2006 Lexus IS 350 Ratings
Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
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2006 Lexus IS 350 - Base
Great car. No issues over 6 years of ownership, only basic maintenance. Great performance.
- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 6 years
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2006 Lexus IS 350 - Base
Pros: DVD Nav + Backview camera.
Cons: Rattles. Small room in backseat and trunk.
Advice: Good car if you seldom have people in backseat, and the 18 inch wheels can feel harsh especially with sports package.
The car is fun to drive, nice to look at, and comes with almost everything that I could think of. And then there are the rattles. Because the cabin was built to be very quiet, every little squeak and rattle becomes much more noticible. I have already taken it back to dealer for evaluation twice, and yet the rattles keep popping up, literally. I hope that my situation is not the norm, because I have driven other Lexus vehicles, including the 03 RX330, 06 RX350, and the 06 GS300, and they were all very quiet vehicles. Aside from the noises here and there, other inconveniences have already been well pointed out: the lack of legroom in the back seat, the awkward position for the power outlet in the center console, and the inability to disable VDIM, etc. The one I purchased came with sports package and 18 inch wheels, which I think may have contributed to the seemingly non-stop rattles, as the suspension is harder than on the luxury package. Overall I am satisfied with the car, just wish the noises can be isolated and corrected by Lexus tech soon. -
2006 Lexus IS 350 - Base
Pros: Tight turning radius
Cons: no leg room for rear passengers, even for teenage size kids.
Advice: Make sure the car is large enough for your life.
The car is a real bullet when merging with traffic even if they are doing 65-70mph. I especially like the agressive stance of the car and it is a real head turner. Another great feature is the exceptionally tight turning radius. My only shortcomings with the car are the small cargo space (you cant put a set of clubs in the the trunk)and it is really tight for leg room for average size people in the rear. Acceleration, braking and steering are incredible in this fun car. -
2006 Lexus IS 350 - Base
Pros: Outstanding handling and comfort.
Cons: Minor point: Should have an option for other tires--not all purchasers want the ultra-performance tires
Advice: Forget the BMW---buy a Lexus!
After owning a full range of vehicles including Cadillac & Mercedes as well as lower priced Fords and Pontiacs, I've never been so pleased with a motor car. Took delivery 12-05. In 40 yrs of driving experience, this is the best vehicle I've owned or driven. I've always been able to find SOMETHING wrong with every car I've owned---usually within the first 48 hrs. Not with my IS350. The only unknown is it's performance in snow--but I owned enough rear-wheel powered cars to know it's the tires which makes or breaks the car's ability in winter weather. One sug. to Lexus: Give buyers a chance to opt out of the perf-tires for all season radials. I had to purchase 4 new 18' tires for winter and save the stock tires for later. -
2006 Lexus IS 350 - Base
Pros: Handling and road holding
Cons: Trunk space
Advice: Get One!!
Very recently I had the privelege of Test Driving the IS350, a brand new Lexus car. I was completely 'BLOWN AWAY' by this IS350; and it is like 'chalk and cheese' compared to the previous IS models. Silent, very fast and with excellent handling. Firstly, it has all the goodies and gizmos the LS430 has, so the luxury side is taken care of. But what really amazed me was the performance right across the band width. o to 60, 30 to 80, and handling like no other. I have drven several 3 series though not the latest, but the IS350 puts paid to all of them. In the glitzy surrounds of Berlin in the middle of the night the IS350 left it's 'mark', out doing and out running the German 'big dogs', and then joining the Autobahn at 110 mph and keeping up with the best of them at 140 mph. This is the first true perforance car Lexus has produced and what a good job they have made of it!!!! Everybody should buy one!