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. On paper, it may perhaps be the best in terms of performance, quality, and luxury. However, it may not be the first choice for you serious driving enthusiasts.

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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. It's rated at an impressive 306 hp at 6,400 rpm. Once again, you can expect the Lexus mark of excellence utilizing technology. The IS 350 gets a more performance-oriented version of VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), an integrated system that controls traction, stability, brakes, and steering. 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.

For you that are obsessed with the sports car feel, it may be a bit disppointing. Many agree that the thrust of the engine itself somehow seems muted and that the upshot of the technowizardry almost produces an antiseptic feeling at the higher speeds. It's great with speed, it sticks it's corners, and it stops with authority.

Safety

The Lexus IS 350 offers a comprehensive array of passive and active safety equipment. It received an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIS) rating of Top Safety Pick 2006 Silver.It earned good front and side ratings plus an acceptable rating for rear crash protection. Standard offerings includes front and rear side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags. The Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system further refines vehicle control by tying together traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, and the Vehicle Stability Control system. Optional is a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with a front mounted radar sensor. When the system's computer determines that a frontal collision is unavoidable, it preemptively tightens the front seatbelts and preps the Brake Assist for increased braking force.

Interior and Comforts

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It shows off a roomy, luxurious yet sporty cabin. Everything from the soft-touch dash and door panels to the supple leather seats exudes high quality. Interior feature highlights include: a 13-speaker premium audio system with an in-dash, six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary input for iPods or MP3 players; a high-tech climate-control system that includes a dust and pollen microfilter; humidity and smog sensors; heated and ventilated front seats; steering wheel audio controls and Optitron gauges with personalized shift and speed settings; and, Keyless Smart Entry and push-button starting.

However, rear seating isn't as palatial. One would assume with the larger dimensions it would have more more rear seat room. Not so for you leggy riders.

Exterior

There seem to be no complaints on the Lexus IS exterior. The car is wider, a bit longer, and more substantial looking than the model it replaces. It's style is very much in line with the new, more expensive GS. Lexus calls this design theme "L-Finesse," a philosophy with three fundamental elements: purity, elegance, and anticipation.

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