CD Article: 2006 Lexus IS 250 AWD

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think Lexus nailed it as well. It's exactly what was needed. Just perfect except for the rear seat room which is just a wee too tight. It's more luxurious and looks decidedly sporty. Will be ultra reliable and is sporty enough (not only in look, but in performance) to be serious competition for BMW without going over the top in compromising ride or quiet-ness. Dealers are a tad less snobish from what I've seen, and this product should be the one to put them on the map here. I just wish there were some stand-alone options along with the packages.

Unless you're a serious sport enthusiast, this car is on equal footing and in most cases I'd recommend it more than the 3-Series. 

[mdxtasy]

I think the IS250 is fine.....never driven one but this isn't in the same category as the M3 sedan, the S4, AMG C55 etc....it's a balanced vehicle with goodies in all departments.  Don't hold your breath for a stripper though.  DSW might end up rear ending a nun if he ever saw one on the streets.   

[johngenx]

I wouldn't even bother looking at a C280 4-matic thanks to the IS250 AWD.  I think that's what Lexus is aiming for, and they nailed it.

[ghost]

serious sports sedan buyers would opt for a WRX or STi.

[wing]

I saw a few BMW's on my way home tongiht.  You know, the original intent of the car was a great drivers car, but come on the reality is it's a luxury snob mobile now.  I saw old ladies driving them.  The Lexus is way better than the 3-series at luxury IMO.

[Snowman]

I saw a few BMW's on my way home tongiht.  You know, the original intent of the car was a great drivers car, but come on the reality is it's a luxury snob mobile now.  I saw old ladies driving them.  The Lexus is way better than the 3-series at luxury IMO.

  I agree with the entry level models, but Lexus has a long way to go before they match wits with the 5 series. The M3 and M5 are untouchables.

[mdxtasy]

The M series are the mecca of a car freak's dream.  Too bad a lot of them are now snob mobiles too.   

[Snowman]

They don’t look too snobby in my rear view. I like nothing better than smoking cars 2-4 times the value of mine.

[is300sportcross]

I don't know where you heard that the IS' reliability was slipping...

It is always top rated and best buy on any lists I saw. Mine was spot on. Never an issue whatsoever. I was, mind you, coming out of a 2000 Jetta GLX which was perhaps the biggest POS I have ever owned.

In terms of the market niche for Lexus, this model will certainly fit a wider demographic. The old model most people simply "didn't get". It really appealed to the 18-30 set, most people older than that were drawn to the conservative elegance of the 3 series or A4. I imagine Lexus' marketing people figured there are a lot more purchasers in the 25-50 demographic with money that they could afford to alienate the tuner set on the 2006.

[wing]

I've heard from a couple of owners the gear box is made of glass.  Probably them just pushing too hard.

[johngenx]

I've heard from a couple of owners the gear box is made of glass.  Probably them just pushing too hard.

The five speed automatic in early IS300's could give some problems, most notably a tendency to "slip" at times.  Other than that, it's my understanding that the IS is deadly reliable and very well made.  Oh, I know a couple people complaining about premature wear on the "suede" leather interior, which did look a little fragile to me.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I saw a few BMW's on my way home tongiht.  You know, the original intent of the car was a great drivers car, but come on the reality is it's a luxury snob mobile now.  I saw old ladies driving them.  The Lexus is way better than the 3-series at luxury IMO.

Exactly. You can't sell the amount of 3-Series they do just to enthusiasts.

So, it's selling image with decent value. But mostly that 'BMW' and sporty image and feel.

I think the Lexus ought to appeal to more everyday people, if it weren't for the tight rear quarters. Still, it should find itself tonnes of buyers. This is the exact car they needed - more luxurious with the 3-Series sporty look - most buyers can't tell the difference in real performance and the silky smooth quality and quietness will come across stronger on a brief test drive. Especially those fed-up with BMW snobbery and reliability.

The IS 300 was bulletproof as far as I know and in my experience. Biggest issue we had was bubbling tire defects from the Bridgestone RE92's.