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.

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.

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