Follow-Up Test: 2007 Lexus IS 250

2007 Porsche 911 GT3 - 75.3 mph
Full Test here: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=120133
 
2007 Noble M400 - 79.4 mph
Full Test here: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=120703
 
I suppose I should give the Evo some love too.
 
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX - 70.7 mph
Comparison Test w/ 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI here: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=109126
 
I'm fairly sure there are a few between the Evo and 911 GT3 (Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8, and a few others here and there?).
 
Just swing by Inside Line more often, billt9, and you should be able to stay in the loop. :o)

A crazy bargain is the IS, compared to cars costing 3 times as much and up.
Plus you keep the Lexus ride quality and interior luxuries, not like the more expensive Evo.

"the last remaining Lexus that is equipped with a manual transmission"
 
Isn't it the only Lexus that ever was offered with a manual? I don't think they ever had one in the GS, did they?

The old SC300 offered a stick and I'm not positive, but the old GS300 did as well but was dropped due to lack of interest. The original ES250 came with a stick as well.
 
I was ecstatic about the IS250 when it appeared, but the asking price was more than the larger, more powerful Acura TL. Little too rich for my blood. And when is Lexus going to let the enthusiasts have a crack at the 3.5 (IS350). That motor is an absolute gem in the RAV4 that I test drove and would be spectacular in the IS...

Now the IS250 ($32,000) is cheaper than the TL.
You can't have a manual TL until $38,000.

Past Lexus vehicles that were available with manuals; SC300, ES250, ES300 (92-93), IS300, and of course the car above the IS250.
 
Anythingbutgm, my father is a product planner for Toyota and he has said to me several times that the 3.5 V6 has much more power to be untapped if needed. He said it could easily break 360+hp without breaking a sweat and keep the rich/broad torque curve this motor is known for. So keep your eye out for a RWD Toyota sporty car with a more agressive 3.5 motor in the next few years =).

This car is continued proof that Toyota is incapable of doing anything remotely sporty.

The biggest problem is: who is going to buy a manual lexus? Used value will probably end up dead.

I would argue the opposite. The smart people like me who drive manual and buy used have to fight the rest of the minority of smart people for the used manuals. GOOD used vehicles with manual trannies typically resale higher than autos. At least that's been my experience. Case in point E36 M3 sedan.
 
This was an interesting review. On one hand, you guys sound ecstatic about the handling dynamics, but feel the opposite about the afterthought of a 6-speed. Maybe Toyota can fix this in a mid cycle refresh, hopefully sooner, then they would have a hot car on their hands. They might even get me interested.

bbechtel16 - I agree totally with your summary - overall, it seems that despite a lack of steering feel, the car handles superbly, brakes extremely well, and has positive clutch action.
 
Otherwise, the modest thrust and that lack of steering and shift feel seem to be the primary detractors. Still, its worth noting - as edmunds.com did - that this vehicle is thousands less than comparable BMWs 328i's...
 
~alpha

Just an FYI, 0-60 in 7.5 seconds is slower than the base model Sienna CE minivan.
 
It's also slower than an Eclipse with the four cylinder engine.
 
C'mon, put a manual in the 3.5l model!

I don't need fast 0-60, though that is a pretty lame time for 204 hp to the rear wheels. And what is the deal with the manual having a 4mpg worse highway rating? Idiots...

Really love my Lexus with manual transmission, this makes me a good driver. i'd rather have one manual trannies than automatic, thats makes me not comfortable with automatic. So much so with that, Lexus "owners" don't have to justify anything, they buy Lexus for the quality of Lexus Performance Parts, luxury of high performance vehicles.