Used 2006 Lexus IS 350 Consumer Reviews
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Lexus IS 350
The IS 350 is the best handling, most comfortable, fun car I have ever driven/owned. It is plenty sporty enough and extremely well appointed. It is also outstanding value compared to its peers.
Love It!!!
This was my first car to buy out of college and I absolutely love it. I went with the IS 350 and love the horsepower. I think it's a great 4 door, yet sporty car. I've had the car 6 months and still have no buyers remorse.
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,500188 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $10,500350 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $3,500514 mi away
Quiet Power will knock your socks off!!
I have had my IS 350 for just a few days and I keep thinking to myself that it must be a dream. This car is AWESOME! One item most don't mention though is just how QUIET the 306 hp engine is. This just exemplifies how great the quality and attention to detail is on this car. This car PURRRRSSS!!
Can't go wrong with this car
Acceleration to me is the key word when driving this car as I don't mind the tight space at the back since I don't use it much anyway. I t just amazes me how you can really feel the power in this car when I first testdrove it plus the interior is topnotch and noise level very much subdued in my opinion. I almost bought a 325i but when I testdrove this car, it was like love at first sight,you just can't go wrong with IS 350 IMHO.
A Sedan That Acts Like a Sports Car
I have always been a very practical car buyer. The IS came loaded, including GPS at a little more than the others, but with a great deal more fun and WOW factor. The 306 HP makes getting to highways speeds when merging a breeze. The interior is roomier than I expected with four adult males seated comfortably. Current average mileage is 20 mpg but will likely improve when I decide to keep my heavy foot off the gas pedal, but for now its just too much fun to leave other cars in the rear view!
OH MY.......
I saw, I drove, I wanted it. This car is not only beautiful to look at and fun to drive, but it is also going to keep you well balanced and under control if its power out-ranks your driving skill or the laws of physics. It corners like its on rails! The car has a great combination of luxury, performance and safety at an amazing price. I drove all of the competition and was glad I chose the 350. Can we see an AWD version any time soon?
Excellent value
I've had my IS350 for over three years. It's one of the best cars I've ever owned. I love the refinement, performance and build quality, although I have had repeated issues with the sunroof not closing and rattling when open. The middle speakers on the front doors leak air, specially if the sunroof is cracked open. Cold air can be felt blowing on my knee in winter. I was told they all did that!
This car is great!!
I have owned a lot of sports cars, this is my first "4 door" sports car. I last had a Mercedes CL500, and before that a BMW M3, and Infiniti G35 Coupe. I have to say this is by far the most fun car I have owned. It has tons of power and the Navi is best I have had. The backup camera is great, but the best is the bluetooth phone feature!
A Lexus Is For Me!
This car is spectacular! It's better than most sports cars, and is reliable on top of it! I've always wanted a Porsche, but I have to admit, I don't want it any longer after driving my Lexus. I can't wait for the V8! Thank you Lexus for such a great driving experience.
Fabulous Car
I traded my '04 G35 coupe with 18 in wheels for my IS 350 with 18 inchers 10 days ago. This car is a dream. The interior far exceeds the Inifiniti's as does the speed and the acceleration from a stop. The car is quiet -- my dealer told me to turn the engine on when it was already running during delivery! You would never know this engine was 306 horses. The "Smart Access" and push button start are fun and amazing to my friends. I have owned a new BMW 330i and G35 coupe in the last 4 years and this car tops them by far!!!
Very nice car - IS350
This vehicle rides really nicely and has a lot of power. The design of the vehicle is well crafted and has a fresh - beautiful - shape. Considered the BMW 525i and 330, but I choose this vehicle over both because of power, style, reliability, and resale value.
Nice Ride
In reality it's too early to tell if this car is going to be a winner... good, reliable transportation with a decent fun quotient. My TL trade in was almost that but the car just lacked personality... Still in the honeymoon/break in period so I haven't really wrung the car out but my experience this far suggests that this car is going to be a 10... reliable and fun to drive.
IS350
It's 306 hp is enough for most but a 6spd manual won't be a bad idea to complement it's power. the reason why I'd rather have a manual tranny is for one reason alone... it just take too long when downshifting. Also, the VDIM kills the fun right away when cornering aggressively. Other than that I think it's a perfect car.
T H E Driving Machine
Excellent car. Good manners, poise and attitude. Highly recommended. Best of class fit and finish inside and out. Good combination of luxury and sportiness. Traction control is intrusive but then again safety is key. Do not buy this car for burnouts. Paddle shifters work great, but after 2 month I forget they exist. Automatic shifting is so smooth why bother. Low profile tires look great but ride can be though at uneven surfaces. Best sports sedan for the money.
Awesome Car
I've only had the car a couple weeks but wanted to share a little bit about it. Mine has the Nav system and at first i had no plans of getting that option. Now after having the gps map, and touch screen options for everything i love it. The handling and power of the car are exceptional. Mine still has less than 600 miles on it so i haven't gotten into it very hard yet.
WOW!!!!
This is my first Lexus, and what a car. A sports car with all the extras and feel of a luxury car. The ride is incredible, and I don't know what all these car magazines are talking about with the performance compared to the BMW 3.30; once you push the power shift button, it takes off.
IS 350 Sport Pkg
I drove them all, BMW 330i, Audi A4 3.2, Infinity G35, Acura TL ..., the IS 350 is the complete package of POWER, performance, luxury, looks in & out, and reliability. Bluetooth is simple to setup and use (I never had before, and won't do without anymore). I spent 6 months researching the car before the purchase; was concerned about VDIM taking control, lack of room in rear seat, lack of steering feel, 1st year for vehicle. Now after 3,000 + mi VDIM is nice to have and saved me from tail spin several times, rear seet not as tight as one might think (I had 6'3" coworker in back), and steering feels natural. With good snow tires and VDIM, all concerns of rear wheel drive and snow are gone!
Disappointed
Car has exceptional speed but build quality is subpar for a Lexus let alone a car of this caliber.
This car is awesome
Considered buying the Acura TL and BMW 330i. After driving the IS350 I was sold. The seats are comfortable and the handling is excellent. The car is fast and smooth as silk. The Navigation and Mark Levinson system are incredible. Pop in your favorite CD and crank it up.
A little rocket
I just got my IS 350 a few days ago. This car will blow your mind. I mean it. Don't test drive it, if you don't want to buy a car any time soon. If you do then you will know what I was talking about. Just traded in my LS 430. I have no regrets. I also have owned couple BMW's before. This car rocks!!! Around town it feels like driving Lexus, but if you take it to those curvy roads around town, then you know that you drive a true sport sedan.
My Best Car Ever
This car is the best car I have ever owned. Its styling and performance are fantastic. The only negative is that there are built in safety features that prevent you from using the navigation system for searches while driving. Luckily I know the hack to get around that now.
BMW No More
This is the first car I've owned in 20 years that did not have BMW on its hood, and I'm not sorry. As a BMW purist, I thought all Lexi drove like they were dead. But I was dead wrong about this one. The IS 350 is real fast, very responsive and amazingly comfortable. Pay no attention to the sniffy automotive press. The new BMWs miss the mark in a big way -- they've lost their soul. I would know, I've had five of them. You can drive the IS 350 through town or at the limit on a canyon road with the same silly grin.
An honest review
14 year Honda/Acura enthusiast here that had no hesitation purchasing the Lexus. Put simply, the combination of build quality, appearance and fun factor can only be found in this vehicle. This car has PLENTY of get up and go to satisfy 99.9% of the kid in all of us yet exudes a sense of refinement and luxury that, as a 30-something, I thoroughly enjoy. Hands down, if your true desire is to purchase a vehicle that expertly combines fun and luxury, no other vehicle comes close. Most comparable: Acura TL, Infinity G35, 3 series BMW. IS 350=best sport luxury.
This is what I was looking for
This is the car that makes me smile every time I get in it! I have driven a lot cars in the past in search of the car the I truly enjoy driving. This car has taken that title. No matter what the weather conditions, road conditions, or traffic conditions, I enjoy driving the IS 350. It is smooth, powerful, refined and classy. The IS is essentially a shortened GS. It has very sophisticated lines and an elegant but sporty interior. It is a fabulous luxury car with a "sleeper" motor that, from personal experience, will beat a mustang cobra or 2!
All Grins
Wow! I couldn't be any happier with this car. I drove the IS 300 for 3 years and loved it, but the IS 350 blows the IS 300 away. Looks and quality are upgraded and the power and performance are incredible. My buddy drives a 2006 330i and was gloating about it until he drove the IS 350 and now he has buyers remorse. Lexus will not confirm or promote the ability to do so, but contrary to the press reviews, the VDIM can be disabled. It requires some input in a specific order on the brake and emergency brake, but it can be done.
Great car!
Have had several BMWs and, most recently, a MB CL 500. The Lexus doesn't handle quite as good as BMW, nothing does, but it's awfully close. And while the IS 350 6 cylinder is as powerful as the MB 5 liter, it's not quite as smooth, but the Lexus is more fuel efficient. As to luxury, the Lexus IS 350 at the very least equals the others. Any advantages the europeans have over the Lexus are pretty much voided when you consider that you will spend 10, 12, maybe even $20,000 less and get a pretty damn good luxury sports sedan!
IS 350 - Top of the line
What an awesome car! I'd been waiting for a while to try before I buy. Compared vs BMW, Audi and Infiniti. Hands down, this is the one to beat. BMW is a great car, but the IS beats it with combination of power, handling and let's not forget Lexus quality. Would love to see them combine the 3.5 with AWD. I thought I'd miss the stick, but the paddle shifters are so natural and intuitive, I'm fine without it. This is the first manual shift automatic that I feel really provides a manual feel.
IS 350 is not bad
Definitely not enough rear seat room. Only room for two adults. Car is quick and handles well. It is a head turner. Would buy another one when it's time to trade it in. It is a great car for an automatic.
WOW!
Just took delivery of my IS350. Wow, what a car! The car hugs the road on turns and has great power. You can really feel the road. This car is a true luxury sports car. The seats are very comfortable and you have good visability from all sides. The Lexus sound system is first rate.
A real machine, Pretty, Powerful, GREAT!
I bought mine three weeks ago, fully loaded, Frost Mica and Black Interior, Sport Package (Low ride suspension, 18in wheels, low profile tires, Adaptive Front Lights, Driver and Passenger Memory, etc) Navigation and Mark Levinson Stereo, etc. I already put more than 2000 miles on it (Love to drive). I drove all competitors cars. This car is way better than any of them.
My IS 350
Really nice car. This is my everyday ride, it is the best car I have owned. I like it better than my vette or BMW 3-series. This car is done right!
My 5th Lexus..
It has to be the best fun-to-drive car. Powerful motor - acceleration - superb - everyone has to have a second look at the car AND the reviews of the guys at the Valet parkings - "This is awesome..neat..sick..the best looking car in the lot"
IS 350
Great car with lots of power and great design. Had a little problem with the navigation dvd. Car is confusing at first but you get used to controls
This car is worth the wait
I put down the deposit for my IS 350 in late March and my car didn't arrive at the dealership until last week of April. However, after 4 months of ownership and first scheduled maintenance this car is definitely worth the wait. So far everything is good, no complains, build quality is superb. 306 HP, that's enough said. I wish I had got the navigation but oh well, that'll give me something to look forward to for my next car (hopefully another IS in 5 years).
Total Package
3.5L - 306HP and 23-27 MPG; Interior far superior to Audi A4, BMW 330, Infinity G35, ... I tried them all. VDIM works well and not too limiting. Check turning radius 33.5 ft, backup camera displays vid on NAV, NAV easy, cooled & heated front seats, Bluetooth compatible and keyless start. Rear legroom NOT a problem!, I had a 6'3" person behind me while I was driving (I'm 5'9") and he fit comfortably. I've got the blue onyx exterior w/ black leather interior, looks great! Sport package gives awesome rubber on 18" wheels to match 306HP. Reliable. Comperabably equiped beats BMW 330 hands down. Fun to drive and features galore!
Is that all the features you have?
I got an IS 350 Lux Pkg w/ Navi ML Sys in Glacier Frost Mica/ Black interior. The IS is a combo of luxury and sport. It's one vehicle that definitely make sheads turn. For the $$ I paid for my IS 350 lux pkg, there is absolutely no way you can get the same thing in the same class range and price. Quality, luxury, value, style, sport, and reliability... all in one vehicle. Check out the list below and you will know why. Just love it!
Makes Driving a Hoot
Having previously owned a 1973 VW Super Beetle and 2 Toyota Camrys, this is my first experience with a real luxury car. I couldn't be happier. This is a fabulous car!
Can't beat the Lexus Fit and Finish
Loving every minute in my new IS 350. Having previously owned 2 Infiniti G35 sedans, I can say that the driving experience is very different. Infiniti is more performance-oriented where Lexus is more luxury-oriented. The fit and finish (not to mention the interior materials) are far superior in the Lexus. I loved my G, but I like the IS 350 more.
no complaints
I love this vehicle. I knew right when I heard the first whispers about a 300hp sport sedan under 50k from Lexus that I would be in love. The only issue I've had is that on my first trip to Vegas with the IS a rock was thrown up on my hood from a Semi, and nicked the paint along with a small ding. Otherwise everything has been amazing.
Amazing Ride
Just bought the car 3 days ago and already love it. The paddle shifters are cool, AFS (moving headlights) even cooler. The acceleration is great at any speed. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a sports car with a luxury feel.
IS 350
A truly enjoyable experience. Quick acceleration and very precise handling. Ultra stylish interior and beautiful exterior. I have to get used to the RWD though, as the car skid a little bit in the Chicago snow. (I should have had traction control on). Not recommended for families though. I put the baby seat in and you can really get only one more adult in the backseat to sit comfortably. I wish it had more legroom in the back.
The "Porsche Boxster" of sedans
Finest car that I have not only owned, but ever driven. By the way, my last car was a Porsche Boxster. The IS 350 is deceptively fast, silky smooth, powerful when needed, handles like my previous Boxster and gets better gas mileage to boot! The Formula 1 paddle shifters on the steering wheel are fantastic, the interior design and comfort second to none. Did I mention the looks!? So far, everyone that's driven it has said they are moving it to the top of their desired car list. The best I can describe it is, if Porsche made a Boxster sedan, this would be it. All of the advantages (less convertible top) of a sports car and none of the disadvantages.
Loads of fun
I am enjoying every minute I drive this car. I did my research before getting the Lexus. Hands down, for the money there is no better deal. Nothing comes even close. The balance of sportiness, agility, luxury and comfort is ideal for the 30-something guy that I am. I am for one in favor of the much criticized electronic traction and stability features. It suits my driving style and adds a significant amount of safety. I had to put it to the test on the highway when an 18-wheeler blew a tire. I was going at about 85 mph. I managed to avoid multiple collisions and all of the tire fragments without loosing control. Had I been in another vehicle I would have probably crossed the median.
IS 350
Probably too soon to tell the whole story but if the first 10 days mean anything this promises to be a meaningful relationship. The 350 already seems like more than a reliable appliance... it wants to play.. haven't ventured into the world of "computer override" as of yet but then I don't plan on doing any hot laps at Road Atlanta either... little voice in the back of my head keeps suggesting that I don't need HAL as a co-pilot. Yeah.. I like it!
Best of all worlds
Love this car. Best combination of power, handling, comfort and luxury. It's just plain fun to drive. The 306 hp makes it feel like the meanest ride on the road, but the supple interior and quality finishes give it a luxurious touch that remind you this car is worth every penny. And it has so many nice little touches, like how the gauges rev when you start the car, or how lights illuminate the door when you walk up as if the car is greeting you. Lexus thought of everything. Lexus delivers a car that is both fun but also just makes sense.
Awesome Ride
Have had my IS 350 for about 4,200 miles and it's awesome! Love the interior & feel of materials. This is the definition of a luxury sports car. The exterior design is nice but would like to see a little more sport & a little less sedan. The ride quality is great, except my car has an apparently unfixable small pull to the right. Nav system is great but almost has too many features. I don't need the rear camera, but it sure is nice. Performance is great, extremely quick w/out knowing it. But the traction control & stability control jump in a little too quick with no way to turn them off. Paddle shifter is fun, but not quite as responsive as I was hoping for. Overall an awesome car.
Not sure how much better it can get
Overall, the car is exceptional. It is expensive, 44K for the one I got fully optioned. I had a 2005 TL before this and there is no comparison between the two. I can get 32 miles a gallon in the freeway, with 306HP, and still 20 with mostly city driving. It is fast and the handling is superior to any other stock Japanese car. It is by no means as fast or handle as well as a M3, but nonetheless I never expected it to. All the features are fist class. The only problem I got with the car is the price, and the size, backseats aren't quite big enough for comfort. You can almost get a GS430 fully optioned for like 5-7K more ??? In a couple of months Lexus will start steeper discount on the IS...
Upscale Sports Sedan
The most powerful entry level luxury sedan today. Beautiful exterior, with a comfortable and high quality interior that seems just right. This is truly an awesome small car package, yet still handles 3 sets of golf clubs in the trunk and fits two 6 footers in the back seat.
Lexus IS 350
Great car, fast, handles nicely, looks sharp, gets good gas mileage for a 6-cyl 300 hp (suburban driving, no highway, I am averaging 22.5 mpg). Not sure how it will handle in snow & ice, but car feels very balanced, so maybe with snows it will be ok. Barely enough head and leg room for 6 footer.
Best Lexus Yet
We have owned an ES, GS, and GX models. This IS 350 is the best of all of them. Beautiful and fast. If you are buying one, spring for the Luxury Package and chrome the 18" wheels. It elevates this sport sedan to an unbelievable level of completeness. There is nothing that I am dissatisfied with this car. A real Lexus winner for 2006.