Luxury cars usually come with a warning label. You get expensive repairs, finicky electronics, and service bills that feel like surprise quizzes you did not study for. That reputation sticks even harder once the car is used. But occasionally, there is always that one car that refuses to follow the stereotype. The 2017 Lexus ES is one of those cars.
This is a luxury sedan you can buy today for less than $20,000 without feeling like you are rolling the dice. J.D. Power gives it a strong quality and reliability score of 96/100, and Kelley Blue Book lists its fair purchase price starting at around $18,400. That combination alone makes it interesting. Add Lexus’ reputation for durability, and the ES starts to feel like a cheat code for buyers who want quiet comfort instead of drama. The ES has never been flashy. It does not chase Nürburgring lap times or overload you with gimmicks. Instead, it focuses on being calm, comfortable, and dependable.
2017 Lexus ES – A Luxury Sedan That Knows Its Role
The 2017 Lexus ES sits in an interesting space. It is technically a midsize luxury sedan, but its personality leans more toward a relaxed cruiser than a sporty executive toy. Lexus built it for people who value smooth rides, quiet cabins, and stress-free ownership over aggressive styling or razor-sharp handling. From the outside, the design is clean and restrained. The spindle grille is there, but it is not shouting. The body lines are elegant without being busy.
Inside, the focus becomes even clearer. The cabin is airy, well-laid-out, and free of unnecessary clutter. The materials may not scream exotic, but everything feels solid and thoughtfully assembled. Buttons click with confidence, knobs turn with a satisfying resistance, and nothing really feels fragile or experimental. All of these age gracefully, too. Almost ten years on, and the interior still holds up because Lexus chose durability over trends.
Reliability That Actually Means Something
Plenty of cars claim to be reliable, but the 2017 Lexus ES backs it up with numbers and reputation. A J.D. Power reliability score of 96/100 is not just good for a luxury sedan; it is impressive by any standard. It reflects fewer reported problems and higher owner satisfaction over time.
Luxury cars often pack complex systems that don’t age well. Air suspensions, complicated infotainment software, and experimental engines can become liabilities after the warranty expires. Lexus, on the other hand, stuck with proven mechanicals. The electronics were conservative, not cutting-edge, and the powertrain was tried and tested. This approach may not excite spec-sheet warriors, but it delivers peace of mind for real owners.
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The V-6 Engine That Just Keeps Going
Under the hood of the 2017 Lexus ES 350 is a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6. No turbochargers and no complicated hybrid systems in this particular trim. Just a smooth, well-understood engine that Lexus has refined over the years. It produces around 268 horsepower, which is more than enough for daily driving. Acceleration is smooth rather than aggressive. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts cleanly and predictably, without trying to show off.
2017 Lexus ES 350 Engine Specifications:
|
Engine Type |
3.5-liter V-6 |
|
Horsepower |
268 HP @ 6,200 rpm |
|
Torque |
248 LB-FT @ 4,700 rpm |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
This powertrain is a big reason the ES has earned its reliability reputation. The V6 is known for running well past 200,000 miles with basic maintenance. Oil changes, brake service, and routine inspections still go a long way here. But there are no exotic parts that are waiting to fail just because the car got older.
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With The ES, Comfort Always Comes First
If there is one thing that defines the 2017 Lexus ES, it is comfort. The suspension is tuned to soak up rough roads rather than communicate every bump. Highway driving feels calm and effortless. Road noise is kept low, and wind noise barely makes a rumble. The seats, too, deserve special mention. They strike a decent balance between soft and supportive. Rear-seat space is also generous, making this a practical choice for families or frequent passengers. Finally, the trunk is respectably sized, easily handling luggage, groceries, or weekend road trip gear.
Even Its Technology Doesn’t Overwhelm The Senses
The 2017 ES does not drown you in screens and menus. The infotainment system is pretty straightforward, and even if it feels a bit dated by modern standards, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Physical buttons still exist for key functions, climate controls are simple, and you don’t need a tutorial to change the temperature or switch radio stations. While the mouse-style controller Lexus used can feel awkward, it is something owners usually adapt to quickly.
Safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and collision mitigation were available, depending on trim. These systems work quietly in the background rather than constantly demanding attention. Unlike in many cars, the tech in the ES feels like it was designed to assist rather than distract.
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The Lexus’ Ownership Costs Are Spectacular
This is where the 2017 Lexus ES really starts to stand out. According to Kelley Blue Book, fair purchase prices start around $18,400. That puts it squarely in the range of many non-luxury sedans, while offering a far more refined experience.
Average yearly maintenance costs sit at about $570 according to RepairPal, which is fairly low for a mid-sized luxury car. Lexus parts are widely available, and many independent mechanics are familiar with the platform. Insurance rates are often lower than those of sportier luxury sedans, thanks to the ES’ calm image and strong safety record. Fuel economy is also respectable for a V6 sedan. It is not a hybrid miracle, but it does not punish your wallet at the pump either.
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It Is Clearly The Smarter Choice
The 2017 Lexus ES is not trying to be everything. Driving enthusiasts may find the steering numb and the handling uninspiring. The infotainment system will not impress tech lovers, and the design, while elegant, will not turn heads like one of its European rivals. But that honesty is part of its charm. The ES knows what it is and sticks to it. It is built for people who want reliability, comfort, and understated luxury.
Buying a used luxury sedan often feels like a gamble. You might score a bargain, or you might inherit someone else’s problems. The 2017 Lexus ES tilts the odds heavily in your favor. With a strong reliability score and used prices starting around $18,400, it offers something rare. It delivers genuine luxury without the anxiety that usually comes with it. This is not the car you buy to impress strangers. It is the car you buy to impress yourself every time it starts without fuss and rides smoothly over broken roads.