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Overall: A cramped and rather stiff-riding car that
ought to have a sporty feel.
Overall Rating: 5/10
Recommended: No
The Lexus IS300 was
redesigned for 2006 to be replaced by two a version with a larger and with a
smaller engine: the IS250 and IS350. Like the old IS, the new one is the
sporty entry-lux sedan in the Lexus lineup, complementing the luxury-only
Camry-based ES. But unlike the old IS, which was a focused sport sedan,
neither of the new cars offer a sporty feel, and do not provide enough of a
luxury experience to counter that.
At first glance, the IS does seem to succeed at
its mission. Its new rear-drive platform and its new optional 306-horsepower
V6 seem to suggest that it would be fun to play around in, and the interior is
(unlike its predecessor) of Lexus-level quality. Both engines are smooth and
refined, too.
But flaws abound that are unacceptable at this
price range and considering the IS's intent to include both sport and luxury.
For starters, while the car handles capably, the steering lacks the feedback
that would make it fun to drive. And to achieve the handling, the ride became
too stiff and jittery. So the IS is left as neither fun nor comfortable.
And the flaws continue inside. Aside from the
high quality of the interior materials and the care of their assembly, the
traditional Lexus comfort is absent. The front seats are well-shaped but are
lacking in leg and head space, and are too narrow for some. And the rear is
sorely deficient in its leg and knee space, making it too uncomfortable even
for small adults.
The 3.5-liter V6 found in the high-end IS350 is
a strong point, one that propels the car effortlessly and more quickly than
any competitor in the same price range, and sounds good while doing so. But it
is worth noting that a lower-horsepower version of the same engine also
provides very strong acceleration, found in such cars as the $23,000 Toyota
Camry and RAV4, and that this engine exacts a price premium of over $4,000
over the IS250. And though the IS250 certainly isn't underpowered, its
acceleration is much less impressive than a number of its like-priced
competitors, and it doesn't sound as good as the IS350. Unbefitting the car's
sporty image, a manual transmission is available only with the smaller engine.
Overall, the IS fails as a sports sedan for its
lack of steering feel, and fails as a luxury sedan for its lack of ride
comfort and interior space. Those are too many failings for a car priced well
into the $30,000 range, and the IS's strong points (which are not unusual in
this market class anyway) do not save it.
If you want a blend of sport and luxury, the
Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series are excellent choices. For a bit more luxury and a
lot more interior space, and a lower price, the Infiniti G35 and the Acura TL
and TSX are also serviceable. The V8-powered Lincoln LS, now in its last year
on the market, is deeply discounted, rides and handles very well, and is
powerful, but doesn't have a very nice interior for the price. If luxury is
your primary focus, Lexus's own ES350 and the larger and less-expensive Toyota
Avalon are the best choices. The IS's styling inside and out suggest that it
blends sport and luxury, and its sales figures suggest that many people have
agreed, but it is not a strong choice in its highly competitive class.
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