2006 Lexus IS 250 Consumer Reviews

55,000 Review

Written by: CBP on 10/08/2009

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I purchased this vehicle new in 2005 and have written several reviews at different mileages. I did not have any problems with the vehicle until 52,000 miles when I discovered that the floor mats were wet from an air conditioner leak. Apparently the 2006 Lexus IS series has a defective air conditioner drain that obstructs and pours water into the interior cabin causing major problems. The design problem was corrected in 2007. There has not been a recall on the problem and the dealer agreed to replace the drain and all of the interior carpets under warranty. The repair would ordinarily cost over $2,000.00 since it requires removal of the entire dash board and all of the interior carpets.

Favorite Features

I am getting 28 mpg in combined city and country driving. The car still drives great and handles like a sports car. I have had to replace the tires; front brakes and the battery so far. Not bad for over 50,000 miles.

Suggested Improvements

Do a recall on the air conditioner drain for all 2006 IS vehicles. The problem is hidden so most people will not realize what is happening until the interior begins to mildew. It is a major repair expense which should be born by the manufacturer.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Great looking car but poor visibility

Written by: Rose on 09/07/2009

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I originally loved this car but when I started to drive it around in everyday situations I realized I made a mistake in leasing this car. The visibility is very poor for parallel parking and also for making turns and backing up. I have damaged the wheels and wheel rims because of this. This is my first lexus and my last.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

0 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Juuuust Right

Written by: keeper on 09/05/2009

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

This car is perfect for my needs. I hear a lot of complaints about wanting larger back seats, but I don't tote 4 people all that often. If you want a bigger back seat, BUY A LEXUS GS or LS! If you want more power, GET A IS350 or IS-F!! This is a great car for a single person or couple and can haul 4 people when needed, but not all the time.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling draws compliments from random people. The seats couldn't be better, and ventilated seats is a nice touch. Great mileage and you won't find a stronger 2.5 engine that's naturally-aspirated. It's DIRECT INJECTED, for God's sake.

Suggested Improvements

The voice prompt is too long. The nav system is pretty good but the safety lockouts are annoying...I guess it's supposed to be safer that way haha.

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Standard Lexus Quality

Written by: jonas1jp on 07/16/2009

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Love the car; the Glacier Frost paint is absolutely beautiful. Has a great stance, and a wonderful look from head-on. Interior is fantastic. Quality is top notch. The only complaint I have about the car is that the transmission shifts kind of rough, or more just quick and jolty even at lower rpms. Other than that it's a great car. Getting ready to buy another Lexus from the same dealer. Probably won't ever go anywhere else.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Pentathalon Gold Medal

Written by: David on 04/11/2009

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

This car is not the fastest or the best handling in the sports sedan category. However,it has got to be best all-around. What other all wheel drive sports sedan can consistently achieve 26 mpg in mixed city/hwy driving with legendary Toyota reliability? It was unstoppable in snow with all weather tires and the vehicle stability control kicks in when you need it. I bought it used and have had no mechanical issues other than routine maintenance/one recall. My Lexus dealer always has a loaner. In the five categories of performance (handling, power, mpg), comfort (interior noise, hvac - okay my Volvo had comfier seats), reliability, value and style (black with blacked out windows)it gets the gold.

Favorite Features

Everything works smoothly. It is a refined car. Very cool styling. The six-speed automatic shifts precisely and also gives you varied settings and paddle shifters. But my favorite is AWD, the blend of style, luxury and performance and 26 average mpg. I don't get many complaints from back seat.

Suggested Improvements

Agreed that the transmission bump in the driver's footwell is a little too intrusive. The center pod of the instruments housing the audio and hvac controls is functional but boring. Backing up and parallel parking is a challenge with the high window sills and the wide roof pillar in the back.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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50,000 Mile Review

Written by: CBP on 03/13/2009

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I have now driven my IS 250 for 50,000 miles with little or no trouble. I replaced the tires and front brake pads at 45,000 miles. I am still using the original battery and rear brakes. I have switched to regular gas and am getting a combined mileage of 26.2 mpg. On the highway I am getting as high as 36 mpg using a coasting driving technique. The best way to accomplish this is to activate the instant mileage display and then slightly back off the gas pedal intermittently and watch the mileage indicator go up. The vehicle has been subject to a number of recalls but I have not experienced any mechanical failures other than a slight oil leak from the dip stick when new.

Favorite Features

High gas mileage if driven properly. Comfortable leather seats. Drives like a slot car with tight steering. Good tire and brake mileage. Good turning radius. Nice sized trunk and a usable back seat. Premium gasoline recommended but runs on regular just fine.

Suggested Improvements

Obstructed view when backing up. Back up camera should be included without having to buy the expensive navigation system. If the back up camera can be included on the Toyota Prius without the navigation system why not on all vehicles?

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Shattered High Hopes

Written by: Shattered High Hopes on 01/09/2009

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

The auto that I purchased was a nightmare. I had to buy tires after one year. The radiator had a leak, although I never saw where it was. I reported the problem to the Lexus dealership and I was told that there was a problem that was discovered with the radiator and that it would be replaced if I was still covered by my warranty. Well I wasn’t and as a result I often drove without any heat, estimated cost $1,600. After a year I had to have the fuel injectors cleaned, cost $1,200. I complained repeatedly complained about a ticking noise coming from the engine. I was told that that was normal. After two years and 60.000 miles I was told that my valve springs were failing.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

7 out 14 people found this review helpful

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Fun car but driver seat is crippling

Written by: Alexa on 09/29/2008

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I have had this car for 2 1/2 years. It is a beautiful car and mine did not have any quality problems. It is fun to drive though the acceleration and cornering could be better. I usually have 1 or 2 people in the car so the tiny back seat is not an issue. Few things to be aware of: The wheel well on the driver's side is narrow and has a protuberance that forces me to sit at an uncomfortable angle. I have a hip/SI joint problem that I think the car contributed to. Second thing: Warning lights are extremely annoying -- even for something trivial like a low tire. And the low tire warning goes off a lot for silly reasons like temperature changes -- and only the dealer can turn it off

Favorite Features

Exterior design, electronics, nav system.

Suggested Improvements

Use the nav system while driving. Cool it on the warning lights. Make routine service affordable ($80 for an oil change?!?) Get rid of bump in wheel well on driver's side. Fold down rear seats would make it nearly perfect.

8 out 10 people found this review helpful

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40,000 Mile Review

Written by: CBP on 08/29/2008

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I have driven my 2006 Lexus IS 250 for 40,100 miles. I purchased the vehicle new in 2005. The computer indicates the average gas mileage for 40,100 miles is 26.1 miles per gallon. Highway gas mileage is as high as 36 mpg when driving 65 mph. I have been using mid grade gasoline and the mileage and performance is the same as premium grade. I back off the accelerator when possible to increase the gas mileage. The car has the original brakes and tires. The front brakes need to be replaced but the tires still have at least 10,000 miles left on them. The car has been extremely reliable since a few initial glitches. No major repairs to anything.

Favorite Features

The gas mileage is great if driven properly. I use the paddle shifters to down shift when slowing to save the brakes. The car is extremely reliable and comfortable. The OEM tires will probably last 50,000 miles. This car is the best Lexus for the money.

Suggested Improvements

Lexus dealers are now offering an after market back up camera incorporated into the rear license plate frame for $600.00. The blind spot when backing up is an annoying weakness. What about a hybrid version?

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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So-So for a Lexus

Written by: Lee on 06/26/2008

Vehicle

2006 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I leased this car after reading several comparisons with BMW, Audi, etc. My first impression was this is a gorgeous car. Previously had a RX300, so I was expecting Lexus, but the IS250 has been an underachiever. Car has been recalled 2x or seatbelt assembly and brakes. Headliner rattle is noticeable when sunroof is open while driving. My biggest gripe would be that on 2 occasions when attempting to enter and start the vehicle, the push button ignition would not start and I was stranded for hours. Dealer could not address my issue, because they were unable to duplicate the problem.

Favorite Features

Auxiliary input in center console (for MP3 player). Exterior definitely draws attention and after 2 years bodystyle has withstood the test of time.

Suggested Improvements

Improved electronics (i.e. door release and push button ignition). Brake dust excessive. Larger back seat, my 5 year old has no leg room back there.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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