Edmunds Follow-Up Test: 2007 Lexus IS 250 (6-speed manual)
06-14-07, 10:04 PM
#1
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Edmunds Follow-Up Test: 2007 Lexus IS 250 (6-speed manual)
Vehicle Tested:
2007 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $32,455 Price It!!
What Works:
Makes the most of its 204 horsepower, high cornering limits, precise steering, livable ride, simple interior layout.
What Needs Work:
Rubbery shift action, chassis lacks road feel, engine needs more torque.
Bottom Line:
Sharp-looking and reasonably priced, the IS 250 gets a different personality with its six-speed manual transmission, though no more real performance.
http://www.edmunds.com/insidel...21228
Mazda3 posted this on VWvortex
06-14-07, 10:42 PM
#2
Speaks French in Russian
Man. Makes me want a new IS even more.
Its really about time we see a review of a Lexus model with its sportiest setup!! And would you look at that. The IS250 was able to get better numbers than a 335i Sport around the slalom.
Gotta agree on how the shifter is designed. I always wondered why the automatic tranny set up looks so beautiful, yet the manual tranny set up looks like it was literally pulled out of the Scion xB. Hit the nail on the head with that comment.
Its really about time we see a review of a Lexus model with its sportiest setup!! And would you look at that. The IS250 was able to get better numbers than a 335i Sport around the slalom.
Gotta agree on how the shifter is designed. I always wondered why the automatic tranny set up looks so beautiful, yet the manual tranny set up looks like it was literally pulled out of the Scion xB. Hit the nail on the head with that comment.
06-15-07, 05:59 AM
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wow, I was surprised, and excited to read, to find a more or less positive review of the 6spd.
"Maybe it's understandable, since just 1,005 IS 250s with the manual transmission were sold in the U.S. during 2006, versus 22,090 rear-wheel-drive IS 250s with an automatic transmission and 15,102 all-wheel-drive IS 250s."
...interesting
"Less enthusiastic gearchanges come more easily, as the shift throws are short and the gear ratios are effectively spaced. Clutch take-up is spot on, so it's easier to complete a smooth shift in the IS 250 than it is in a BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G35."
...that seems to go against every other review of this car. Although I havent driven the BMW or infiniti, I havent had any complaints with my manual and how it performs; so it was nice to read something positive.
"The X Package improvements also translate to the track, as our slalom test confirms. Although it's down over 100 hp on the IS 350, the IS 250 is nearly 4 mph faster through the cones with a 70.4-mph result. This is blazing speed, and it puts the IS 250 ahead of the BMW 335i, not to mention about a half dozen very capable sports cars."
"Maybe it's understandable, since just 1,005 IS 250s with the manual transmission were sold in the U.S. during 2006, versus 22,090 rear-wheel-drive IS 250s with an automatic transmission and 15,102 all-wheel-drive IS 250s."
...interesting
"Less enthusiastic gearchanges come more easily, as the shift throws are short and the gear ratios are effectively spaced. Clutch take-up is spot on, so it's easier to complete a smooth shift in the IS 250 than it is in a BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G35."
...that seems to go against every other review of this car. Although I havent driven the BMW or infiniti, I havent had any complaints with my manual and how it performs; so it was nice to read something positive.
"The X Package improvements also translate to the track, as our slalom test confirms. Although it's down over 100 hp on the IS 350, the IS 250 is nearly 4 mph faster through the cones with a 70.4-mph result. This is blazing speed, and it puts the IS 250 ahead of the BMW 335i, not to mention about a half dozen very capable sports cars."
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06-15-07, 07:13 AM
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I'm also pleasantly surprised that the review was pretty positive. It also kinda made me wish that the X Package was readily available out here, but I guess at least the suspension upgrade is pretty easy.......
In my opinion, the IS clutch could engage a bit lower, but it's otherwise not bad. I haven't driven a 335i, but ANYTHING is better than the G35 clutch.
I also think they could have done a better job on the looks of the shifter too, but it actually feels decent. The **** is a good size, and I like the ergonomic groove on the front.
In my opinion, the IS clutch could engage a bit lower, but it's otherwise not bad. I haven't driven a 335i, but ANYTHING is better than the G35 clutch.
I also think they could have done a better job on the looks of the shifter too, but it actually feels decent. The **** is a good size, and I like the ergonomic groove on the front.
06-15-07, 08:52 AM
#11
Speaks French in Russian
Plus those who were looking at how the Sport package differs from the regular suspension set up can look no further than this test. Every other test out there was done with the regular/luxury package suspension set up.
06-15-07, 09:22 AM
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Maybe I missed your point...
06-15-07, 09:41 AM
#14
Lexus Champion
Sure we don't drive Ferrari's everyday, but those are usually bleeding edge technology so they have a purpose in covering the Ferrari world. There is nothing unique about a manual Lexus.
06-15-07, 12:44 PM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
wow 70mph in a slalom... i dont think ive seen any sedan do that, 68mph is like the 'high end' but wow, 70... Now if only they would test a 07 is350 with sport or xpac with VDIM off, i would love to see what ppl would write.
Oh before ppl start pointing out examples of cars that go 70+ in slalom, dont forget to give the MSRP on those cars too...
Oh before ppl start pointing out examples of cars that go 70+ in slalom, dont forget to give the MSRP on those cars too...