Lexus IS 350 and IS 250

accorddrvr98

Does anybody know for sure whether Lexus is going to release a hardtop, non-convertible IS coupe in the future and when? It sounds like they are definitely coming out with a hard- and soft-top convertible, but I would prefer a coupe with a sunroof.

brightness04

Oh and the Palm does not discount and they are filled to capacity almost every night.

Well then, BMW is not Palm, is it? Palm does not discount and BMW does. Why in the world did you bring Palm up at all?

brightness04

(subject line changed from "brightmess")

I don't know if you realize, the power difference between IS350 and E46 330i is actually greater than that between 330i and 325i (the difference between god-send and a dog in your mind).

toyotasalesg1

I'm relieved. I haven't seen a manual tranny yet and had heard that it was a 5 speed. I couldn't believe it but the Lexus salesman I spoke with insisted that it was so. So good. A 6 speed then.
Someone asked if it will help performance at all. Yes, of course it will. How much? I'll let you know when I finally test drive one. I doubt it will increase the 0-60 acceleration numbers much. The automatic is pretty efficient.
Where it will help is in cornering and the like. I really hope that it's a great transmission but Toyota's manual's have never set my heart aflutter.

digital_b

the treo 650 is bluetooth compatible so why do you need a second phone?

Kirstie_H

Please let me know by e-mail if any of my previous posts, stating that the topic of this discussion is the Lexus IS and not other members, are unclear. Otherwise I will simply continue to delete multiple posts.

g17

Good review. Exactly what most expected of you. Since you didn't care for it, it means 98% of the people on this board will love it. Faster than a 330 in a straight line is good enough for me. Its a good thing you said the rear of the car was appealing. Its the only view a 330 driver will probably get of it!! Thanks....

gstois

yes, but from the little I have read on other cars, the Treo is not compatible. I could be wrong - it would be great if I am.

newcars

I believe you are correct. For what it's worth, I also couldn't get my Treo 650 to sync. However, an update is expected soon that should address this issue.

Also, the latest I'm hearing is that satellite radio will not be offered until the Spring 2006.

gstois

"Also, the latest I'm hearing is that satellite radio will not be offered until the Spring 2006."

But dealer upgradeable on cars purchased without it? I sure hope so.

wayde

Thanks for your honest review BGDC.
I test drove an IS250 AWD on Friday, the first day they were available, and I too walked away under impressed. I was expecting/hoping for more... for some "soul". Was there anything inherently "wrong" with the IS? Nope. I didn't mind the power of the 250. Didn't think it was doggy, for me. But it didn't impress. Yup, Lexus like reliability makes me want to love it... but I didn't have "fun" driving it. My right leg became sore from the hump in the drivetrain tunnel (anyone else notice this??). My left shin was hit several times from the parking brake. And, I felt like I was locked in place (ie: I fit in the drivers seat just fine, but no room to move. And not because the seats are highly bolstered (another miss). I'm 5-11, 180 & when I tried to sit in the back seat my knees and shins were touching/pushing against the front seat back. My Protege5 has move space in both the drivers seat and rear seats.
I really wanted to like this car enough to buy it, but I will be getting my 500$ deposit back.
Can't wait to drive/see the MazdaSpeed6.
Happy motoring everyone & don't let personal reviews let you become negative - this is afterall a forum for others' opinions.

stickguy

Yewah, I noticed the hump in front of the gas pedal on the AWD I test drove. I also felt that I was somewhat jammed up inthe front seat. It was more of an issue getting in and out, but I was OK once situated. Still, it would be nice to have a little stretch out room.

the back seat however didn't bother me too much, since I would be using it for kid duty, and I think it would be OK for them.

At least that floor hump is only on the AWD model I think.

Also, anyone ever figure out where the parking brake onthe manual tranny version is?

bikertech

Any info on the TMV price for this? I live in Minnesota.

Kirstie_H

TMV price is calculated once actual sales data are available. TMV is basically the average price that people in your area are paying for this vehicle, and since there aren't any sales data available yet, no TMV.

bikertech

Have any of you purchased one yet? If so, can I ask how much did you pay for it? Thanks. I am at the stage of making an offer between the 2005 G35x and IS 250 AWD. Thanks.

ben833

i'm not sure if the IS gas mileage is an advantage over the G35... the G35 can take regular gas while the IS can only take premium.

blueguydotcom

Brighntess, I realize that the 300 hp in the Lexus feels great. The engine doesn't even feel like a V6 it's so smooth. Unfortunately, the engine's so smooth that it lacks anything remotely visceral - no growl from it, no push of thrust, just smooth, linear power.

I have nothing but praise for the engine in the IS350. If I only sought hp and didn't care about handling I could buy a Mustang GT, G35 or an IS350. Road feel's also important to me. It's that magic compromise that includs power, handling, seating position, ergonomics, engine control and road feel. The Lexus hit the power mark (lord knows I loved that power) but in every other respect it wasn't up to what I want from a car.

A sport suspension might help the car handle better and transmit more road irregularities through the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the car will still have pooor seating (unless they add sports seats), a bad seating position and no engine control save for that slow bucking automanual.

blueguydotcom

The G35 calls for premium too. You can put regular in any car and in every case the same thing will happen: lower gas mileage and reduction of engine output to compensate for the cheap gas driving the car.

tosci

I test drove both the IS250 and IS350 this weekend. I was seriously considering the IS250 until I tried to get into the back seat. With the driver seat positioned the way it would be for me sitting up there, my legs did not even fit behind the seat. I'm 6'1'' so I didn't expect a lot of room in the back seat, but this was just absurd. :mad:

The IS250 has plenty of power for what I need. I test drove the 350 just because they had one sitting there and I felt it calling my name. Nice acceleration! But the 350 is out of my price range once you add the options to it.

I love the look of the exterior and the interior, and once you add the Lexus reliability factor I was fully prepared to buy this car, but the cramped back seat is a deal breaker. This is still a great car for those of you who don't need a large back seat.

mikegiller

I could have told you this, however I wanted to find some concrete evidence on the positioning of the e-brake, etc. So, without further adieu, here you go!

kmg68

I believe NJ offers the sport package-try entering zip code 07663....

wale_bate1

Yes it does, kmg. Thanks, I saw that last week.

For fun, try entering 39303. That's Meridian MS, home of the great Hartley Peavey himself. Them good ol' boys don't get nothin' on they cars, no sir!

stickguy

Thanks. I figured it had to be there. I don't know why they bothered to have 2 different set ups for the different trannys, but I was also shocked to see an old fashioned push brake on a new design Lexus.

I wonder if I will ever actually see a manual IS in person? The sales persone is supposed to call if they get one, but who knows if they ever will get one that isn't pre sold.

I think the other issues (most the room) will probably take it off my list, but I really want to try the manual before I decide if I should make accomodations (OK, rationalize my way into it!)

stickguy

Anyone have the actual figures for what the stick will be turning at 60 (that is, mph per 1K rpm)? C&D always shows that in their road test panels, but I haven't seen a road test of a manual.

mikegiller

" I really want to try the manual before I decide if I should make accomodations (OK, rationalize my way into it!) "

That's a good way of doin' it.

Simply order the car. The dealer should accomodate it?

mcb74

I took part in the Taste of Lexus this weekend near Chicago. It was a nice event and provided a good opportunity to drive the line of cars. I drove the 350 and was disappointed at the power. I would most likely go for the 250 if I were to buy one because of the price, but even the 350 did not offer the performance that I would want and have found in the TL or BMW.

kmg68

I saw a Granite/Cashmere 350 over the weekend. I LOVE the color-a dark gray metallic. I don't think it will show swirl marks as much as black, but will probably show more dirt than a lighter color.

kmg68

Where did youo find invoice pricing??

carnack

So the power in the 350 disappointed you but the TL and the BMW Model was better?
What was it about the 350 that you didnt like, did not pin you back in the set?
To smooth?
Please let me know

mikegiller

Same here.

I personally find it hard to believe, but, to each his/her own.

:confuse:

Maybe you did not floor the car. Performance-wise, all reviews I have read stated that the 350 leaves competition in the dust. The only thing lacking from the 350 would be soul. That, however is a qualitative measurement.

suave_tequila

Im just curious wether or not there's going to be a convertible version of the IS 350. What I mostly read in most msgs is that the back seats are too small. I also hope they add that bucket seats (or whatever there called) in the back like the 06' Nissan Maxima which only has four seats with heated and leather seating!
OOh by the way does anyone know whats the most expensive package that is being offered on the IS 350 and what is it? Since i have no clue!!!! THANKS
And thank you MikeGiller I appreciate your advice!!

scotte5

I was at the same event Sunday and found the 350's acceleration to be quite impressive...even on the short track provided. Don't know if it was 5.3 seconds fast, but it was very strong, nonetheless. It felt quite smooth at full throttle, as well. I currently own an 03 IS300 and was wondering how it would compare to the silky-smooth inline 6. Faster and nearly as buttery. What a combination. Now if only it had a sexier exhaust note...

mojojojo24

I drove a 350. My observations:

It's fast. I don't think it's as fast as my '06 Mustang GT (which apparently has the same 0-60, if you buy the magazine's ratings), but it's pretty darn fast.

It has a very nice interior. Almost to Acura TL/Audi 4 standards.

It has a very nice exterior.

It is small.

It is one of the few cars I've driven that seems to divorce me from the feeling of driving. The one part that I do notice is the transmission... which, stangely enough, was rougher than the automatic in my GT. FWIW.

mbzfan06

there is not even a 2006 IS250/350 listed on Edwards... Get them going HOST...

mikegiller

The IS 350 was rated at 5.3 seconds from 0-60 mph by a 3rd party, not a magazine, not Lexus.

The footnote attached to the 5.3 seconds time reads as follows on thenewis.com:

"AMCI-Certified acceleration testing, six cylinder automatic sedans, Ward's segmentation."

So officially, the car is 0-60 mph fast whether it feels that way or not (watch the speedometer when flooring ). I am waiting for an IS 350 to arrive at my dealership so I can see for myself.

Remember, this is a 3.5 L V6 putting out 306 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparisson, the 4.0 L V6 in the Mustang puts out 200 hp and 240 lb.-ft.

I believe the Mustang GT gets somewhere in the range of 5.1-5.3 seconds as well. If I am wrong somebody correct me on this.

What do you think about the steering of the GT compared to the 350?

"It has a very nice interior. Almost to Acura TL/Audi 4 standards."

:surprise: I hope you mean "almost up to Acura TL standards of style, which is in the eye of the beholder". I find it hard to say that Acura materials/build quality are even close to Lexus standards.

Ah well..

kyfdx

The car just officially went on sale today....

I think a survey of actual prices paid just might be a little... premature?

regards,
kyfdx
Host-Prices Paid Forums

zcar3

I think the TL is widely regarded as having a nice interior (potentially much less so its front wheel drive), and the new IS is very nice as well, but having sat in one IS for 20 minutes, I would not say its obviously better than the TL. I would defer my choice until I saw them both again. But the IS interior is not up to the standards of, say the Lexus SC.

tyorder1

Well of course you have your opinion about interiors, however you can't compare the SC430 to the IS's. Two different target markets. Of course the SC has a better interior. Its also a premium luxury vehicle that isn't mass produced which also costs double. And I wouldn't compare the TL to the IS either. The TL is more on comparison with something in between the GSs and ESs. The IS should be compared to 3 series, A4, G35 etc...

harrybush00

I don't know where you're seeing that the G35 can take regular gas. Infiniti recommends premium, just like Lexus does with the IS series.

oac

Can't wait to drive/see the MazdaSpeed6....

I don't understand why anyone would even compare a Lexus to a Mazda. The latter is just a so-so car, and even more of a so-so brand. A Lexus otoh, is light years away from a Mazda. Cheap the Mazda is, if it is your idea of a lux-sport car, then you've been looking in the wrong forum all along....

harrybush00

I'm pretty sure you must be looking at a Mustang GT with a 300hp V8. It would be next to impossible to get the Mustang V6 to go to 60 in less than even 6 seconds (not a stock one anyways).

ron_m

This past Saturday I visited the local Lexus dealership and checked out a green IS350. It was the only IS350 that they had on the dealership's lot. However, they did have an IS250 in matador red. The IS250 looked extremely hot in the matador red. No doubt about it. Both vehicles were already sold, but the salesman asked me to sit in the IS350 and give him my general impressions of it since I pulled into the dealership's lot in my 2002 IS300. I did just that--and now I plan on going back
to test drive an IS350 since he invited me to "come back and test drive one even if you're not interested in trading your IS300 or purchasing an IS250/350 straight
out". I believe he thinks that I'll be so blown away with an IS250/350 that I will just HAVE to have one.

At any rate, here are a few of my initial impressions of the IS350:

-Exterior appearance is extremely nice! Stunning to be exact. The vehicle is
pricey and it looks it.

-Interior appearance is extremely nice--and it is very, very obvious that Lexus
went to great lengths to improve the quality of the interior materials when
compared to the average IS300 interior component's material. The interior's coordination is indeed better in the IS350. Looks very classy and luxurious.

-Cabin still feels a bit on the smallish side to me. Especially the back seat. I set
the driver's seat to a position that is comfortable for me at 5'-10", then got in the
driver's side rear seat and felt somewhat claustrophobic.

-Driver's seat felt like the leather chair in the Lexus dealership's lounge area.
Very, very comfortable, but I can't imagine it being very supportive if I took a
curve at a relatively high rate of speed. But since that doesn't happen too often
with me, this really wouldn't be a major rub and prevent me from taking the car
seriously if I were in the market to trade up anytime soon.

Although I do plan on taking an IS350 for a test drive just for a comparison with my 2002 IS300, I really don't feel as though I can justify spending that much money for a new car when my current ride still only has 27,000 miles on the clock. Couple that with the fact that my IS300 has been rock solid thus far with no electrical, mechanical or trim/finish issues whatsoever and my mind is pretty much made up.
I'll just hang on to my IS300, which will be completely paid off before the end of next month, and consider purchasing a used sedan to commute back and forth to work in for gas savings. Something like an Accord that uses regular unleaded fuel and less of it. Plus this will help to keep the mileage down on my IS300 and allow me to keep it looking new for a lot longer. We all know what happens to even the nicest of cars when we use them as a daily driver.

To those that are seriously considering the purchase of an IS250/350, I can certainly understand the interest. There's a lot there to intrigue potential buyers.

Ron M.

legar

You can put regular in any of those cars, your performance will suffer slightly, but it will not damage the engine.

rjorge3

You guys have to test drive this baby a night time!!! Holy cow, the instrument cluster is just absolutely beautiful. I mean, I thought my Audi A4 had a nice interior (and I think it does!), but I was definetevely was blown away at how nice the IS looks specially when you are driving on a dark road. One of my beef with the interior was that I found the temperature buttons way too small. Compare to the Audi, BMW and Mercedes, I feel Lexus could have design something nicer, like a nice knob, or at least bigger buttons. But, then again, I could live with it just the way they are after seeing those beautiful colors looking at me.

I test drove the 250 and to be honest, it has the right power for me (hey!, my A4 is only 1.8L with 185 hp), thus 200 hp is just about right. The Audi steering has indeed a better feel, but the IS as "soft" as it was, it felt pretty good as well.

I am almost sold on this car, but goodness, I need to convince the Mrs. that her parents will fit nicely in the back (yeah right!!!, but who cares). Suguya Fukusato, please listen to this forum and the various comments about the back seats. Just give us 3 more inches, and you will sell 15% more!!!.....

legar

Quiet, smooth and if you died in it the vehicle would probably slow to a stop in a gliding fashion and call your next of kin via the Bluetooth phone system. Nothing seeps into the car but the faint whisper of the tires. Irregular roads pass without commotion. Hit the bots dots and you’d swear the car floated on a cloud. Nothing close to road feel transmits into the cabin. That 40 mph corner arrives and the car’s at 70; the front end dips and the car gently rocks into the corner.

Sounds like my kind of car. Thanks blueguy!

dl7265

Bob Carter: While we have not released this yet, we hired an independent research firm to certify the performance of the new IS. 0-60 acceleration, quarter mile times, as well as passing and merging acceleration, the IS 350 far exceeds anything else in its class. This car is WICKED fast! In testing, the car is significantly faster than the 5.6 second 0-60 that we previously released.

"significant" to me would be at least or near a second.....Hmm

DL

digital_b

if you are unfortunate enough not to be a sprint customer youre probably right. from monitoring the m45/35 board I gather that verizon sucks.

307web

Since the backseat is so useless anyway, they should make an IS coupe to compete with the G35 coupe and stop the pretense.

digital_b

drove an IS 350 with the sport package today. on the way to it I saw a light blue [forget the color name but I am sure you know what it is] 250. the doors were open even though it was on the lot. dont like that color and since it didn't have the nav I got to see the console with the standard stuff. looks cheap just like the TL without the nav. if thats what you want then fine, obviously that falls into the subjective category too. the 350 was 'silver' with black interior and wood. owning an ls 430 and with the wife leasing an rx 330 with silver/black I am so SICK of black interiors. really like the cashmere interior but its not available with 'silver' which to me sucks. looks like the 'off' white' [I got the first brochure from the dealership but I am too lazy to read the back where the colors are, forgive me] with cashmere is the combo for me although that 'dark gray metallic' looks hot too.

having owned an 04 tl before my ls 430 I can say that people thinking the tl interior is as luxurious as the IS is dead wrong. I know for a fact that the leather on the tl wears off although its almost as soft as the leather [perforated] in the IS. the dash is better quality and the wood is real in the IS unlike the fake stuff in the tl which does look good. the IS interior is smallish. I am 5-8 with a football player build and its just small feeling. but still I like it. the nav system is awesome. the feel of the controls and the look is nice too but that metal trim on the sport pkg sucks to me. this thing is quick and fast. rides better with the 40 series tires than the tl with 45s. its quiet yes but you can hear the acceleration and it sounds marvelous. the tranny is great but the paddles look cheap. no reason for them not to be metal. personally I do not want the sports pkg so knowing that it is at least livable, I am thinking the lux pkg has got to be awesome. if you're the typical lexus customer you're going to LOVE this car. 43k and change is a bit high in my opinion WITHOUT the mark levinson but once it comes down a couple grand this is definitely the car for me. and while its not as inexpensive as the tl it is a better car. as much as you dont want to hear it and as much as I hated seeing it, the tl is just the accord with a v6 and a sport pkg. that really pissed me off after buying it.

digital_b

obviously the sport pkg does not come with wood. my bad. thats what happens when you go drive a car after leaving outback steak house.