2012 Lexus ES Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
19 City / 28 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
268
Seats
5
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Savannah C
The backup camera is a great highlight feature.
My car is very reliable. I get good gas mileage, and even have an economy option which is very helpful when trying to save money on gas. The radio system is great and even has a backup camera when you are in reverse. With the radio you also have Bluetooth capabilities in which you can connect your smartphone and listen to music off of your device in your car.
accountCircle Michael B
This is a very reliable and durable car to where we have had to do only regular maintenance.
I really like the reliability and the durability. I would improve the fuel economy.
accountCircle Samantha C
My Lexus is awesome. I love the sunroof leather seats and Bluetooth feature.
Love this car super comfortable. Drives so smooth and I have yet to have a problem! Easy maintenance. Love the Bluetooth. The sunroof in the car adds great feature. Leather interior is awesome! Heated seats but would love cooling seats in the hot summer days when the interior is black. Other than that my favorite car!
accountCircle Courtney G
All around amazing vehicle.
I absolutely love this vehicle. It is stylish, sporty, fantastic on gas and just overall a great car. I will definitely purchase another. I have nothing bad at all to say about this vehicle. It has been 100% reliable. They are also very comfortable and the added features are great as well.
accountCircle Jennifer L
Surprisingly affordable luxury: they'll think you hit the lottery!
I've had nothing but a good experience with my Lexus es350. Smooth ride, great features, it is affordable luxury! These cars are related at the top of reliability and retain their value unlike many other cars. Reasonable gas mileage and normal upkeep. Highly recommend!
accountCircle Michael A
It is really reliable and we haven't had any issues with it.
I like the quality and reliability. The service at the dealership is wonderful. The fuel economy is average and it would be great if it were better.
accountCircle Charles K
Roomy can put two car seats in the back.. Rides well.
It is style, comfort and reliability make this car the best I have ever owned. The finish on the car's hood is undiminished from the day I bought it.
accountCircle Judy M
Reliability and customer service of 2012 Lexus.
/the reliability of the vehicle is outstanding as are the features. Customer service at the dealership has been and continues to be outstanding as well. It is a beautiful car.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle ANDRIA T
Car that I should have gotten.
My vehicle is good for just going to work and back home. I wish I would have gotten what I really wanted instead of being cheap. If you are going to buy a car get what you want. It is your money. And you are paying for it! What I really wanted was a wrangler jeep with all the bells and whistles.
accountCircle Gina N
Big sedan, luxury drive, quick in sport mode but has blind spots.
Too old and bulky. Has terrible blind spots that the newer models do not have. Newer es also have safety features that a 2012 will not have. This car is luxurious and drives very smooth. It can last forever when maintenance is kept up to date. I love the smooth steering wheel shape. The sport mode is quite quick but burns gas.

Lexus ES Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
4dr Sdn
268 HP 22 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2012 Lexus ES Owner Reviews

4.61
59 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 64%
4 stars 32%
3 stars 3%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Rod S on July 15, 2021
Love the Lexus
I've been driving an ES for 17+ years and am now on my second one. The first was a 2000 ES 300 that I drove for 8 years and over 200K miles before selling it. Currently have a 2012 ES 350 that just rolled 120K miles. Not only were both luxurious, quiet cars with a comfortable ride, both have required very little maintenance besides the 5000-mile oil changes, brakes and replacing the tires. I am a believer in the 30K, 60K and 100K service/inspections, which run $250-$1000 (using a local shop other than dealer) depending on how much is done. In the 8+ years I've been driving the 2012 ES, I have paid approx $2500 for non-routine service (i.e. Other than oil changes, brakes, tires), or $2.08 cents per mile. My only complaint on ES #2 is the paint job (thus 4 vs 5 stars). Ordinarily a big plus for the Lexus, the front hood of this car has multiple chips, a problem that I did not have with ES #1.
accountCircle Gary T on June 19, 2021
My Lexus it is not a car it is a machine.
Problems: I have a maintenance light that is on and when I went to the dealership they said it was an incorrect reading. Performance: it is outstanding, such a smooth ride. I can be above 80 and cannot even feel it. Reliability: my car gets me from point a-z and all that is between. Comfort: extremely comfortable. Features: nothing special heated and cool seats.
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Pros from Owners

likeFilled Johnnie M.

It is a sporty easy to maintain car. I have had mine for 7 years and only regular maintenance has been required. It has lots of bell and whistles that still work. It looks like new. The largest maintenance I have had to do is replace tires. It runs like new and have not had to do anything extra only regular maintenance.

likeFilled Michael B.

This is a very reliable car that has a great feel to it. We have had to do only the regular scheduled maintenance on this car. The dealer that we have taken it to has been wonderful too. We have had no issues with this car and I would recommend it to others.

likeFilled Julie P.

The ride is very quiet and it is great for long trips. The back seat has plenty of room for a sedan. Lexus service is always exceptional, more than any other we have experienced. The auto features are nice to have.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Johnnie M.

There really are none. I have had this car for 7 years and have not had to do any extra maintenance. I have only replaced tires and I did have to replace the battery. Everything still works. The car still runs great.

dislikeFilled Michael B.

The price of the vehicle might be out of people's budget for a new car along with it does not come with an AWD option. The fuel economy on this car is decent especially for a V6. There really is not anything else that I would consider to be a con with this car.

dislikeFilled Julie P.

I have not found any cons. The vehicle has been outstanding with no problems in 8 years. The interior is black so that can be very hot in the summer, however we chose that. Service can be expensive after the warranty period expires.

Ranks #7 Luxury Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2012 Lexus ES has an average owner rating of 4.61 out of 5 which ranks it #7 of 15 other Luxury Midsize Cars.

1
car
2012 Volvo S80
4.82
2
car
2012 Jaguar XF
4.8
7
car
2012 Lexus ES
4.61

Ranks #6 Luxury Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2012 Lexus ES has a combined MPG of 28 which ranks it #6 of 15 other Luxury Midsize Cars.

1
car
2012 Lincoln MKZ
41 MPG
2
car
2012 BMW 5 Series
34 MPG
6
car
2012 Lexus ES
28 MPG

Is The 2012 Lexus ES A Good Car?

Yes. The vehicle drives smooth for a long time. I do not much issues out of my car. If I do have repairs done, the cost is cheap. Looks great too.
Vincent C.
Yes. It's good on mileage, very durable and spacious and has a nice interior. It lasts long and needs little to no repairs. It runs good and doesn't sit too low to the ground. It's a very nice car... Read More
DeJa D.
Yes it is very reliable during winter, but maintenance issues are expensive. Take good care of this car and you will be fine.
Lance M.
I absolutely love it. Best car I've ever owned. I don't like riding in other vehicles now after getting used to the feel of a Lexus.
Tom D.

How Reliable Is The 2012 Lexus ES?

The 2012 Lexus es 4dr Sdn is very reliable. The only serious problem I have had out of the car was a warped rotor.
Vincent C.
It's very reliable, it rarely has any problems and I haven't had to have any major work done. The engine is good and when you turn the ignition, it's very quiet and smooth.
DeJa D.
No it does not have many problems if you do have problems it will probably be check lights just warning you to get the car checked out.
Lance M.
I literally have not had any problems. Runs and drives as smooth as the day I bought it. Best car I have ever had.
Tom D.

Is The 2012 Lexus ES A Good Value?

For the luxury and performance of this car. It is very affordable for the average American. Such as myself.
Vincent C.
It's not too cheap and not overly expensive but it's a great car so you get what you pay for. It's definitely a good value and worth every penny.
DeJa D.
It was a cheap car used. I got it in good value and I have kept it in good condition which has kept its value up.
Lance M.
It was not cheap. It was around 35000 new. Once you have driven one you can simply feel the difference between other cars.
Tom D.

Related Articles for 2012 Lexus ES

From the Vehicle History blog

car
2012 Lexus ES 350 Recalls: An In-Depth Look

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety