2006 Lexus IS

2006 Lexus IS 350 Black/Black, Navigation and Premium Packages

Over the past 2 years, Ive test driven BMW's 2008 328i, Infinity's 2007 G35, Audi's 2008 A4, and Acura's 2008 TL, and NONE of these cars come together like the Lexus does. The handling is pristine, sharp, and very responsive (although the 328i is equal in handling). The 3.5L V6, six speed automatic manages 306 hp, sprints from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds (clocked by a professional driver at MotorTrend Magazine), yet still manages best in class fuel economy. By the way, the BMW, Audi, and Acura have less horsepower and NONE can touch 4.9 seconds in a 0-60 sprint. Steering is solid even at 145 mph. The L-Finesse styling is sleek, sharp and sexy; even when parked the IS is an eye catcher, only the brand new TL stands out like the Lexus.
The interior is very luxurious, as you would expect from any Lexus. The dash isn't button crazy, like the TL and A4, the touch screen navigation is simple to use and better then any navigation offered on the afformentioned vehicles, and has convenient quick-access buttons on the sides. The perforated leather seats are supple and firm, double stitched and crack resistant (my IS 350 has 117,000 miles and the seats show no sign of cracking). The Premium package includes the heated and ventilated perforated seats, which are a must for anyone with black on black in the Texas heat; the heated seats are great too. The steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are lots of fun and great for anyone who wants more interaction with their car.
A wide-angle backup camera comes with the navigation package and is extremely helpful, especially when backing out of a Wal-Mart parking lot where you can actually see all the way down the lane. Bluetooth wireless connect also comes with the Navigation Package where you can access all your contacts on the navigation screen, or simply say the person's name or number. I have the standard Lexus sound system, and it is IMPRESSIVE!! As a self-proclaimed audiophile, the 13 surround sound speakers, including rear subwoofer is by far the best STANDARD sound system I've ever heard, and yes, I've heard the TL's ELS sound system (which is very good, but lacks on producing both lows and highs). I currently have over 750 songs on 6 MP3 CD's in the dash, which also comes standard with an auxiliary hookup for virtually ANYTHING with a 3.5 mm jack (I use my cell phone with 16 GB of music on it).
I haven't spoken much on reliability and build quality because anyone who has owned a Lexus or even heard of Lexus knows of their incomparable pursuit of perfection, and reliability and quality ALWAYS come first!!! FYI, for the last 12 years, Lexus has had fewer recalls per make then any other car manufacturer. My 2006 IS 350 has 117,000 miles and runs like the brand new 2009 I recently test drove. It has never had any major repairs, only the normal wear and tear and recommended service replacements.
Now there are a few things I would change. The rear seats will only fit average size people under 6 feet, comfortably. I would also like to be able to turn off the VDIM (on board computer which monitors and adjusts certain driving aspects, only on the 2006 IS). But these are minor complaints and virtually irrelevant to me.
Overall, I don't think there is a better car when considering performance, quality, looks, and features. The 2006-Current IS 350 is an AMAZING driver's vehicle guaranteed for years of quality fun!!!