory.
What Colors Does the 2008 Lexus ES Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Lexus ES?
The 2008 Lexus ES is probably the most comfortable car you’re going to find that can put a quarter million miles on the original transmission.
Seating stretches 56 inches across in the front, 53 in the back, and you’ve got plenty of space for heads, feet, and elbows. The interior trim quality is first class all the way, and the ride is quiet and smooth.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Lexus ES Have?
The 2008 Lexus ES offers just under 15 cubic feet of trunk space. This is enough for five or six medium suitcases. You’ve got plenty of space for short road trips, but you may find yourself packing a lot of your supplies on the back seats if you’re going more than a few hundred miles.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the second model year in the Lexus ES’ 5th Generation, running from 2007 to 2012.
2006: The 2006 Lexus ES was offered with a 218 horsepower 3.3L engine,
2007: Lexus debuted the 5th Gen ES with a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 272 horsepower, and a re-engineered cabin delivering a quieter driving experience.
2008: No big changes for 2008. The car’s exterior mirrors were redesigned for a more modern look, and the interior lighting was a little more efficient.
2009: New color options were the only big change for 2009.
2010: The 2010 Lexus ES got a new front end with sleeker headlights and grilles, chrome body side molding, and a brand new bumper.
How Does the 2008 Lexus ES Compare to the Competition?
The Acura TL earned a Vehicle History Owner’s Choice award for 2007. That honor went to the Lexus in 2008. Both vehicles are fantastic, of course. The Acura is a little more efficient and a bit cheaper, but the ES is more powerful, and more fun to drive.
An Infiniti G35 is another solid option if you’re looking for a sporty luxury sedan without the steep repair costs that come with a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz. The Infiniti won’t last as long as a Lexus or an Acura, but it delivers 306 horsepower, putting it 34 horses ahead of the ES.
There were plenty of great mid-budget luxury sedans released in 2008. The Acura TL may be the most practical option of these three, and the Infiniti is the most powerful, with the Lexus ES splitting the difference as an affordable, reliable, high-powered four-door.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Lexus ES?
I believe so. It runs smooth, Easy to steer, very roomy, and good on gas, very fuel efficient. Also very reliable and affordable maintenance.
