Picture Gallery: 2007 Lexus IS250 RWD
Day 1:
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Most North American vehicle buyers automatically equate luxury with tangibles such as: electronic doodads, alloy wheels, power seats and an interior covered in cow. They also are seeking the intangibles like: a smooth quiet ride and a badge that shows the world that they are driving something special.
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Standard features include: A six-speed manual transmission, a six-cylinder V-type 2.5L engine putting out 204 HP, stability control, a slew of letters (ABS, EBD, BA), automatic climate control, premium Lexus audio with 13 speakers, power windows and mirrors, 10 airbags, push button start and manual cloth seats.
Yes you read that right: manual cloth seats. it almost screams, “I bought the base model so I could say I drive a Lexus.” Honestly though, they are nice seats, just don’t try to explain it to your friends. The X1 package included in my tester adds a few final touches to the IS250, and these include a sport tuned suspension, stainless steel scuff plates, front illuminated “Lexus” scuff plates and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels for $1,950.
Sometimes it is not so much the tangible items that make a vehicle what it is. My IS250 tester strives to prove this to me and to you, the reader, this week, by being bold enough to not wear leather while still standing strong under its luxury badge.
2007 Lexus IS250 RWD
MSRP as tested: $38,500
For more information on Lexus and the IS250 visit Lexus Canada
Day 2:
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There certainly is nothing wrong with the IS250’s interior the way it is, cloth-covered manual seats and all. The only negative I can point out in the interior is the steering wheel, with a blank button which looks somewhat out of place. What this spot is reserved for I do not know, as even my IS350 tester back in the winter had the same blank button. The manual shift knob is also somewhat plain; a little chrome here would spruce it up a bit.
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The IS250 benefits immensely from platform sharing: this same chassis, body and interior are used in the more upscale more powerful and more expensive IS350. What you really are lacking with the IS250 is the amazingly smooth and powerful 3.5L V6 engine, but go with the 350 and you lose the ability to option your Lexus with a manual transmission.
The IS250’s interior shows how parts sharing can be a huge benefit to the consumer and the manufacturer. All the plastics are soft-touch, the switchgear feels solid and smooth and the lighting is classy. All benefits from the more expensive version of the same car can be had in this inexpensive version.
The dash cluster is bright and very easy to read, the colour change on the tachometer from white to orange to red as you approach redline is a very cool feature that will keep you coming back for more action.
The stereo is fantastic, with deep clear bass and crystal clear high and mid range response — 13 speakers will do that for you I guess. The tilt and telescopic steering wheel, combined with the eight-way adjustable driver’s seat allow for an unlimited amount of driving positions to fit all body types. I find the driving position and seats extremely comfortable with the arm-rest at the perfect height. The rear passenger space, although not abundant, seems comfortable as well, if seated behind someone under six feet tall.
Day 3:
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The last 3 Series BMW I drove was the 335i Coupe; not the best of comparisons to the IS250 on any level, especially when the price tag was close to $20,000 more for the BMW. Ignoring, of course, the obviously more powerful engine of the 335i, what about driving dynamics?
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Some find the steering on the IS to be light or numb, but I can find no fault with it. There is a good amount of feel through the wheel, enough to feel bumps and cracks in the road, and enough to allow you to easily point the car around corners at high speed.
For a sport suspension,I find the Lexus leans a little too much on corner entry, causing the front tires to wash out as camber increases. On fast sweeping corners, however, stability is excellent and invoking a slight four wheel drift could lead to having too much fun in a Lexus.
This leads me to my next point: Why can I not have traction control but no stability control? Turning off the traction control seems to provide this but as soon as you invoke stability control or spin the wheels the system turns itself right back on. Shut off stability control completely and you lose traction control. I’m not sure this is a Lexus-only feature, but I could see this being useful for high performance driving… you may need a little wheel spin but certainly do not want to risk writing off the car.
Day 4:
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Although not a powerhouse, with the manual transmission the vehicle moves a long quite nicely; only someone truly power-hungry would crave for more. The engine is smooth and quiet, with enough torque to let you cruise in sixth gear easily at 70-80km/h with no worries. The clutch is a little on the rubbery/vague side, making the vehicle a little difficult to drive smoothly, but keep the revs up and it seems fine.
I was really surprised by the car’s handling today. The optional 18″ wheels are wrapped in Bridgestone RE050 tires with a treadwear rating of 140; they won’t last more than 15,000 to 20,000 km but they will put a smile on your face. I was surpremely impressed by the ability of the IS to transition on quick corners and still feel composed.
The only handling negative is that the power steering fails extremely quickly on rapid right-left combinations. On the street you likely would never experience this.
I averaged a cool 9.5L/100km over the course of the week, with a 60/40 split city/highway, which is really reasonable for a vehicle in this class.
Unfortunately, I have not driven the new BMW 3 series in this range to compare, but the IS250 is so good it would be very difficult to tell the difference during a dealership test drive. These sport sedans are extremely capable machines that can handle well but still allow you to arrive in comfort.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Lexus IS250 RWD
MSRP as tested: $38,500
For more information on Lexus and the IS250 visit Lexus Canada
July 09, 2007, 10:10:16 am
What it has is a semi-LSD. With the VDIM option it is impossible to spin one tire for more than 4%. When I disable VDIM and spin the tires on a small curve or straight line they both always light up evenly. Unless you want to go to the track there is no need for full LSD. Note my experience is only with the IS350.
July 09, 2007, 10:17:15 am
I think, though, that a 250 with the right modifications would be a real pleasure...
As of right now there is no turbo kit available for any ISX50. There is a supercharger kit available but from what is gathered in Lexus forums the price is astronomical and the power gains are still un-proven.
You should note that most of the high end sports cars nowadays do not come with a manual tranny. This is the way we are heading. I for one love the paddle shifters on the IS.
July 09, 2007, 10:22:47 am
Semi-auto's with paddle shiiters are probably a better shifter than I am in a manual. Quicker gear changes, better and more consistent throttle blips....everything you need to race and lower lap times. Only difference is I am not racing on track. I'll take the slower row your own tranny thanks.
July 09, 2007, 10:37:45 am I only recently got the base IS250 with automatic. No AWD, no leather, no sunroof.
I have gone from a 2002 BMW 330 and note the following: 1) The torque difference is noticeable but the HP difference is not material in everyday world. I compensate for this by working the semi-automatic transmission more oftern and shifting at higher revs. 2) The gas mileage difference is significant - combined city/highway (65/35) is at least 4l/100kms better than the 330. That adds up to about a $1,200 a year for me. 3) Stereo is just as good. 4) Interior finish is similiar. 4) IS is much quieter. 5) Difficult blind spots in the IS. With the BMW, if you adjust the mirrors just right, there is no blind spot and no need to turn your head around 6) the IS trunk is noticeably larger. 7) The side glass on the IS is better at keeping out the sun's heat.
July 09, 2007, 06:35:03 pm Ah Brigitte.... remember you... me... the IS250 at the auto show? Sweet dreams and bliss. To be back there again.... <sigh>
July 10, 2007, 05:39:23 pm Had an extended test drive in a loaded IS250AWD yesterday.
Variable steering assist thing put me off, way too light when slow, but it felt decent at speed. No more nor less firm than the TSX at highway speeds.
Turning radius is about 100x better than the TSX.
Interior is quieter (much less wind noise). Build quality all around is two steps ahead of the TSX.
Engine is extremely smooth. Quieter when pushed than TSX. Much better response below 3K.
Didn't wring out the handling a whole lot...as I found out it was riding on Pirelli SnowSports
I'm pretty sure I bought the wrong car now. And I'm pretty sure what my next car, finances permitting, will be. Just rip out that stupid variable assist.
July 10, 2007, 05:43:04 pm RWD turning radius should always be better than FWD
July 10, 2007, 05:45:38 pm
But what about AWD, like my tester?
The gap between the IS and TSX was enormous. I was almost certain I would have to put it into reverse...but the car made it in easily.
July 10, 2007, 06:17:06 pm
Variable steering assist thing put me off, way too light when slow, but it felt decent at speed. No more nor less firm than the TSX at highway speeds.
Turning radius is about 100x better than the TSX.
Interior is quieter (much less wind noise). Build quality all around is two steps ahead of the TSX.
Engine is extremely smooth. Quieter when pushed than TSX. Much better response below 3K.
Didn't wring out the handling a whole lot...as I found out it was riding on Pirelli SnowSports
I'm pretty sure I bought the wrong car now. And I'm pretty sure what my next car, finances permitting, will be. Just rip out that stupid variable assist.
Drop me a PM if you're selling your TSX. (I'm only half-kidding).
July 10, 2007, 06:17:44 pm Interesting AWD usually isn't that great either, Subaru's are not. I guess Lexus does it right.
July 10, 2007, 07:36:54 pm
Variable steering assist thing put me off, way too light when slow, but it felt decent at speed. No more nor less firm than the TSX at highway speeds.
Turning radius is about 100x better than the TSX.
Interior is quieter (much less wind noise). Build quality all around is two steps ahead of the TSX.
Engine is extremely smooth. Quieter when pushed than TSX. Much better response below 3K.
Didn't wring out the handling a whole lot...as I found out it was riding on Pirelli SnowSports
I'm pretty sure I bought the wrong car now. And I'm pretty sure what my next car, finances permitting, will be. Just rip out that stupid variable assist.
Drop me a PM if you're selling your TSX. (I'm only half-kidding).
It's too bad we pay more for it here than you do there, which wouldn't make Canadian TSXs as interesting for you....
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mmret, see if trading it in in a year would give you similar trade-in value versus trading in now. (given you car is so new; unless your mileage will increase very much). This should allow you to save more if you'd like. When you're comfortable with the cost, you gotta drive what you really love, that's what I think....
July 10, 2007, 07:38:11 pm
It might be something Toyota does particularly well. The turning radius on our Camry is amazing, and I think you said in a previous review Wing that the Sienna had a great turning radius too. Makes the turning radius on the TSX seem even worse than it already is.
July 10, 2007, 08:09:01 pm
Variable steering assist thing put me off, way too light when slow, but it felt decent at speed. No more nor less firm than the TSX at highway speeds.
Turning radius is about 100x better than the TSX.
Interior is quieter (much less wind noise). Build quality all around is two steps ahead of the TSX.
Engine is extremely smooth. Quieter when pushed than TSX. Much better response below 3K.
Didn't wring out the handling a whole lot...as I found out it was riding on Pirelli SnowSports
I'm pretty sure I bought the wrong car now. And I'm pretty sure what my next car, finances permitting, will be. Just rip out that stupid variable assist.
Drop me a PM if you're selling your TSX. (I'm only half-kidding).
It's too bad we pay more for it here than you do there, which wouldn't make Canadian TSXs as interesting for you....
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mmret, see if trading it in in a year would give you similar trade-in value versus trading in now. (unless your mileage will increase very much). This should allow you to save more if you'd like. When you're comfortable with the cost, you gotta drive what you really love, that's what I think....
While I'd love to drive an IS, and while it might not hurt my monthly cashflow that much, I just don't think its financially responsible to do so. There is nothing wrong with the TSX, and I need to start my mortgage downpayment fund.
I think the most realistic option to get into an IS would be to hold on for 3-4 years or so. By then, I will have a house, and hopefully a new generation IS250 will be out / just around the corner, causing prices to go down on the current generation across the board. Just need to find that gently used 1 year old 2009 IS250...
Caveat: its possible that I could actually gain money from flipping the car, though only if I'm really good with the stock market. Would probably need to get something like 15% growth to break even from the car flip (just a mental math guess)
Mitlov: don't think you'd be happy with a slushbox
July 10, 2007, 08:20:41 pm 3-4 year is the most 'rationale' choice, given you want that house first. Although maybe you'll be even more enamoured with the new IS.......
July 10, 2007, 08:46:17 pm
To say the least
July 10, 2007, 09:19:14 pm Last fall I gat a tsx. The is250mt and bmw 325/8 were also at the top of my shortlist. I like hid headlights and on the is250 they were part of a $10000+ luxery package while in the USA I believe they are a stand alone option for under $1000. Loved the looks of the is250 but I wasn not about to pay that much for hids though the luxery package included heated seats(a $200 option on a vw golf). Had the price been anywhere near comparable with the hid and heated seats I would have got the is250. The bmw does not have a spare tire anymore and as I am in pretty remote parts of the country not having a spare I decided was not acceptable. I am quite happy with the tsx.
July 10, 2007, 09:31:09 pm
The US website lists their price as $875 as an individual option for the IS250 RWD, but the fine print says "Specific Options/Accessories may be available only in combination with other options." And, lo and behold, when you try to build one on the Lexus website, the bi-xenons are not available as an option. The only way to get them is part of the $3,495 Luxury package.
July 10, 2007, 09:49:10 pm Like someone mentioned, I think base IS250 RWD with some aftermarket work is a good choice.
Leather seats, maybe $1200-1500, throw in the heated seats while you're at it.
HIDs for $300.
Skip the sunroof.
Personally I'm okay with a good set of manual seat adjustments, as long as there is lumbar.
To say the least
Hehe. I'm not really an enthusiast driver. My ideal, but nonexistent, car would be an MB E-Class Quattro designed, built, and backed by Toyota, with the exterior of a post-facelift E46, with the TL's active noise cancellation.
July 11, 2007, 10:18:27 am
It might be something Toyota does particularly well. The turning radius on our Camry is amazing, and I think you said in a previous review Wing that the Sienna had a great turning radius too. Makes the turning radius on the TSX seem even worse than it already is.
Subaru's AWD is all time AWD. I am not sure about Lexus, is it the slip and grip type?
July 11, 2007, 12:04:14 pm
It might be something Toyota does particularly well. The turning radius on our Camry is amazing, and I think you said in a previous review Wing that the Sienna had a great turning radius too. Makes the turning radius on the TSX seem even worse than it already is.
Subaru's AWD is all time AWD. I am not sure about Lexus, is it the slip and grip type?
I *think* its a fixed split.
Either way, I think the turning circle deterioration comes from the fact that you have to put drive-hardware at the wheels, so how the center diff behaves won't matter at parking lot speeds.
July 11, 2007, 12:26:37 pm
It might be something Toyota does particularly well. The turning radius on our Camry is amazing, and I think you said in a previous review Wing that the Sienna had a great turning radius too. Makes the turning radius on the TSX seem even worse than it already is.
Subaru's AWD is all time AWD. I am not sure about Lexus, is it the slip and grip type?
I *think* its a fixed split.
Either way, I think the turning circle deterioration comes from the fact that you have to put drive-hardware at the wheels, so how the center diff behaves won't matter at parking lot speeds.
The system in the IS 250 normally sends power in a 30% front and 70% rear fashion, but worser road conditions can call for a more even 50/50 split.
http://www.canadianautoreview.com/lexus_is_250.htm
Should 'of' googled first.
July 12, 2007, 11:27:39 pm
When I went to buy my TSX, there was another black on tan manual transmission one parked near it. Possibly the last one available in Ontario in that color I so desparately wanted and that was to be discontinued.
For some reason, I kept looking at it even though I didn't want to buy manual. Said to myself, time to go now and sign the papers, but I kept staring at the manual transmission for some reason.
Maybe my subconscious was trying to tell my rational brain something.
Now that image sometimes haunts me.
July 13, 2007, 03:56:05 am
Yeah--it was trying to tell you that the TSX has one of the best manuals out there. I've never experienced one as nice as it. The manual also helps you make the most of the TSX's peaky powerband.
July 13, 2007, 06:26:35 am Sat in an IS 250 this week, very nice
It would be on my list if I was looking for a sedan
Next one will be a SUV.
July 13, 2007, 07:52:36 am
Now that image sometimes haunts me.
Sometimes I wonder the same...though in my case the manual would have cost me $1300 more, as I'd have to spring for an 2007.
Still, I wonder if that transmission make me happier with the car.