Lexus IS Review
| Ratings |
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| Overall: |
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| Comfort: |
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| Performance: |
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| Quality: |
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
Audio system and handling capabilities. |
Least favorite feature: |
Could use more horsepower and only gets about 20 mpg on average. |
Advice to buyer: |
This is an amazing vehicle that can match almost everyone in its class in all aspects yet costs much less. Lexus reliability is second to none. |
Detailed review: |
This is an amazing vehicle that costs much less than the 3 series, A4, C320. First I will address some of the positives as I have driven almost every car in its class. This car is much sportier than most in the sports sedan category. It is not as fast as the 330, new TL or the G35. However, the car feels about as fast as all the others and is much more fun to drive. It handles better than all of them. The TL and G35 can pull about .01 or .02 more lateral g's when the IS has on all seasons but that's only grip. The IS can be tossed side to side much easier because it is a smaller car with a stiffer suspension. Motor Trend had it pull .91 g's when the IS had summer tires on which ranks up there with two seater sports cars. Handling is top notch and nothing can competer in this category
Lexus quality is the finest. This car doesn't have wood or look as refined as others but the materials are first rate. I have no rattles or problems through 40,000. My father has a 330i and my wife has a C320. Their cars aren't as well put together as far as rattles and squeaks and have been in the shop 2 times more than mine.
Next, the stereo in the Lexus is much better than others. BMW has the worst stereo around. If you disagree then you haven't heard other cars. G35 is a great sports sedan but has a very cheap console and features and is a bigger car that is less fun to drive. The TL is fast and modern but is front wheel drive. It definately has different handling characteristics especially when cornering. The A4 and X-type are just a luxury cars with very little sporting characteristics. Both do not handle especially well or are very quick because of the extra weight. Plus the wannabe jag is based on a Ford Contour platform. My buddy has one and it is in the shop every month.
The IS doesn't lead every category in this class. However it is one of the most fun cars you will find in terms of driving excitement. It also is very reliable and comes with every feature you need. It is a drivers car. I don't want anyone else driving my car so why would I need memory seats. Plus how often do I have rear seat passengers that need their asses warm. You can get nit picky but this is a fantastic drivers car that you don't see nearly as frequent on the roads as many of the others. |
Also considered: |
2002 BMW 330
2003 Infiniti G35
2003 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
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Vehicle purchased: |
2002 Lexus IS 300
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| About This Reviewer... |
Location: |
Vinton, Iowa |
Other vehicles owned: |
2004 Mercedes-Benz C
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Review submitted: |
June 22, 2004 |
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