Acura TL vs Lexus IS 350

realty_pro · September 2005

I'm "going with this" to point out that the IS350 won the C&D best sport sedan.

fedlawman · September 2005

"the IS350 won the C&D best sport sedan."

Actually, the FWD Acura TSX has won that award - two years in a row...

pat · October 2005

See what Lexus General Manager had to say about the IS 350 and IS 250 in the chat held in the Forums last week:

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/transcripts/lexusischat092905.html

See all past chat transcripts: http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/transcripts/index.html

haefr · October 2005

"If the IS has over 300 hp+, and handles great, the Japanese have out Germaned the the Germans!!!"

Horsepucky - the Japanese national character makes them incapable of lowering their reliability standards the necessary minimum two orders of magnitude . . .)

lovemyclk · October 2005

From the chat...

Bob Carter: It's not our goal to compare ourselves with any other manufacturer. I am confident that we have a fantastic vehicle coming to market. Most luxury manufacturers address this segment through vehicles that offer a compromise on either performance or luxury. Lexus has taken a different approach. We are addressing this segment by offering two completely different models. The IS models offer incredible performance with all the luxury you would expect in a Lexus. Our ES 330 emphasizes the comfort and refined feel which Lexus is known for, and comes in a sophisticated and stylish exterior.

coopnet asks: How does Lexus feel the IS250/IS350 compares to the 325i/330i?

Bob Carter: The IS is a much better car!!

Spoken like a true Sales Guy!

anijhaw · November 2005

I would really appreciate if someone can provide feedback on the quality of the manual transmission for the IS250. I absolutely love the IS250/IS350, but I really want a manual transmission. Unfortunately, I have not gotten a chance to drive the 250 with manual yet.

I have a good deal being offered on an Acura TL with a manual transmission. While I believe the lexus is better in just about all categories, I feel like the TL is more fun to drive with its smooth shifting manual.

Has anyone drive both? I would love to hear your opinions on which you prefer.

Kind Regards,

Akshay

proe · November 2005

In case you do not know, TL with manual has torque steering issue, and people have been said that it should have been made RWD

. I would go with TL with automatic instead. If you really want a manual, go with RSX because it has very very smooth manual.

I have never heard anyone praise Lexus's manual for some reasons. Could that be IS250 is the first manual that Lexus ever offered?

bplayer · November 2005

In case you do not know, TL with manual has torque steering issue

This has been resolved in the 06 model.

proe · November 2005

How specifically did they do to resolve the issue?

Thank you

bplayer · November 2005

I think through electronics. Check the Acura web site of Honda News for their brief overview.

digital_b · November 2005

having owned a brand new tl purchased and built in 2/04 I can tell you first hand that the tl is NOT in the same class as the new IS. it is in fact almost an exact copy of the accord and is built in the same facility. yes the 'exterior styling' is different but its the same car. and the tl comes with either fake carbon fiber inserts or fake wood inserts. the leather also fades for some reason. this is a topic you can read about in the TL forums on other sites.there is a problem with a resonance noise issue at around 50 mph. these issues are why I traded mine in on an ls 430 just 6 months later. acura is in no way equal to lexus regarding luxury in any vehicle segment.

bodble2 · November 2005

"acura is in no way equal to lexus regarding luxury in any vehicle segment."

Very true. But I wonder if they really try to be? (And, I've said it before, when it comes to luxury, Lexus is head and shoulder above all the other Japanese brands. Sportiness and styling -- different story)

dap2006 · November 2005

"acura is in no way equal to lexus regarding luxury in any vehicle segment."

Do you really think it's appropriate to compare a 35K TL to a 56K LS 430? I think most of us agree the TL is an outstanding value for the money. Lexus makes a great vehicle but you pay a lot more to get one comparable to the TL. And a search of the Lexus forums shows people find plenty of things to complain about. As for styling the LS is pretty bland, IMHO.

bodble2 · November 2005

"As for styling the LS is pretty bland, IMHO"

That's Lexus' mission statement, is it not? "Relentless Pursuit of Blandness" The Stepford Wives of the automotive world. :P

digital_b · November 2005

I have driven both the old and new IS cars as well as having owned an 04 tl. perhaps I was not clear. yeah the tl isnt even in the same ballpark as my ls. no surprise there. the new IS is also superior to the tl in materials and ride. even with the sport package. sure the tl is a better value. it should be since its just a rebodied and resuspended accord. thats not a dis, its a fact. lower quality materials that would please an accord owner wont please anyone who has tried lexus.

podres · November 2005

The original question was how the IS250 with manual transmission stacks up against the TL with manual transmission. I have driven them both and believe the TL to be a more attractive car in a number of ways. First, it is much more powerful. Second, it is every bit the equal of the Lexus in terms of electronics & toys. For example, the TL has bluetooth, while I believe the IS does not. Third, it has more room in the rear. Fourth, it is quieter when cruising because the stronger engine can generate the necessary torque at lower RPMs. It sound deadening may also be better, because overall the TL is quieter than the IS250.

The IS250 has a very attractive exterior and interior, and its Lexus badge porbably means that it will be very reliable. Lexus service is top-notch. The IS250 is a good car, and it is the only IS that comes with a manual. The manual shifting on the IS250 is excellent, by the way, which came as a surprise to me because it is my understanding thatthe took it from the Toyota Tundra.

To me, the pleasure of a manual transmission is more important than the ability to accelerate really hard out of a turn, at which a FWD car is probably inferior to a RWD car, all other things being equal.

The TL is not simply a rebadged Accord. I have driven the 06 MT 6 cylinder Accord. The TL is much stiffer and has much better road feel. The TL is a rebadged Accord in the same way that the Lexus is a rebadged Toyota.

If FWD kills the appeal of a car for you, stay away from the TL. If you are open to FWD, test drive the TL. You will be pleased. If you don't mind the relatively small cabin of the IS, don't really need to put full-size people in the rear seat, and don't mind the engine sound (some people like that) then the IS250 may be for you.

digital_b · November 2005

The TL is not simply a rebadged Accord. I have driven the 06 MT 6 cylinder Accord. The TL is much stiffer and has much better road feel.....

essentially what I said is vindicated by the above. the analogy offered makes no sense in relation to what I said. the new IS is an IS everywhere unlike the previous generation. the current TL is made in the same factory as the current accord and is essentially the same vehicle differing only in the suspension and body panels. everything else is exactly the same inside and out. it was HIGHLY annoying to see accord EX's when I owned my TL and knowing that they were essentially the same. at this rate acura will never be in lexus' class.

mldj98 · November 2005

After just test driving both cars these are my views....

Both are very reliable....resale value on both are also good....
But the IS350 is now WAY above the TL....bottom line....
In all aspects....comfort....luxury....performance.....
Now having said that...the IS should not be a family vehicle unless you have small children. Four adults could fit in there but it would be snug fit on long trips....
The TL is a great value for the money....however I think they have some build quality issues which should not occur in this class of car.....but now that Lexus has come out with the new IS....I am sure Acura is hard at work coming up with the new TL....we shall see....
I have been an Acura owner before....might be in the future...who knows....
But while I was driving the TL I was feeling ho hum....
Once I got behind the wheel of the IS....WOW!!!!!!
The salesman didn't have to say a word....he could see it on my face....it was like I was little boy in a candy store!
And to put a happy ending to this story....I am the new proud owner of a IS350! (Loving the 306 hp!!)

podres · November 2005

The IS350 may be far superior to the TL is certain respects, including acceleration. I don't know, not having tried the IS350. But the question was how the MT IS250 compares to the MT TL, and there the comparison is quite different. The TL is a quicker car. It is more spacious. It probably has an inferior build quality. It is the equal of the IS250 in terms of toys. So it comes down to what your priorities are.

mldj98 · November 2005

The thing you have to remember is the TL has 258hp while the IS250 has 204hp.....so obviously the TL has more power....therefore should be quicker....the TL is known to have a smooth MT....the IS may or may not be as smooth....MT are not quite as popular as AT....especially if you have to sit in bumper to bumper traffic all the time. Nothing for or against either....the build quality is where I think the biggest difference between the two is...if you have not driven the IS350 yet I would invite you to do so....you will see what I mean....the techno stuff on each car is fine...one has this....one has that...pretty much a wash there...the TL is a WELL equiped car for the price, won't argue that...I am a big fan of Acura...but I am being 100% honest here....in my opinion the IS350 has the "WOW" factor that I am willing to pay more for than the "ho hum" feeling that I could pay less for...if I am going to spend that kind of money then I am going to get what I REALLY want at this moment!!!!
Just my .02...of course...

bodble2 · November 2005

All valid points, but I think, due to price, the IS250 may be a more natural comparison with the TL.

mldj98 · November 2005

You are correct....price is very important....
Acura TL non-navi I can get one for $31,350 plus TTL....
Lexus IS350 non-navi I got for $34,600....plus TTL.....
Roughly 3K difference in price....IS350 has added hp...258 vs 306.....the other stuff is a wash.....
The question I asked myself is this.....if I am going to spend $30K plus for a car....get the one I want and the one with the WOW!!! factor....and for me it was the IS hands down....Again, not putting down Acura at all....this is a comparison thread and that is what I am doing....
Although all opinions are welcome!
Happy Motoring....

podres · November 2005

The MT on the IS250 is very smooth. I was surprised by this, frankly, because I had read that it was lifted from the Toyota Tundra. Not that I have ever driven a Tundra, but it is, well, a truck. The IS250 MT is a pleasure to drive, but in order to get the puppy to move quickly it must be driven at high RPMs, which is not my preference. At high RPMs you hear much more engine noise. At low RPMs, the torque is low. A fine car, the IS250, just not for me.

igiban · November 2005

New IS has better look inside and out than the old IS now. But in terms of WOW factor I still give TL exterior an edge. On interior, well, once a lexus becomes really lexus it's hard to beat on refinement. New IS, despite larger than the old one, is till a bit sqeezed for family, while TL offers more room. For a single who likes a polished/refined performance RWD car, Lexus IS is one solid choice.

rockylee · December 2005

Did you drive sport suspension copy ????

I'm am looking at the IS very seriously, but wonder if the sport suspension is too stiff for everyday use ????

Thanx->Rocky

mldj98 · December 2005

The one I test drove and the one I bought did not have the sport suspension.
In my opinion, I think the way mine drives and corners is more than enough for my needs.
Allot of people say they are going to go to the mountains and push the car to the limits.....but you and I both know that doesn't happen....so why pay any extra $$$$?
That's like buying a 4x4 truck when you live in Miami? Why?
just my .02

starman98 · December 2005

The 250 VS TL is a bad comparison. The 250 VS Honda Accord would be better.

The TL blows the 250 away sadly a V6 Acoord will as well.

SO in other words get the IS350 or get a TL or G35.

ingvar · December 2005

It was replaced im my 4 month old car already. I have a lot of issues with my TL. It was a big mistake to swith from Lexus to Acura

boiko · December 2005

> "SO in other words get the IS350 or get a TL or G35.."

I agree...after all this TL..vs IS250/IS350 talk. I think it all comes down to - you either spend the extra $3.5-4.5K on the IS350, or buy the TL...or G35.

rockylee · December 2005

I'd spend the extra $$$$$ for the IS. The TL and G35 are inferior when you take residuals and customer service into the equation.

Rocky

digital_b · December 2005

you will find that the TL is inferior period. I had mine for 6 months before I traded up to an 01 ultra lux LS430. the TL is just poor quality for a supposed luxury vehicle. and yeah I know the LS is much better than any acura but having test driven the new IS I believe it is better than the TL as well.

note:

this is excerpted from a reply which directed anyone who doubts what I said to a TL forum listing ridiculous problems that some owners are having. some problems such as seat leather 'butt patterns' that are not fixable and shouldnt be happening at all in a > 30 grand car. Acura is NOT luxury its value. and this is coming from a former OWNER not a test driver. the IS is more than likely to be my next car and thanks to 40 dollar fill-ups, sooner than later.

ggesq · December 2005

Comparing an LS 430 to a TL? :confuse: Remember, the TL is a entry level luxury performance sedan, not a luxury sedan. Your definition of luxury is obviously different than others.
Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with YOUR TL. However, you might want to troll on over to the Lexus boards and see that the IS has its own share of problems. Maybe you got a :lemon: ??
My 05 is great and I don't have any issues with it. Of course, there will be that small percentage of vehicles by all makes that have issues. However, for the most part Toyota and Honda do a pretty decent job at building quality products.
The point is: don't act like Lexus is 100% free of defects, problems or issues.
By the way, I hope you don't think your current $40.00 fill ups are going away with the way the 300hp IS drinks gas....

starman98 · December 2005

Acura/Honda and Lexus/Toyota are almost the same as far as reliable/problems goes.

The LS430 compares more to a Acura RL. The TL isn't even in the same class as the LS430.

The CS from Acura was excellent even if they seem a little disorganized. Still leagues above a GM dealer.

starman98 · December 2005

Also this is a MUCH better comparison.

Lexus IS250 or Acura TSX

Lexus IS350 or Acura TL

IN terms of performance these are very close.

digital_b · December 2005

again, there is no comparison between the LS and the TL mentioned. the comparison is between the IS and the TL that I owned. period. the problems that TL owners are currently experiencing are documented on a TL site I cannot mention here according to the host. personally it surprises me that the problems owners talk about exist in that car.

ethan777 · December 2005

the Tl is 95% Made in America, and the Is is 95% made in japen. quality wise Is350 is much better. actually not just Is350, most lexus cars have better quality than Acura,that's one of the reason why it cost more.some people might say they both have about the same quality,but the truth is, there is no comparison.
i have 2 friends one only buy Acura, the other only buy Lexus. the Acura guy who bought 99Tl, 2003 MDX, and the new
TL and the Lexus guy who bought 2001 GS430,2003Lx470,and a 2006 Rx400.i driven all of the cars they have, one thing i know for sure is that the Lexus guy have never go back to dealer except oil change.And the Acura guy he gets to know what TSX and RSX drives like for days when he went back for recall and other small problem.
the other day me and the Acura guy went to test drive the Is350, make long story short, he almost bought the car, the reason why he didnt buy it is b/c the back seat is too small for his need.so people if you have the money to spare and dont really care about the back seat space, go for the Is350, not the 250 if you drive both,the 250 is a joke for that price

ggesq · December 2005

Wow, that is a pretty bold statement to make! Well, I can't speak for the hundreds of thousands of owners of Honda products, but I can speak for myself. After owning 3 Honda Accords, 1 Acura Integra and 1 Honda Civic all of which had more than 200k miles (and one actually had close to 400k), I can say that in MY experience, Honda makes some pretty solid and reliable vehicles.
I would concur that Lexus has an edge as far as luxury is concerned over Honda but better quality??- I think that is questionable and without some statistical data and/or empirical evidence to prove the same, at this point I would respectfully disagree with you.
Also, I was curious about the whole "95%" made in America comment so I looked at the window sticker of my 05 TL which clearly states that the engine and transmission are made and shipped from Japan. In all fairness, the final point of assembly for the vehicle was in Maryland. At this point, I guess I am seeking a little clarification as far as the 95% made in America comment is concerned in light of the aforementioned information off my TL window sticker.
Oh, and I do agree with you about your view on the IS250 and the price point at which it is selling at. Complete joke when you can buy a TL, G35, BMW 3, etc instead!

habitat1 · December 2005

Before you mess up your keyboard (or worse) gushing about Lexus quality, you might want to take into consideration that Lexus has NEVER made a single model that caters to a serious driving enthusiast like me. Although I have not yet driven the IS350, it wouldn't qualify either, with it's slushbox only transmission choice.

Lexus makes some fine luxury vehicles that are as reliable as the old Maytag washer and dryer. Unfortunately, they elicit the same type of excitement as a Maytag when you turn on the key and drive them. At one time or another I've riden in, and occassionally driven, just about every model, multiple times. I didn't expect much from the Camry based ES or luxury oriented LS. But I thought they could have at least put a little more excitement and a little less body roll in the GS400/430. The SC430 is a pitiful excuse for an attempt at a sports car.

Our Acura TL 6-speed is not perfect, by any means. I would have preferred it with RWD, as Infiniti did with the G35. But overall, with it's short throw 6-speed, Brembo brakes and sport tuned suspension, it's a enjoyable car to drive on the highway or on winding roads.

The day that Lexus makes a truly serious driver's car, I will give them fair consideration. But I'm not holding my breath.

laurasdada · December 2005

Just as a point of order, Lexus has never marketed the SC430 as a "sports car." Rather, a GT to which it is a very fair example (imo, of course). As for the exterior styling, well, that is in the eye...

I don't think anyone can doubt that, until they decided to go after BMW w/ the IS, Lexus nailed their products to their target market. Especially the RX. My wife didn't know a Lexus from a Lada, a BMW from a Buick. But the RX, that she knew and had to have.

My slush box TL is a wonderful drive, too. Even with the much maligned FWD, it handles very well for the driving that I do, is powerful and relatively thrifty with the go-juice and looks pretty darn good! I ultimately chose it over the G35/G35x for a number of reasons including a smoother, quieter ride and superior interior/exterior style and interior materials. But the G was a blast to drive, with an aggressive exhaust note!

G, TL, IS, 3... these are all fabulous cars. The winner/best is the one in your garage!

bodble2 · December 2005

"...with an aggressive exhaust note!"

The G, in its various guises, has never been my cup of tea, but...when you hear one zoom by at full throttle.....! :shades:

digital_b · December 2005

you dont get it. same as bmw lovers. lexus isnt chasing you. they know their customers want luxury and comfort FIRST. the styling of the IS obviously has gained new interest but the sport crowd is disappointed. lexus will sell every IS they make at least the first year anyway. the previous IS was more down market than they would admit. if the TL were made overseas like the TSX is then it would be better built with better materials. and having owned one I heard the rwd argument over and over. and you know what? they were right. 39ft turning circle is ridiculous in the TL and its because its fwd. TL wins on value but not luxury.

ethan777 · December 2005

do you guys know Lexus they expect to sell the new Is 4 times more than the old Is? i dont know about 4 times more but much more i would think.i said lexus beats acura does not mean that i am a big fan of Lexus, actually in fact i have never bought a lexus or Acura in my life.
for the honda/ acura guy ,one thing u have to know is that many of the Acura cars they make today, many parts are ship from japan and they put it together here, and that's where it goes wrong(in fact honda does have a better quality than Acura and do you konw over there in japan ,china there is no Acura).and i know on the sticker they didnt say 95% made in USA but i got the 95% from my friend who bought the 04Tl and he gets that info from the Acura Tl web
for people who like to buy BMW or Benz,think about this, which is harder to achieve when it comes to make a good car, Great performance or Make a car that never breaks down?to make a good performance you can put a bigger engine or put a turbo and perfectly tuned suspension so on..., but to make a car that never goes wrong, that's test after test years experience when it comes to built a car.In fact there are more BMW ,Benz lover are switching to lexus these days, people who buy those car u think they have time to go to dealer all the time for problems?
at last, when i test drove the Is350 (i ran the RPM to redline every gear with pedal shift)come on!!! they call that 306HP? so what's in the M3 or 911 if that's 306? what 500? lol. however it is still faster than the 04 Tl. By the way some people wonder why Acura dont make RWD is because of 2 reason. 1,cost cutting, 2,until they have a better engine with higher torque 'at wheel'Rwd is just not gonna work.

ggesq · December 2005

What part of "in all fairness the final point of assembly for the TL was in Maryland" was confusing?
Yes, I do realize this. Thanks for clarifying. :confuse: The point I was trying to make is that the engine and transmission, which IMO is probably two (main) of the many reasons why consumers purchase Honda/Acura was made in JAPAN.
I searched the Acura website and can't find the percentages that you were referring to. What I did find (from the original window sticker) is that 65% of the parts were obtained from the US. Whether this helps clearing up the ambiguity, I leave to you to determine.
In all honesty, could the TL quite possibly be an even better product if it was assembled in Japan- sure. That being said, even with the cars still selling like hotcakes like they are with record sales in 05 and with "projected" increased sales for 06, I would venture to say that it really doesn't matter where this car is assembled because people will still buy them.
In regards to "In fact Honda does have a better quality than Honda" statement is concerned, how so?
No doubt the IS350 over powers the TL. For those individuals out there that prefer the IS (like yourself) over the TL and want to spend the extra 5-10k, happy motoring

In regards to why Acura doesn't make a RWD TL? You might want to do a search on the other forum boards and really find out why Acura doesn't do so. Simply put, they don't have to. The car sells great as configured. Imagine, if they did though....interesting....
Also, I am interested in YOUR thoughts on why Lexus doesn't offer the IS350 in a manual? The power in that beast coupled with RWD and manual would be somewhat stimluating, wouldn't you think?

bodble2 · December 2005

" I am interested in YOUR thoughts on why Lexus doesn't offer the IS350 in a manual? The power in that beast coupled with RWD and manual would be somewhat stimluating..."

The reason is that "Lexus" and "stimulating" are mutually exclusive! :P

laurasdada · December 2005

While opinion's on luxury/interior quality/materials can certainly vary from one person to another, overall reviews of the TL usually comment on it's well laid out, stylish, luxurious, quality interior. Some don't like the blue lighting (I do) but overall the interior is a winner in most opinions that I've read/heard. The interior is one of the reasons I chose the TL over the G.

The turning circle is a bit of an annoyance, but a minor one in my book.

YMMV.

habitat1 · December 2005

"you dont get it. same as bmw lovers. lexus isnt chasing you. they know their customers want luxury and comfort FIRST."

You might want to ship that post off to the Lexus marketing department. Every TV advertisment I've seen for the IS and GS looks like it was made by BMW's marketing department. When I first saw the new GS television advertisments, they made reference to a "six speed transmission". Needless to say, when I dropped by the Lexus dealership to test drive one, it was a 6-speed automatic. And the new IS commercials sure seem like they are trying to appeal to the "sport crowd" with their heavy emphasis on horsepower and acceleration.

Be assured, I "get" that Lexus' current model line-up is not for me, and probably never will be. The closest contender was the GX470 we considered when replacing our SUV. But, as I came to find out, that particular model has had SERIOUS quality problems, related to drive train vibrations and transmission "clunking". My wife spoke with two owners in our neighborhood who subsequently had their cars bought back by Lexus (one amicably, the other after extensive legal action).

Quality is very important to me. But so are driving dynamics and engineering. And whereas Acura apparently falls short of your requirments in the former, Lexus falls short of mine in the latter. To each their own.

habitat1 · December 2005

Not to beat a dead horse, but I happened upon this post in another forum. The author was seeking advice on a sports car he was considering.

"Does it keep the smile on your face month after month of daily driving? The last car that did that for me was my BMW 330i. Then I went practical and went for a Lexus LS430 (I know, what a sell out!) Anyway it's a great car for what it is, super luxury, fantastic quality and very quiet and smooth. But, it's boring. And I'm too young to be that old. (Can you say mid life crisis!)"

I am fortunate in that we added a Porsche 911 as a third car this year. But I still want a sedan that is at least a little fun to drive. And given that I'm dangerously close to the half century mark, I suspect that I'll never get old enough for that preference to change. For those that don't have such aspirations and can enjoy the Lexus for what it offers, it's an unbeatable choice.

digital_b · December 2005

you know what? you dont drive an LS 430. you cruise in it. which is not boring but its not fun either. bmw has its appeal but not to me. I EXPECT that a luxury car whether its competency be comfort or sport be reliable. having driven and very much enjoyed the IS 350 and knowing that I wont be at the dealer quarterly for warranty issues. I MUCH prefer the luxury part of sport luxury being near the half century mark myself. and finding now that I have a bad back you can keep those 'sport suspensions'. the IS 350 delivers for me.

runonmd1 · January 2006

I agree...I intend to purchase a TL. I just wish it had a back-up camera included with its navigation system.

As an aside, it's "opinions," not "opinion's," and it's "its," in this case, rather than "it's," which means "it is."

laurasdada · January 2006

Correct you are, sir! I do know the difference between the possesive/contractions but for some reason I tend to type for speed vs. accuracy here on the 'net. It's funny as I usually do notice the incorrect use of it's/its and possesive/plural.

Well, it has been MANY years since University... Where I did receive a goodly edumacation!

At least I spelled TL correctly.

Acura TL vs Lexus IS 350

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles