Test drive: 2007 Lexus IS250 and IS350
Though the new Lexus IS was introduced last year, I didn't drive it; that task went to About.com Cars contributors Micah Muzio, who wrote up his impressions of the IS press preview, and Philip Powell, who did a full-on test of the IS350. Both of them loved the car; Philip was particularly enamoured of the IS350's 306 horsepower engine.
So when it came time to test the IS in 2007, I put myself in the driver's seat, first driving the lower-power IS250 with 6-speed manual and new-for-2007 sport-tuned "X package", then a nicely loaded IS350 with nearly all of the trimmings. So did I agree with Philip and Micah? Er... not exactly. Check out my 2007 Lexus IS250/IS350 test drive for the details.
At issue is the softening up of the IS -- it's now less like a BMW and more like other Lexus models. What do you think -- was this a good or bad move on Lexus' part? Click the "comments" link below and have your say. -- Aaron Gold
Related:
- Micah's 2006 IS250/IS350 preview drive
- Philip's 2006 Lexus IS350 test drive
- 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan test drive
- 2007 Lexus ES350 test drive
Photo © Aaron Gold
Interesting perspective. You hit the nail on the head as to why Lexus has been unable to gain any significant market share in Europe, where feel and character are important qualities in a car.
In America, the majority has always gone for the tepid, preferring isolation to involvement when behind the wheel. This is why Lexus has been such a runaway sales success. It’s why the Camry is number 1…and yes even Hyundai does so well.
Fortunately, with a population of 300000000 wealthy folks, there are enough of us who enjoy driving to generate a market for cars that grab us.
I very much agree with your assessment. I waited for the IS350 to come out last year but decided to pass. Back seat space was too tight, no manual transmision, no coupe and, more importantly, less than exciting driving dynamics.
I’ve driven the IS250…what a sweeet ride! It somehow had a beautiful balance that the extra horsepower in the IS350 might upset…then again…
I own a 2006 IS250, and for the most part I enjoy it. The build quality, interior, paint, the gas mileage, etc. are fine. I even liked the way it handled and drove – until we purchased an Audi A3 2.0T with DSG transmission for my wife! Now there is one fun car to drive. It has spoiled me, and while the IS has a more luxurious interior and more standard features, I now realize its deficiencies in driving dynamics. So, I may be looking to make a change to another car – perhaps the G35.