U know, I have to say I just finished driving the absolute snot outta it for 10 minutes and I think they just sold me a car.

And this is the 250 :eek2:

This car has surprised the snot outta me. Full review to come in a couple days

A couple things.
1. The best steering/handling on any Lexus ever.
2. Surprsing punch, 1st gear feels the most lethargic but not bad once at speed
3. I am 6"5 220 and there is just TONS of room up front. To hell with the backseat passengers :D
4. The freaking LEDs all over at night= TITS!!!
5. I still am not head over heels on the looks. The windows are too small for the body.
6. Best steering wheel in any lexus. Thick, smaller diameter than usual. (some girls like it that way) :D

Go SICK!

Way to blow off steam after enjoying the 'sights' at the office all day :D

Look forward to reading your review :thumbup:

TripleL

Have fun Sick. I know that you'll enjoy the IS even it's an 250, but still a lot of fun around the corner. The 250 is pretty peppy after all and will give you a surprise from a 2.5 liter engine. I know Amy drove one a few weeks back and she loves it. :D

Nice seems like your really enjoying it. I assume you have it as a loaner. Must be tempting. :thumbup:

So what's the chance of it being your next Lexus :)

You are going to get it in stick right?

I drove my wife's friends AWD one the other day - a bit pokey off the line (like you said) - I can only imagine how much fun it would be with a stick (and something tells me you do not need AWD in Atlanta!)

Let us know what you do - hint, get the red one :)

I'm glad you liked it. How about the 350?

Alright just got home. First HUGE thanks to Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett, the ES is getting some work done, so an IS loaner it is.

Image
8 outta 10. When i texted some of my pals I would be meeting them in an IS, my phone started beeping with text messages with interest. Lets me know people give a fock and like the car. If they didn't they wouldn't have said a thing. T.I has a party at visions downtown and Two-Times in his highly modded GS 400 was following me and we both were getting looks, even though there were some nice cars out there. I didn't see one other IS or GS except a new 3GS (though I saw 500 Altimas, 300Cs, Escalades, Tahoes, everything looks the same). Overall a pleasant surprise, the 1IS never gathered the looks this car has gotten in one night though I might actually PREFER the 1IS looks. In talking about this car, people KNOW what an IS is and is very interested in what I think.

Luxury
9 outta 10.
I know what your thinking. A 9? Let me tell you from slamming the door to the feel of the leather to the knobs, this feels like its built out of granite. And it should being based off the GS. YOU do feel the HEFT of this car and it FEELS luxurious. The gauges probably cost more than Nissan spends on all their interiors. Details galore. LEDs, outlets here and there, the airbags are well concealed, the fit and finish was SUPERB. For the ENTRY LEVEL Lexus, this is a $31,000 car, they don't come much better built than this. It makes you FEEL worth the money. The Stock stereo does SUCK to me, better than most but subpar to me. The older Lexus stock systems were better to me. No wood inside, the aluminum, looked good. Teh Doors are sculpted nicely, I mean people put some damn THOUGHT into this car. The rear is cramped as I sat in the back when I had my sister drive but this is a small car (180" long). Front seat room is ABUNDANT. I am
6"5 220. True, there is no room behind me when I sit in front but who cares. TONS of legroom and headroom
Walking in and out without touching a thing but the start button=priceless. The way the gauges light up b/c you set the orange light to go off when u go over 80mph or rev over 6000rpm=priceless. That is luxury.
Performance
FUN to drive. Because this car has only 204hp and about 180lbns of torque, you have to paddle shift in teh right gear CONSTANTLY to be in the power band, which makes things VERY interesting. This car is fast enough for most people. Compared to teh 350, CLEARLY its much slower but the 350 is fastest in class.
The steering is teh best on any LEXUS ever made and I've driven them all. Not even close. Better than the 1IS. What makes it feel a lil less tossable is teh WEIGHT. You can feel the weight of this car. The 1IS was very light, very tossable. This car did inspire confidence in corners but you can feel it pushing hard. On teh highway, great crusier, 2000 RPM at 70mph about 2400 RPM at 80mph. I mean, this car had me grinning and its the 250!!! I kept saying to myself "i can drive this all damn day". The seats were GREAT, on par with the SC 300/400 with best Lexus seats. Your IN the seat, not the typical Lexus ON the sit.
Though these are not 4 piston brakes like the 350, they held up VERY well, I never felt like the brakes were overburdened and I experienced no fade.


Review/Conclusion

No NAV, this car is probably 31k out the door. And A BARGAIN. I mean, you feel llike its a 60k car. It looks GREAT to people, I am still not in love with the looks. I like the size, smaller than the GS, bigger than the last IS (I am not a fan of giant cars). I do hate the windows, too small and like EVERY DAMN car today, you sit so low b/c the side doors are so tall, its hard to hang your arm out the window. If you sat in a 350Z, you know what I mean. Also, no HIDs stock is kinda lame.

Its one thing to drive the car at the Lexus performance event. Now having it all night, this car is WONDERFUL. It makes you want to drive. I kept thinking "damn I bet the 350 is NUTS on public roads".

I averagaged about 13mpg in 1-2 gear hard driving and about 26 mpg on highway/city driving, pretty damn good.

I give it a 9 outta 10.

This car was an 6 speed auto, RWD sedan. Another cool thing is you can either shift with the paddles (my favorite, PUT THAT BACK IN THE DAMN GS LEXUS!!) or on the center console like on Acuras. Pretty cool.

I' ve tested the paddle shift in my test drive of the IS350, & frankly I don't like it. There's no substitute for a real manual with a clutch.

I' ve tested the paddle shift in my test drive of the IS350, & frankly I don't like it. There's no substitute for a real manual with a clutch.

Yea Mike, get the stick! If you are getting the 250, you have no excuse! Come on man!

:)

U know, I have to say I just finished driving the absolute snot outta it for 10 minutes and I think they just sold me a car.

And this is the 250 :eek2:

This car has surprised the snot outta me. Full review to come in a couple days

A couple things.
1. The best steering/handling on any Lexus ever.
2. Surprsing punch, 1st gear feels the most lethargic but not bad once at speed
3. I am 6"5 220 and there is just TONS of room up front. To hell with the backseat passengers :D
4. The freaking LEDs all over at night= TITS!!!
5. I still am not head over heels on the looks. The windows are too small for the body.
6. Best steering wheel in any lexus. Thick, smaller diameter than usual. (some girls like it that way) :D

Please tell me it had a manual tranny?

N/M, saw it was an auto :cry:

Alright just got home. First HUGE thanks to Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett, the ES is getting some work done, so an IS loaner it is.

you set the orange light to go off when u go over 80mph or rev over 6000rpm=priceless. That is luxury.
[fade.



Thanks for the heads-up on this car..good job as usual. :thumbup:

You mention the 6000 RPM light. I take it that since this was a dealer loaner it had enough miles on it ( more than 1000 ) to where you could safely do 6000 on the engine? Otherwise that would screw up the break-in.

I plan to write a review the IS250 AWD shortly, both because of interest in it here at CL and also because I already have an AWD car with similiar 2.5L displacement.......the Outback.
Thanks to your good report here, I won't have to drive the RWD version.........you've already done that.

I have sat in some 2006 IS models and looked them over but have not test-driven one yet. My preliminary impressions of the new model was, first, that is was basically a more-or-less scaled down version of the new GS, and, second, that the interior, with its wood paneling and conventional dash, is much more luxurious and Lexus-like than the last IS300 with its chronograph gauges, chrome-ball shifter, and rather cheap-looking dash. The last IS, though, felt to me like it had more solid-feeling doors and interior hardware. I also don't like the fact that unlike the last IS300, the new one no longer offers the 55-series all-season tire option...you are stuck with the rougher-riding and shorter-wearing 45-series.
I'll save most of my comments, however, for my full review....coming up.

Funny, while the IS350 is more fun because it's more powerful, I thought the IS 250 was the better driving car as well. Some reviews have said the same thing.

Great review, especially for someone who is ready to pull the trigger on a new one. I am waiting for the 5ES to arrive as I want to compare that to the IS250. My 3ES has been a great car, but it's time.

I know the two cars can not be compared, but it's good to hear some good things about the 250. I've noticed as each year passes, I feel the need for roadway speed less and less.... :sad:

Not to fret though....it's time to dewinterize and splash my go fast! :D

So what's the chance of it being your next Lexus :)Zero :D I think 1Sick is waiting for that New gs 460 :D

Thick, smaller diameter than usual. (some girls like it that way) :DHow can you be thick and of a smaller diameter at the same time? Doesn't make sense to me.:uh::D

Seriously, I agree that the IS250 is all that most people need. Low hp is not an issue for most as long as the torque band is wide and available at low RPMs. Thanks for the great review. :thumbup:

How can you be thick and of a smaller diameter at the same time? Doesn't make sense to me.:uh::D

Seriously, I agree that the IS250 is all that most people need. Low hp is not an issue for most as long as the torque band is wide and available at low RPMs. Thanks for the great review. :thumbup:
The diameter is thinnner of the wheel, but the actual wheel you grab is thicker. Hope this helps.

Its a loaner, I doubt there will be manual loaner. As one that has driven every manual Lexus offered, Lexus manuals leave much to be desired, quite frankly.

The diameter is thinnner of the wheel, but the actual wheel you grab is thicker. Hope this helps.Haha I was just joking you know. :p

Luxury
9 outta 10.
I know what your thinking. A 9? Let me tell you from slamming the door to the feel of the leather to the knobs, this feels like its built out of granite. And it should being based off the GS. YOU do feel the HEFT of this car and it FEELS luxurious. The gauges probably cost more than Nissan spends on all their interiors. Details galore. LEDs, outlets here and there, the airbags are well concealed, the fit and finish was SUPERB. For the ENTRY LEVEL Lexus, this is a $31,000 car, they don't come much better built than this. It makes you FEEL worth the money. The Stock stereo does SUCK to me, better than most but subpar to me. The older Lexus stock systems were better to me. No wood inside, the aluminum, looked good. Teh Doors are sculpted nicely, I mean people put some damn THOUGHT into this car. The rear is cramped as I sat in the back when I had my sister drive but this is a small car (180" long). Front seat room is ABUNDANT. I am
6"5 220. True, there is no room behind me when I sit in front but who cares. TONS of legroom and headroom


Great point you bring up. I hate how everyone gangs up on the IS over the lack of rear space compared to the 3 series. This is nonesense, cars like this aren't made for rear space, they are suposed to be drivers cars, and the IS has much more space for the driver compared to the 3 series. I'm 6'4 and I simply cant fit into the 3 series comfortably.

Great point you bring up. I hate how everyone gangs up on the IS over the lack of rear space compared to the 3 series. This is nonesense, cars like this aren't made for rear space, they are suposed to be drivers cars, and the IS has much more space for the driver compared to the 3 series. I'm 6'4 and I simply cant fit into the 3 series comfortably.

Och, let it go. The 3 series has more room than the IS - it is a fact. You hate the car and we all know it. Let's move on here.

1Sick - fun review as always. :thumbup:

I *really* like the new IS. Like you I'm tall with long legs, and the seated driving position and steering wheel feel is just awesome. I know the one you drove didn't have nav, but the latest nav on the new IS is just incredible and makes the interior look really great. And IMHO it integrates better than the out of place aluminum trim on the 3GS, the strange "loop" shaped center stack on the new ES or even the busy new trapezoidal LS460 stack.

When the 2GS came out it was hugely different than the LS400. When the 3GS came out I thought why bother getting it instead of an LS430 (except for cost).

The 1IS was unique, a little cheesy on the interior, but PERFECTLY accomplished Lexus' goal of appealing to a younger market. The 2IS is a PERFECT evolution - it's faster, more luxurious, better looking (IMHO, which wasn't easy because the 1IS has AWESOME PROPORTIONS), comes in more flavors, and still a BARGAIN for the overall package.

Sure the rear seats aren't roomy, but the occasional time I take 4 people, ok I get to be scrunched in the driver's seat for a bit - it's not like I take 4 people long distances, ever.

I'd take a loaded IS350 over a GS300/350 every time.

I test drove an IS250RWD before I bought my GS300 and was amazed at the
handling as well. It was like it was stuck to the ground on rails :thumbup:
It was also surprisingly peppy for a 2.5L engine. I'd say they achieved what
they wanted with this car, since I see a lot more young people when I go to
the dealership.

The only thing that got me to go GS was the backseat. And yes, the new 3
series has a much more comfortable backseat. I can admit to that despite
being a Lexus fanboy :)

Och, let it go. The 3 series has more room than the IS - it is a fact. You hate the car and we all know it. Let's move on here.

In the front? Hell no!

Had to take my car in for some work and I just happened to pick up an IS250 loaner today. I got to drive one before at the Taste of Lexus events but there is nothing like being able to drive one over your usual haunts, so to speak.

Initial comments:

1) Understeers more than I expected
2) Auto transmission seems to get confused and hunt more than 2GS auto
3) Brakes have quite a decent feel. Not great but pretty good
4) Stock stereo is unimpressive
5) Interior is very nice overall with just a couple of plastics that look cheaper than expected.
6) It's nice an quiet.

Overall: A very nice package for the $$$

. This is nonesense, cars like this aren't made for rear space, they are suposed to be drivers cars

I would have agreed if the IS was a coupe, but it is a 4 door sedan. If rear space wasn't a concern Lexus should have never put the extra 2 doors on the car.

In the front? Hell no!

With the exception of front leg room, the 3series is bigger for headroom and shoulder room.

Yes the backseat is small. I hope to God no one in this class of cars seriously considers backseat room a priority. These are small entry level sport sedans.

You don't buy a 3 b/c the backseat is better than the IS. I hope not. You buy it b/c it is a slightly more engaging drive and more prestigous.

These are not family cars. Seeing as the IS is one of the top 10 selling cars in day on a dealers lot, it looks like Lexus got it right.

Yes the backseat is small. I hope to God no one in this class of cars seriously considers backseat room a priority. These are small entry level sport sedans.

You don't buy a 3 b/c the backseat is better than the IS. I hope not. You buy it b/c it is a slightly more engaging drive and more prestigous.

These are not family cars. Seeing as the IS is one of the top 10 selling cars in day on a dealers lot, it looks like Lexus got it right.

Mike, priorities change. When I was single I couldn't give a rats behind about the rear seat, thus why I always prefered coupes. Now that I have a son, I have to stuff him back there and a lot of other family and baby things. The desire for sports cars and fun hasn't faded, but practicality has come about as well. There are two things that swayed my away from IS350 consideration and toward the e90. 1st was the back seat room. 2nd was the fact that in Hawaii we can't get the LCD screen and being that I'm still into modding cars I definately need the LCD screen so I can incorporate the aftermarket video system. I would have over looked that LCD screen if Lexus made it easier to swap the head units. Unfortunately, they use a funky design where the radio is in one location and the display is higher up in another location. :egads: I thought it was difficult to put an aftermarket A/V system in my RX330, but the IS non nav is worse. :cry:

Mike, priorities change. When I was single I couldn't give a rats behind about the rear seat, thus why I always prefered coupes. Now that I have a son, I have to stuff him back there and a lot of other family and baby things. The desire for sports cars and fun hasn't faded, but practicality has come about as well. There are two things that swayed my away from IS350 consideration and toward the e90. 1st was the back seat room. 2nd was the fact that in Hawaii we can't get the LCD screen and being that I'm still into modding cars I definately need the LCD screen so I can incorporate the aftermarket video system. I would have over looked that LCD screen if Lexus made it easier to swap the head units. Unfortunately, they use a funky design where the radio is in one location and the display is higher up in another location. :egads: I thought it was difficult to put an aftermarket A/V system in my RX330, but the IS non nav is worse. :cry:
I agree with you 100%. Thing is, if you want a sporty car and a backseat, your options change. IMO, you kind of have to go up the next class in cars if you want a luxury brand, which means more $$$$. Or u have to get G35 or maybe a TL or even a Maxima (God forbid)lol

I have nothing at all against the E90, let me make that clear, I love the car. And clearly, BMW being the expert and leader in this class, knows some better packaging techniques. :)

I sat in the IS 250 backseat agian last night, it is NOT the place to be :D And the smallish windows make it seem worse.

I agree with you 100%. Thing is, if you want a sporty car and a backseat, your options change. IMO, you kind of have to go up the next class in cars if you want a luxury brand, which means more $$$$. Or u have to get G35 or maybe a TL or even a Maxima (God forbid)lol

I have nothing at all against the E90, let me make that clear, I love the car. And clearly, BMW being the expert and leader in this class, knows some better packaging techniques. :)

I sat in the IS 250 backseat agian last night, it is NOT the place to be :D And the smallish windows make it seem worse.

I hear you. The 5 series and GS is probably more what I should get. Problem is the 3 series still have a much better driving feel than the 5 IMHO due to the size. That is more my style. I'm really looking forwar to the GS350 because that has the power, I can always add suspension to make it handle, but there really is nothing you can do about the steering feel unless they release a retuned steering ECU like they did for the G2 GS. The GS is a compromise I can make. In a few years when my son doesn't need a car seat or booster seat I can get back into coupes :p

I hear you. The 5 series and GS is probably more what I should get. Problem is the 3 series still have a much better driving feel than the 5 IMHO due to the size. That is more my style. I'm really looking forwar to the GS350 because that has the power, I can always add suspension to make it handle, but there really is nothing you can do about the steering feel unless they release a retuned steering ECU like they did for the G2 GS. The GS is a compromise I can make. In a few years when my son doesn't need a car seat or booster seat I can get back into coupes :p
Another thing, I really enjoyed driving a smaller car. I mean, I loved it. It just made the driving experience more fun and "personal". And parking was a snap, I parellel parked a couple places with no issues.

This car was very convincing and I need to drive the IS 350 again but for an extended period as this IS 250 has totally changed what I thought my next car was going to be.

Another thing, I really enjoyed driving a smaller car. I mean, I loved it. It just made the driving experience more fun and "personal". And parking was a snap, I parellel parked a couple places with no issues.

LMAO - yup, first and foremost, a vehicle is for the DRIVER. If you like the smaller car, that's what you should get. The occasional time you have more than 1 passengers means those condemned to the back seats can squish in - big deal. :D

Smaller cars ARE more fun. Smaller cars are USUALLY noisier and rougher too but the new IS is so incredibly refined but still FUN. With larger cars physics just comes into play more... you can have fun in big cars but they're just not as agile, nimble as small ones. Engineeing the suspension on larger cars to handle well and remain reasonably comfortable is REALLY hard.

I see you in an IS... :D

Alright, this is my 2nd extended visit from an IS 250 and let me tell you that it has made every argument possible that an IS should be my next Lexus.

My revised impressions. This is a 2008 IS 250 with an updated package compared to the last loaner as this as the Adaptive HIDs and it has the heated/cooled seats.

1. This is one of the most aggressive/beautiful front ends of any car produced. I love it, I could stare at it for hours. AS for the rest of the car, there is no straight line anywhere. It is obvious Lexus sacrificed some interior room for style, which is a trade-off. I was at a buds place and a new G35 sedan in the same pearl color. It is clear the G35 is the bigger car but the IS just blows it away in styling, making the G35 rather awkward looking. Then you can see amazingly the panel gaps on the IS are tighter and the G35 is a well built car. I hope no one saw me looking over both cars for 20 minutes, lol.

2. The interior is of high quality. It makes me feel like I am in a more expensive car. I prefer it to the ES 350. Remember, I am 6"5 and I have no issues fitting inside the front. The rear is awful, period. After sitting in the GS 460 Friday, I have more HEADROOM in the IS, I believe b/c of the placement of the sunroof.

3. I don't know if they upgraded the sound system but it sounds better in this 08 model compared to the 06 model. I still remember how bad that sounded.

4. Again, this is a car you just relax and cruise in. Initially, I was averaging no joke 29.1 MPG, mostly highway driving!!! So far with me mixing hwy/street and cruising/Agressive, I am at 25.1 MPG. A FAR cry from my GS 430.

5. Shifting is smooth. I keep it in M most of the time. When I relax, I just keep it in D.

6. The main lack of power is in two places, early, from 0mph and if I am in the wrong gear trying to pass. Maybe I am used to the GS 430, its not bad, I have been able to pass and get where I want, so I have to "drive and stay better engaged". I know with the 350, I can punch it anytime/any gear and be fine.

7. Handling, well it handles very well, I never felt flustered. The rear does get light IMO in some turns at high speeds, which makes me think the F-sport sways would solve that problem, let alone maybe just grippier rubber.

8. I love the Adaptive headlights. Welcome to 2005 Mike :D

9. Steering, at low speeds, its like it turns off then WHAM, on, very heavy. Once the car is going the steering feels pretty good. IMO a great balance for the Lexus faithful and someone wanting something sporty. Will it win any "driving" contests, nope. Its clear the 3 feels more complete for sport.

My car is Starfire I believe. I miss PDW and leading that movement :D . Hmmm they make them with black leather too.....and there is a 350 model if you want more power.....ahhh, the luxury of choice.


Overall, I really really really enjoy this car, we shall see what the future holds.

Oh Negatives:

While the interior is tight fitting, I do have some "Creaks" in the door. Surely it has something to do with the harder plastic and tight fit. Not a deal breaker but I can understand how people do complain.

The rear seat is ridiculously small. Good for lunch trips only.

The brakes have good feel to them but I did an emergency stop and uhhhh, I hope that doesn't happen in real life. They felt worse than the 2 pots on my GS. IS 350 brakes are grabby but stop much better. IS-F brakes are MARVELOUS.

Being a single guy in my early 20s, I'd like to pick up a used 07 or 08 250 or 350 in a few years.

Part of what I like about the 250 is that because it's less powerful than the 350 you can wring more out of it before you get to the limit. The minute you tap on the throttle in the 350 you're GONE, but the 250 takes a little work and it's a lot of fun IMO.

I'm surprised Mike was fine with the interior space. I may be heavier but Mike's way taller than my 6-2 and I banged my head on the door opening 5 times. I tried again recently and still, it's tough even getting in the car. Once inside, it feels like being trapped in a dark closet.........you just wanna get out. I really wanted to get one, the 350 that is, because I like the styling and the power. I think the IS is one of the best looking cars in the car market. Lexus should have made it a little larger inside. I guess they wanted us big guys to look into a GS instead.
After my experience with the SC300, instead of an SC400, never again would I opt for the lesser powered car.

I'm glad you liked the IS250 Mike. That's all that matters and I'd love to see you scoop one. Slap some BBS on it and chill.

I'm surprised Mike was fine with the interior space. I may be heavier but Mike's way taller than my 6-2 and I banged my head on the door opening 5 times. I tried again recently and still, it's tough even getting in the car. Once inside, it feels like being trapped in a dark closet.........you just wanna get out. I really wanted to get one, the 350 that is, because I like the styling and the power. I think the IS is one of the best looking cars in the car market. Lexus should have made it a little larger inside. I guess they wanted us big guys to look into a GS instead.
After my experience with the SC300, instead of an SC400, never again would I opt for the lesser powered car.

I'm glad you liked the IS250 Mike. That's all that matters and I'd love to see you scoop one. Slap some BBS on it and chill.

Very good points Reggie. :thumbup::thumbup:

Part of what I like about the 250 is that because it's less powerful than the 350 you can wring more out of it before you get to the limit. The minute you tap on the throttle in the 350 you're GONE, but the 250 takes a little work and it's a lot of fun IMO.

Good point. Sometimes it's less satisfying if the performance comes too easy. I was telling cpone today about driving a 911 turbo. It's so ridiculously fast, with 100mph being easy in 3rd, that a few times of that and you think, now what? You can NEVER use all its capabilities on public roads.

My Miata isn't a rocket, but I can enjoy going to redline in each gear if I want and it's fun listening to the engine and trying to shift just right. My Miata is not slow though, I'm amazed how often I leave many vehicles WAAAAAAY back from traffic lights.

Good point. Sometimes it's less satisfying if the performance comes too easy. I was telling cpone today about driving a 911 turbo. It's so ridiculously fast, with 100mph being easy in 3rd, that a few times of that and you think, now what? You can NEVER use all its capabilities on public roads.

My Miata isn't a rocket, but I can enjoy going to redline in each gear if I want and it's fun listening to the engine and trying to shift just right. My Miata is not slow though, I'm amazed how often I leave many vehicles WAAAAAAY back from traffic lights.

Yeah, you showed me briefly doing 180s in the road:D... car handles like its on rails.:thumbup:

=1SICKLEX;1808023]

A couple things.
The best steering/handling on any Lexus ever.

Better than the IS-F? You've driven that, havent you?



I am 6"5 220 and there is just TONS of room up front.

Headroom for 6' 5" with a sunroof? That would be most unusual. I'm 6' 2" (6' 3" with my cap) and I often have problems with the sunroof housing, especially in smaller vehicles.


This car was very convincing and I need to drive the IS 350 again but for an extended period as this IS 250 has totally changed what I thought my next car was going to be.

Yes. I would consider an IS250 AWD myself except that I don't like the harsh ride that the 45-series tires give you...and the 55's are no longer an option like on my old yellow IS300. But, to be honest, check out the BMW 3 and 1-series before you sign for a new IS. Granted, the Lexus will probably be more reliable, but nothing beats the BMW steering and chassis.....and BMW knows how to do it without an overly harsh ride. AWD is also available on several 3-series models like on the IS250.
(Just avoid the BMW Active Steering...it doesn't have the feel of the standard units)






Best steering wheel in any lexus. Thick, smaller diameter than usual. (some girls like it that way) :D

Just make sure they are really GIRLS. :D

http://www.mccullagh.org/db9/1ds-3/drag-queen-folsom-street-2.jpg