2006-2008 Lexus IS: Road Test

Acceleration varies with the model. IS 250s feel sleepy on takeoff, strained up steep grades, and shy on midrange passing power, despite a responsive and silky automatic transmission. In contrast, the IS 350 is strong in all situations. Lexus said an IS 250 could reach 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, versus 8.3 for the 250 AWD and a swift 5.6 seconds for the IS 350. A test IS 350 beat that figure by 0.1 second. Fuel economy is about on par for the class. A test IS 250 averaged 20.7 mpg in city/highway driving, while an AWD version managed 23.3 mpg in mostly highway runs. Both engines require premium-grade fuel. Ride comfort closely matches class rivals, marred only by slight wheel thump on washboard surfaces and mild float over large crests at speed. The optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires detract slightly from comfort. Lexus trails the benchmark BMW 3-Series for handling talents, but corners with little body lean, secure grip, and agile feel. Here too, the optional sport suspension and 18-inch wheels seem to make little difference. Neither does AWD on dry roads. Electric power steering is quick and informative. Strong brakes furnish swift, drama-free stops, but pedal action is slightly grabby. Coarse-surface tire thrum is noticed, but not intrusive. Wind noise is modest. Lexus' 2.5-liter V6 gets hoarse at high rpm, but both engines are subdued and relaxed during highway cruising. Lexus' usual large, legible gauges are accompanied by handy, intuitive minor controls. Unfortunately, the steering wheel obscures switches on the lower dashboard. The current in-dash navigation screen is more legible than the old 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 is visibly richer and more elegant than the prior IS 300's. Rather snug up front, despite an enlarged exterior for 2006, the IS offers adult-size leg space, but limited headroom for six-footers. Seats are comfortably shaped and padded. The excellent driving stance is abetted by the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, with optional power adjustment. Body styling limits views to the right rear and directly aft. Rear space is tight. Headroom is limited and legroom skimpy with front seats pushed fully aft. Narrow door openings and small footwells impede entry/exit. Cargo space fails to impress. Packing is complicated by a smallish trunk opening, plus intrusion from rear wheel arches and trunklid hinges. Cabin storage is mediocre, too.

Value for the Money
The original IS 300 was basically an upgraded Japanese-market Toyota, but its premium-compact replacements impress as true-Lexus in design, features, and materials. Overall, these fun-to-drive compacts aren't quite alluring enough to qualify as alternatives to the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35--especially in rear-passenger room and comfort. Strong resale values mean used-car prices will be significantly higher than some competitors.