2007 Lexus IS Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Lexus IS includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Lexus IS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Lexus IS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Lexus IS help you decide if a 2007 Lexus IS is right for you.

2007 Lexus IS Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Passenger and cargo room

Acceleration (IS 350)	Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	8	6.6

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; test example did 5.5 sec 0-60 mph.

Fuel Economy

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	5.4

Test IS 250 averaged 20.7 mpg in city/highway driving. Test AWD IS 250 averaged 23.3 in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with IS 350. Premium-grade fuel is required.

Ride Quality

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	5	5.9

Closely matches class rivals, but tainted by slight wheel thump on washboard roads, mild float over large crests at speed. Optional sport suspension, 18-inch tires detract slightly from comfort.

Steering/Handling/Braking

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
7	7	7	7.3

Trails benchmark BMW 3-Series, but corners with little body lean, secure grip, agile feel. Optional sport suspension, 18-inch tires furnish little advantage, nor does AWD on dry roads. Electric power steering quick, informative. Brakes furnish swift, drama-free stops, but pedal action slightly grabby.

Quietness

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	7	6.2

Coarse-surface tire thrum noticed, but not intrusive. Wind noise modest. IS 250's engine louder than IS 350's at high rpm, but both engines subdued, relaxed in highway cruising.

Controls

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
7	7	6	7.2

Lexus's usual large, legible gauges and handy, intuitive minor controls, but steering wheel obscures switches on lower dashboard. Navigation screen easy to read. It controls many audio and climate functions, but is easier to learn than most navigation systems.

Details

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
7	7	7	7

Cabin decor is rich and elegant, with a pleasing mix of soft leather, padded surfaces, and nicely textured plastics.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6	6.9

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 body shape limits views to right-rear, directly aft.

Room/Comfort (rear)

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
3	3	3	3.7

Tight. Head room limited, leg room skimpy with front seats pushed even partway aft. Narrow door openings, small footwells impede entry/exit.

Cargo Room

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
3	3	3	4.2

Packing complicated by smallish trunk opening, intrusion from rear wheel arches and trunklid hinges. Cabin storage mediocre.

Value within Class

IS 250, manual	IS 250 AWD	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	6.3

These premium compacts impress for their design, features, and materials. They also benefit from Lexus's strong resale-value record. However, they're not quite alluring enough alternatives to the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35--especially in rear-passenger room and comfort.

Total Score