I am happy the IS250 has grown on you. Its a great car when I use it as a loaner. It just needs to grow some *****. Its the entry level entry level Lexus. I am surprised that you like it more than an LS/GS/ES as stated earlier. I think the GS, LS, and RX are my favorite models. I love the IS but have never driven the 350. I floored my car earlier tonight and remeber thinking damn she is pretty quick and wondering how much faster the IS350 would be. I would not consider the 250 unless I had no other option to get into a Lexus

 

Hemorrhoids sort of grow on people too, but not in a good way. I don't mind too much the IS, but the rear seating is non-existing. If you can't put in room, then you better shed some weight and have better handling than the 250 has. The IS doesn't do it for me, for several reasons.

 

We have the IS300 in Middle East, sometimes I find it slow. :P

 

If you need a small car and AWD, I can think of a few better cars to buy for the price.

 

So true.
Many people buy the 250 because of the badge. It's an expensive(especially with a couple of options) entry level Lexus that really doesn't provide any sportiness like handling and quickness..
At least the IS 350 is quick.

 

Have you driven the IS? It easily handles better than a 3 series, like it or not.

IS250 AWD is perfect for those who want a compact luxury sedan that has all weather capabilities, and doesn't pretend to be a performance car.

 

You're kidding,right?
Have you driven a 3 Series?
I owned an '06 IS AWD and you couldn't be more wrong.
Not even close.Even Lexus fanboys will admit that.
The IS 250 was a slug and handles like a Honda Accord.
No doubt Lexus reliability is so much better than BMW but the IS isn't even in the ballpark when it comes to handling and even quickness vs a 328.

 

Joke of the day:

Actually, I think the Honda Accord V6 is faster than the IS250.

 

Quickness maybe, handling yes. The 3 series is completely and utterly overrated when it comes to handling. Most agree that its not so much the handling that makes 3 series special, but the "steering feel", which IMO is subjective at best.

 

Quite funny,indeed.
No doubt the IS 250 AWD his more reliable and has a nicer interior but the car is boring to drive.
The IS 350 has some spunk.I'm looking forward to the next generation IS series and hoping Toyota will add some more pep and handling to the line.
Is so,I may be back with two Lexus vehicles.

 

Here is a comparo of the 335 vs the IS350, so there is no excuse for the smaller engine.

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...3/pageNumber=7

Slalom speed: 335=68.2, IS350= 66.8

Skid pad: 335= 0.9 IS350= 0.87

 

Right, lets magazine race... vroom vroom!

 

Silly,so silly.
You're making yourself look like a fool.
I get the three major auto magazines and never read of any "steering feel" only on a 3 Series.
Subjective?BS.
Auto mags always call the BMW 3 Series a benchmark that others are copying and getting close right at the BMW level and the IS 250 isn't one of those cars.
Any auto enthusiest knows BMW 3 Series cars handle very well and it's not 'steering feel'.
I just bought my first BMW and I'm not a BMW fanboy.I've owned both cars and it's not even close when it comes to handling.

 

Actually, those numbers dont even tell the whole story. The BMW 335 is a " gotta drive it to believe it" kind of car.

 

The thread is about a IS 250AWD,isn't it?

I said the IS 350 is a nice car that has power twice but I don't care what and how many articles you can find,the IS 350 doesn't handle like a BMW let alone a 250 AWD..
I can cherry pic articles and blogs that go to the BMW too.
I driven both and the BMW wins and I'm not even a BMW guy.This is my first one and I'll probably try something else next time.