IS250 vs ES350
01-29-11, 08:06 PM
#17
Driver School Candidate
I have an 09 Es350, and just returned an 07 IS250 AMD for a 2010 HS250H.
Both my wife and I found the IS250 AMD to be a huge disappointment, however most of the people I know who have one are very happy with it.
Our IS story;
1. NVH - Comfort - In the IS, you sit low to the ground, and getting in or out of the car can be challenging, due to the small size of the driver's door.
The IS rides like a truck, err... BMW 3xx ?; very hard ride, lots of noise, and you can hear the whine of the awd drivetrain at all speeds. Our IS rattled like mad from the dash, headliner, and doors, even after a few trips to the dealer for the warranty fixes...
2. Handling - damned thing handled like it was on rails. Very responsive to steering input, and the brakes were excellent, though very grabby, and the pad dust mucked up the front wheels all the time... Power was inadequate below 30 mph, seemed to be better once the car was fully warmed up.
3. Fuel economy - both the IS and ES average around 23-24 mpg on mid-grade gas. The IS' smaller engine has to work a lot harder due to the car's weight and AWD system...
4. Accommodations - I'm 6/2, and avoided driving the car whenever possible while we had it. It was just uncomfortable for me, period. Having someone sit behind me necessitated that I move up the seat from my usual position... Back is quite tight for normal sized people.
We simply didn't care for the car at all (Matador Red paint scratched whenever someone looked at the car), If fact, the only reason we stayed with Lexus for a second car was because of our excellent experience with the ES350, and the uniqueness of the HS, which my wife absolutely loves!
Oh ... The ES is the quietest car I've ever had, has more than adequate power and handles quite well when pushed. I'd get another in a heartbeat. Now if only those direct injectors would stop clicking like mad when the car is cold!
Whichever you decide on, best of luck!
Both my wife and I found the IS250 AMD to be a huge disappointment, however most of the people I know who have one are very happy with it.
Our IS story;
1. NVH - Comfort - In the IS, you sit low to the ground, and getting in or out of the car can be challenging, due to the small size of the driver's door.
The IS rides like a truck, err... BMW 3xx ?; very hard ride, lots of noise, and you can hear the whine of the awd drivetrain at all speeds. Our IS rattled like mad from the dash, headliner, and doors, even after a few trips to the dealer for the warranty fixes...
2. Handling - damned thing handled like it was on rails. Very responsive to steering input, and the brakes were excellent, though very grabby, and the pad dust mucked up the front wheels all the time... Power was inadequate below 30 mph, seemed to be better once the car was fully warmed up.
3. Fuel economy - both the IS and ES average around 23-24 mpg on mid-grade gas. The IS' smaller engine has to work a lot harder due to the car's weight and AWD system...
4. Accommodations - I'm 6/2, and avoided driving the car whenever possible while we had it. It was just uncomfortable for me, period. Having someone sit behind me necessitated that I move up the seat from my usual position... Back is quite tight for normal sized people.
We simply didn't care for the car at all (Matador Red paint scratched whenever someone looked at the car), If fact, the only reason we stayed with Lexus for a second car was because of our excellent experience with the ES350, and the uniqueness of the HS, which my wife absolutely loves!
Oh ... The ES is the quietest car I've ever had, has more than adequate power and handles quite well when pushed. I'd get another in a heartbeat. Now if only those direct injectors would stop clicking like mad when the car is cold!
Whichever you decide on, best of luck!
01-30-11, 07:56 AM
#18
Lexus Champion
My '10 ES isn't as noisy when cold as the '07 was. I don't know if/what changes were made, but I do notice the difference.
Just for clarification, the ES350 doesn't have direct injection. IS and GS 350's do have it.
Just for clarification, the ES350 doesn't have direct injection. IS and GS 350's do have it.
01-31-11, 12:19 PM
#19
hmm after driving both cars everyday for the last year (lexus tech) i still think the es350 has a lot more power to it as it comes to power to weight. as much as i hate to say it .. i love the is250 but to me its just way to slow, but dont get me wrong that car can handle.. i think the awd just slows it down. like the IS can have decent accel. but after that it just dies off.
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