Lexus IS 350 Review

See also the main fact sheets for the 2006 Lexus IS 350. A very solid, capable, and desireable luxury sedan the IS 350 is. It enters the ultra-competitive entry-level luxury sport sedan segment with typical Lexus strengths boasting style and class in spades, a high degree of technowizardry, and acceleration power advanced to a new class. But will it outseat the competitors in it's class?

High Points

It's class-leading interior quality, luxury design, advanced safety and performance technology, and strong fule economy positions it near the top of its class. It is arguably the most advanced, refined, and confident sport sedan under $40,000 today.

Low Points

Buyers of the IS 350 will have to be satisfied with a six-speed automatic transmission and cramped rear seat space.

Performance and Handling

The 2006 IS is offered with either a 2.5 or 3.5 liter V6 engine and rear wheel drive. The 3.5 liter V6 will produce 0 to 60mph in the low-five-second range making it a top racer out of the block and quicker than the BMW's 330i by nearly a second. It's rated at an impressive 306 hp at 6,400 rpm. All of the technology works together to give the engine a broad, flat power band from idle to redline.

The IS 350 also gets a more performance-oriented version of VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), an integrated system that controls traction, stability, brakes, and steering.

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