2007 Lexus IS 250 Review
2007 Lexus IS 250 Review
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Used IS 250 for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Capable handling, highly refined, class-leading interior quality, advanced safety technology, optional all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Isolated steering feel, limited rear-seat space
What’s new
Introduced last year, the Lexus IS 250 sedan has only minor changes for 2007. A new "X" Package for rear-drive IS 250s features a sport-tuned suspension and the possibility of deleting the moonroof. There's also a cutoff switch for the stability and traction control systems this year, a response to complaints from critics and consumers who felt the systems were too intrusive when maximum performance was desired.
Edmunds says
The 2007 Lexus IS 250, with its numerous features and agile handling, is one of our top choices for a small luxury sport sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2007 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$249/mo for IS 250 Base
IS 250 Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Lexus is rather unique in that it happens to offer two entry-level luxury sedans. The ES 350 is designed for optimum comfort and luxury, while the IS line is specialized for performance. This tactic allows the automaker to avoid the jack-of-all-trades approach that other automakers must use with their singular entry-level offerings and therefore more directly appeal to consumer wants.
As the dedicated athletic sport sedan, the 2007 Lexus IS 250 carries on the tradition of the Lexus IS model. Along with its higher-horsepower sibling, the IS 350, the IS 250 replaced the original IS 300 last year when it debuted as an all-new design. Under its sharply styled exterior, the sedan packs a sophisticated suspension, powerful brakes and a V6 providing a respectable 204 horsepower.
In the entry-luxury sport sedan segment, the IS 250's strongest competition comes from the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Finding a winner isn't easy. The Lexus excels when it comes to comfort and feature availability. Only in the more esoteric areas of chassis response and driving enjoyment does the 325i prove to be superior. In reality it's hard to go wrong with any of these great machines. The 2007 Lexus IS 250 is one of our top choices, and sport sedan shoppers should definitely give it strong consideration.
Performance & mpg
Under the hood is a 2.5-liter V6 that makes 204 hp and 185 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations are offered. For the rear-drive IS 250, buyers can choose a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The automatic is standard on AWD models.
Safety
Safety equipment includes front and rear side curtain airbags and front-seat side airbags. Also standard is a full suite of electronic technologies -- traction control, stability control, brake assist and antilock brakes. Lexus groups them together as the "Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management" (VDIM) system. Optional is a Pre-Collision System (PCS) -- packaged with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control -- that uses a radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car. If the computer determines that a collision is unavoidable, it preemptively stiffens the suspension, retracts the front seatbelts and pre-initializes brake assist so increased braking is applied the instant the brake pedal is pressed. In crash tests, the Lexus IS 250 earned a "Good" rating (the best possible) for its performance in IIHS frontal offset and side-impact testing.
Driving
The manual transmission allows drivers to wring out a bit more performance from the small V6 engine, but overall the automatic is a better choice. Either way, expect adequate acceleration. The ride is controlled but soft, and the IS 250's plush cabin, devoid of any noise, harshness or vibration, is a portrait of tranquility. On twisting roads, this smallest of Lexus sedans is comfortable, reassuring and competent.
Interior
The 2007 Lexus IS 250 boasts impressive interior materials, an attractive cabin design and plenty of luxury amenities. Everything from the soft-touch dash and door panels to the supple leather seats exudes high quality. Like a lot of small luxury sedans, however, rear seating isn't as palatial. The car's wheelbase is 1.2 inches shorter than the 3 Series'. If you regularly carry adults -- or even large children -- in the rear seat, they won't be happy in the IS.
2007 Lexus IS 250 models
The 2007 Lexus IS 250 is a compact luxury sport sedan. Its singular trim level comes standard with 17-inch wheels, a moonroof, leather upholstery, power front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control and a premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary input jack. Additional features are mostly offered through optional packages. Three-position driver-seat memory, xenon HID headlights, adaptive front lighting, a power rear sunshade, 18-inch wheels and rain-sensing wipers are all available. So is a navigation system, a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, dynamic cruise control and parking assist. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on all-wheel-drive models and optional on those with rear-wheel drive. Only rear-drive models are eligible for a sport-tuned suspension.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2007 Lexus IS 250.
5 star(78%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(1%)
102 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Lexus IS 250 tops BMW 325i
Chuck from Riverside, 10/12/2006
2007 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
I am a long term BMW owner (325i, 325is and M3) but have grown tired of the electrical problems that seem to plague recent 3 series models. My Lexus IS 250 provides a firm yet comfortable ride. While perhaps not quite as athletic as the 3 series BMW, the handling and braking are outstanding. Add in the exterior and interior appearance, overall fit and finish and unbeatable quality of … Lexus and you have a winner. The 250 provides enough power for most applications, but if you have to have five second 0-60 times, opt for the 350 which hits 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. On the other hand if you want highway mileage that exceeds 30 mpg, buy the 250 version. Either way you can't go wrong.
4.88 out of 5 stars
A really fun car
crusty, 01/14/2007
2007 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
This is my first Lexus and while it's the bottom of the range, the attention to detail is clearly evident in the design of this vehicle. The Black Sapphire is a beautiful color, the fit and function is wonderful and the drive is tight and responsive, without being dangerously fast (like the IS 350). Chose the IS 250 over the IS 350 because I couldn't afford the speeding tickets and for … the gas mileage. I'm getting about 18 mpg in SF city driving.
5 out of 5 stars
I love this car!
ssh, 10/25/2006
2007 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
This car has it all - luxurious interior and fun to drive!
5 out of 5 stars
From ES to IS
John H, 11/18/2006
2007 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
This car is great for 2 people, back seat space is tight, but I'LL never be in the back seat. I got it for my wife who had the ES 300. We love the IS because of the smaller size, sharper look and the car handles better than the ES 300. The ride is not as smooth as a smaller wheel base, but it's so much more of a sports car its a keeper!
2007 IS 250 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,255 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $249/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the IS 250 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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