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2006 Lexus IS Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2006 Lexus IS Review:
2006 Lexus IS Review
Lexus redesigns its sporty compact sedan for 2006 with new styling and available all-wheel drive. IS borrows its basic architecture from Lexus's larger GS sedans and loses its wagon body style for '06. Compared to the 2001-05 IS 300, the '06s are some 3 inches longer and wider on a 2.4-inch-longer wheelbase. The IS 250 versions have a 204-hp V6 and offer rear-wheel drive or AWD. The IS 350 has a 306-hp V6 and rear-wheel drive. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for the rear-drive 250. Available for the rear-drive 250 and standard for the other models is a 6-speed automatic with a manual shift gate and steering-wheel paddles.
All come with ABS, traction/antiskid control, front torso side airbags, curtain side airbags, and front knee airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery and a sunroof. Available are a sport suspension, wood interior trim, and heated/cooled power seats. An optional voice-activated navigation system includes a rearview camera and wireless cell phone link. Rear obstacle detection and steering-linked bi-xenon headlights are also available. So is adaptive cruise control. A new option is Lexus's Pre-Collision Safety System, designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected.
All come with ABS, traction/antiskid control, front torso side airbags, curtain side airbags, and front knee airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery and a sunroof. Available are a sport suspension, wood interior trim, and heated/cooled power seats. An optional voice-activated navigation system includes a rearview camera and wireless cell phone link. Rear obstacle detection and steering-linked bi-xenon headlights are also available. So is adaptive cruise control. A new option is Lexus's Pre-Collision Safety System, designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are Acura TSX, Audi A4, and BMW 3-Series. At this time we have no Recommended picks.
New or significantly redesigned models in this class include Audi A3 and Lexus IS.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are Acura TSX, Audi A4, and BMW 3-Series. At this time we have no Recommended picks.
New or significantly redesigned models in this class include Audi A3 and Lexus IS.
News
Sources expect the first IS 2-drs in spring 2008, a coupe and fabric-top convertible each seating four. One or both may be early-'09 models. A rumored retractable hardtop-convertible might materialize later as a 2-seat job on a shortened IS platform, as suggested by a 2004 concept. No details yet for the upcoming 4-seaters, but look for IS 250/350 coupes and a lone 350 convertible. All will take on counterparts in the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz CLK lineups.
2006 Lexus IS Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Passenger and cargo room |
| Acceleration | Quietness |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
IS 250s feel sleepy on takeoff, strained up steep grades, shy on midrange passing power despite responsive, silky automatic transmission. IS 350 strong in all situations, did 5.5 sec 0-60 mph.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 8 | 6.2 |
IS 250s feel sleepy on takeoff, strained up steep grades, shy on midrange passing power despite responsive, silky automatic transmission. IS 350 strong in all situations, did 5.5 sec 0-60 mph.
Fuel Economy
With manual-tranmission IS 250 averaged 20.7 mpg. Test AWD IS 250 averaged 22.4 in mostly highway work. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
With manual-tranmission IS 250 averaged 20.7 mpg. Test AWD IS 250 averaged 22.4 in mostly highway work. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Closely matches class rivals, but slight wheel thump on washboard roads, mild float over large crests at speed. Optional sport suspension, 18-inch tires detract little from comfort.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.9 |
Closely matches class rivals, but slight wheel thump on washboard roads, mild float over large crests at speed. Optional sport suspension, 18-inch tires detract little from comfort.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Trails benchmark BMW 3-Series, but corners with little body lean, secure grip, agile feel. But again, optional sport suspension, 18-inch wheels seem to make little difference. Nor does AWD on dry roads. New electric power steering quick, informative. Strong brakes furnish swift, drama-free stops, but pedal action slightly grabby.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Trails benchmark BMW 3-Series, but corners with little body lean, secure grip, agile feel. But again, optional sport suspension, 18-inch wheels seem to make little difference. Nor does AWD on dry roads. New electric power steering quick, informative. Strong brakes furnish swift, drama-free stops, but pedal action slightly grabby.
Quietness
Coarse-surface tire thrum noticed, but not intrusive. Wind noise modest. The 2.5 V6 louder than 3.5 at high rpm, but both engines subdued, relaxed in highway cruising.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
Coarse-surface tire thrum noticed, but not intrusive. Wind noise modest. The 2.5 V6 louder than 3.5 at high rpm, but both engines subdued, relaxed in highway cruising.
Controls
Lexus's usual large, legible gauges and handy, intuitive minor controls, but steering wheel obscures switches on lower dashboard. New in-dash navigation screen more legible than IS 300's smaller pop-up display. As on other Lexus models, it controls many audio and climate functions, but is easier to learn than most navigation systems. Cabin decor visibly richer, more elegant than IS 300's.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
Lexus's usual large, legible gauges and handy, intuitive minor controls, but steering wheel obscures switches on lower dashboard. New in-dash navigation screen more legible than IS 300's smaller pop-up display. As on other Lexus models, it controls many audio and climate functions, but is easier to learn than most navigation systems. Cabin decor visibly richer, more elegant than IS 300's.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Snug, despite enlarged exterior. Adult-size leg space, but limited head room for six-footers. Seats comfortably shaped and padded. Fine driving stance abetted by tilt/telescope steering wheel with optional power adjustment, but styling limits views to right-rear, directly aft.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Snug, despite enlarged exterior. Adult-size leg space, but limited head room for six-footers. Seats comfortably shaped and padded. Fine driving stance abetted by tilt/telescope steering wheel with optional power adjustment, but styling limits views to right-rear, directly aft.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Tight. Head room limited, leg room skimpy with front seats pushed fully aft. Narrow door openings, small footwells impede entry/exit.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Tight. Head room limited, leg room skimpy with front seats pushed fully aft. Narrow door openings, small footwells impede entry/exit.
Cargo Room
Packing complicated by smallish trunk opening, intrusion from rear wheel arches and trunklid hinges. Cabin storage mediocre.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.7 |
Packing complicated by smallish trunk opening, intrusion from rear wheel arches and trunklid hinges. Cabin storage mediocre.
Value within Class
The original IS 300 was basically an upgraded Japanese-market Toyota, but its replacements impress as true-Lexus in design, features, and materials. Despite the brand's strong resale-value record, however, these premium compacts are not quite alluring enough alternatives to the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35--especially in rear-passenger room and comfort.
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
The original IS 300 was basically an upgraded Japanese-market Toyota, but its replacements impress as true-Lexus in design, features, and materials. Despite the brand's strong resale-value record, however, these premium compacts are not quite alluring enough alternatives to the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35--especially in rear-passenger room and comfort.
Total Score
| IS 250, man. | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/nav. sys., sport susp., 18-in. whls. | Class Average |
| 54 | 53 | 55 | 58.7 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 52 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2006 Lexus IS Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/23/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| IS 250 4-door sedan, manual | $29,990 | $26,389 | $590 |
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| IS 250 4-door sedan, automatic | $31,160 | $27,419 | $590 |
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| AWD IS 250 4-door sedan, automatic | $34,285 | $30,168 | $590 |
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| IS 350 4-door sedan, automatic | $35,440 | $31,186 | $590 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
250
Powertrain
2.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/45VR17 front tires, 245/45VR17 rear tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, heated/cooled front seats, 225/45VR17 tires.
350 adds to 250:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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250
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$1,290
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$1,032
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Heated/cooled front seats, wood interior trim. NA AWD.
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Luxury Pkg.
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250, 350
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$3,495
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$2,796
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AWD 250
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$2,205
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$1,764
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Heated/cooled front seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), wood interior trim, automatic day/night outside mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid, rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights.
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Luxury Pkg. w/18-Inch wheels
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250, 350
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$4,215
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$3,372
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Luxury Pkg. plus 225/40YR18 front and 255/40YR18 rear summer performance tires. NA AWD.
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Sport Pkg.
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250 manual
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$3,725
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$2,980
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250 automatic, 350
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$3,695
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$2,956
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Heated/cooled front seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), aluminum pedals, automatic day/night outside mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid, rain-sensing wipers, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, sport suspension, 225/40YR18 front and 255/40YR18 rear summer performance tires. NA AWD.
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Navigation/Mark Levinson Pkg.
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250, 350
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$3,990
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$3,320
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Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, Mark Levinson AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer.
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Safety |
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Pre-Collision Safety System
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250, 350
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$2,850
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$2,280
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Includes adaptive cruise control. NA w/manual transmission.
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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250, 350
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$500
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$400
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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250, 350
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$2,550
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$2,168
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Includes voice recognition, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link.
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Mark Levinson sound system
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250, 350
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$940
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$752
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Includes AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Headlight washers
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250, 350
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$100
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$80
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Requires Luxury Pkg., Luxury Pkg. w/18-Inch Wheels, or Sport Pkg.
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225/40R18 front and 255/40R18 rear summer performance tires
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250, 350
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$720
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$576
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NA AWD.
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2006 Lexus IS Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lexus IS 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3455 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 30.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /152 | 3.5 /210 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 204 @ 6400 | 306 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 185 @ 4800 | 277 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 20/29 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | 24/32 | 21/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lexus IS 4-door sedan |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | For RX 400h:6/70,000 powertrain, 8/100,000 on hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Luxury Package (17" AWD), Navigation System (Generation 5 Navigation System with rear camera, Bluetooth, and Voice-Activation with destination input), Preferred Accessory Package (trunk mat, cargo net and wheel locks). Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 22.37 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Mark Bilek I have two real problems with the new IS. One is the hefty price tag, this "small-six" model coming in at a touch under $40,000 and the extremely cramped rear-seat accommodations. The IS is a joy to drive and will return reasonable fuel economy. However, because of its limitations, the market demand for this car will be slight and sales aren't going to take off. |
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Also in the 2006 Lexus IS Review:
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