2007 Lexus IS: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Lexus's premium compact car is a sporty sedan that offers rear- and all-wheel drive. The IS 250 has a 204-hp V6 engine and is available with rear-wheel drive or AWD. The IS 350 has a 306-hp V6 and is rear-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. All models have ABS, traction/antiskid control, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and front knee airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery and a sunroof. Heated/cooled front seats are standard on the AWD IS 250, optional otherwise. New for 2007 is an X Package that includes sport suspension and specific interior and exterior trim. Optional on the 350 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 18 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 the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TSX and Audi A3.

New or significantly redesigned is the BMW 3-Series.