Home » Car Reviews » Lexus » IS » 2006 Lexus IS Compact Sports Sedan
2006 Lexus IS Compact Sports Sedan
…Continued
Lexus breeds a true BMW fighter
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Inside, you'll find the excellent quality and amenities that Lexus has built its reputation on, including some of the softest leather imaginable. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels almost exactly like my seven-month-old son's cheeks, and all the switches and trim pieces look like they're designed to withstand a direct nuclear strike from Iran. As you look around the cabin, you get the feeling that this is a car that will last a long, long time.
You won't mind spending a long time in the IS, either. It's extremely quiet, with acoustic glass and sound-deadening material everywhere -- even hidden in the sun visors. Lots of wiz-bang features will impress your passengers and make trips pleasant, too, including a touch-screen navigation system, rear-view video camera, dynamic radar cruise control, the SmartAccess keyless entry system, and heated/ventilated front seats. Most of those features are usually found in top-of-the-line luxury cars that cost at least $60,000, not entry-luxury cars that start in the relatively affordable $30,000 range.
As close to perfection as this car comes, it does have a few downsides to consider. For one, the back seat isn't very roomy and doesn't fold down to allow more cargo space. That can be a really useful feature on those rare occasions when you have a long, bulky item to transport that wouldn't normally fit in your cabin.
Also, the high-powered IS 350 isn't available with a manual transmission, something it's got to offer if Lexus ever wants it to be taken seriously as a BMW beater. Some people who are passionate about sports sedans -- the kind of people who could be great long-term supporters of the new IS -- won't think about buying a car with an automatic transmission. An automatic defeats the pure purpose of a sports sedan in the first place.
Beyond that, there's little to dislike about this car. It's eerily silent on the highway, is a blast to drive on twisty roads and comes with the top-notch quality you'd expect from anything with a Lexus badge.
And that's definitely enough to make BMW nervous.
Pros: It has the sporty feel of an Ultimate Driving Machine but comes with Lexus' reputation for quality and precision. It's an outstanding car in virtually all aspects.
Cons: The back seat can be cramped and can't fold down, and the high-performance IS 350 isn't available with a manual transmission.
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 10
- Performance: 10
- Price: 7
- Handling: 10
- Ride: 9
- Comfort: 10
- Quality: 10
- Overall: 9
More Data
Where Built: Japan
Major Options: Premium Package (RWD only), Performance Luxury Plus Package (RWD only), Premium Luxury Plus Package, Mark Levinson® Audio System with Navigation. Navigation System, Park Assist, Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (A/T only), Headlamp Washers (requires HID/AFS), One-Touch Open/Close Moonroof with Rotary-Dial Switch, 18” Wheels with Summer Tires (RWD only), Precollision system; Includes adaptive cruise control and rear-obstacle-detection system, Headlight washers.
Seating: 5.
Number of Rows: 2.
Length in Inches: 180.1
Warrantees: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper, 6/70,000 miles Extended powertrain, 6 years/unlimited miles Corrosion protection, 4 years/unlimited miles Roadside assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 3455 - 3527 lbs.
Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not available.
Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: Not Available.
Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Available.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 17.1
Destination Charge: $590
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