[Ioman]

http://www.fast-autos.net/lexus/lexusis350.html

I admit that its better looking than I first thought, but I think I still prefer my 330i styling, its more distinct, especially from the side. When I look at the IS350, I think Acura RSX, Oldmobile Aero and GS430 all mixed into one car.

The optional 306HP engine on the IS350 sounds pretty sweet. 0-60 times of 5.6 according to the Lexus website (I am sure exaggerated).

[Xens]

I might have seriously considered it if it had offered manual this MY, but nope.

[Barry626]

Originally Posted by Ioman

I admit that its better looking than I first thought, but I think I still prefer my 330i styling, its more distinct, especially from the side.

The optional 306HP engine on the IS350 sounds pretty sweet. 0-60 times of 5.6 according to the Lexus website (I am sure exaggerated).

Boy do I agree with you, profile of car is horrible! Back & front is ok.
51 HP means zip difference between 330I & IS350. + not a BMW!

[eshamas21]

I really dont like the design of this car at all!! when the is300 first came out i really liked it and still do like its design over this. It just doesnt look rite for some reason and i dont think it will grow on me either.

[Robert]

The car looks decent but it's a very traditional and conservative design. Call me crazy but I like the lines on the new 3 series. I wish they change the front bumper and headlamps for the 3 otherwise I think the 3 looks fantastic.

[Xens]

IS's front looks good, back looks good. But the side profile and mirrors look horrible IMO.

[Kurupt1811]

i think the IS looks pretty good. im not really a fan of the front though. i was really considering it but didnt feel like waiting.

[Hula-Hula]

I like the new IS.. saw a 350 in some kind of red metallic.. looked awesome, altough... the 3-series is more dynamic!

[Jay_328]

It looks pretty good but something's missing about the design.

1) IMO, park 'em side by side and it's clear that the bimmer is a better car design.

2) It'll be difficult to tell the difference between the Lexus, Honda Accord, or Nissan Altima. It's got that import (jap) styling.

3) I'm not crazy about the interior. Small back seat. The passenger side dash looks bare and boring.

4) I'm sure the buyer of the IS will love his/ her car. It has more standard equipment, and I suppose it will cost less.

5) It's just not a bimmer.

6)It's good to have a few competitors, that'll keep BMW on it's toes.

[Aussie_E90_SBLACK_325]

My wife is german so she loves the fact that we have always had a bmw. I was considering a lexus but she always pulls me into line and says "why do you want to buy a dolled up toyota for?" I think she has a point... TOYOTA... TOY. I have to agree with her.

[Red]

nice car

bad pop ups

[Aussie_E90_SBLACK_325]

Red i agree whats up with a link that give you pop ups.....

[ZenDriver]

Humm...

It's nice... but it gets there via the road from BORING.

Seriously, what is there to substantially critique on this car? What risks has Lexus taken? Where is Lexus pushing their vehicle forward? What great mark is Lexus leaving on this car that people will ever remember it for?

In 20 years, the E90 will be remembered as the car where BMW began to find traction with a whole new design language, it isn't perfect, but it is revolutionary and avant guard. It is where all the strange Bangle elements finally came together...

The Lexus will not be remembered at all.

[Accounting4Speed]

I have to ask if people also feel this way. Doesn't the shiftgate on this car look like crap-enstein? A little leather boot makes it look so much better instead of some jagged piece of plastic awkwardly placed.

[Atty]

I'm sure Lexus will increase sales over the old IS. That car only sold between 2000-7000 cars/year here in the US and was never taken seriously. In Japan, it was sold as the Toyota Altezza, I think, and wasn't even marketed as a premium car. The new model, however, will be.

The new car will be good for at least 25000-50000 units/year. I'm sure it's a nice car; all Toyotas have good build quality. And it has a world class engine that makes it 1FASTMF.

You guys have pinpointed exactly what's wrong with it though: it's too generic; too Japanese. For example, reports are that the engine note is too subdued, and that the nannyputers kick-in well before the limits. And - unlike BMW - Lexus will not allow drivers to switch off the computer cops so experienced drivers can explore the limits of handling.

Yes, for those who love the Lexus experience (which includes great dealers) and who want a nice premium entry level car for a little less than a Bimmer, that car's got your number - no different than anybody who has purchased an Infiniti G. But for the rest of us...

But - here's the great part: competition. it WILL eat into E90 sales. Plus, who knows what the next gen IS will be like a few years down the road. This fact will force BMW to come up with better designs and greater value - translation: better BMW's.

[deutschmann59]

I absolutely LOVED the old IS 300. In fact, that is what I really wanted when it was a toss up between the IS and the E46. But I couldn't get one with the sport design or DVD navi, so I decided not to get it (but I was close). I waited it out and sure enough, the new pics came out of the 2006 E90 and IS350, and we all know where I went from there.

The truth is, you always knew a young kid would be driving the old IS. But now, if you ask me, Lexus took way too much of a conservative leap into this new car. It looks like a mini GS...or worse--a bigger tC. Nothing against Lexus or Toyota or Scion...toyota is supposed to be the number one car maker around these days, and I do respect their products. I personally, though, don't like the new IS.

But Atty has it right. The IS300 was in the 18-29 year old market. Now with the new one, I guess they figure they will cut into BMWs & Acuras broader market where it would be 18-60 years+.

[agarbati]

Don't know about you guys, but me likey. Looks a bit too much like the RSX from the front but I like the rest.

[peakpro]

I recent Car and Driver poll asked which car they prefered on looks alone.

The 350 won the poll 59% to 41%

I agree with the poll. The car looks sharper than the E90.

[RichReg]

The IS looks O.K. but, look at that extra overhang it has over the front wheels vs. the E90. It'll never handle like the 3.

It's definitely a better design than the previous IS, but the E90 wins hands down. Mostly because the E90 is a more functional design.... even if the end result doesn't happen to be pleasing to everyone.

[ska///235i]

I heard the 350 is $46k loaded

[selm]

Originally Posted by agarbati

Don't know about you guys, but me likey. Looks a bit too much like the RSX from the front but I like the rest.

Nope, don't likey at all. The exterior and interior just look too generic. As far as performance, I don't care if its 0-60 were 3 seconds, I would still take my E90.

[JVFan]

Is this the Lexus forum? I must of entered the wrong URL