2009 Lexus IS350 Augusta GA
(706) 650-9999
Augusta, GA
(912) 231-0005
Savannah, GA
(706) 733-2212
Augusta, GA
(706) 868-5454
Augusta, GA
(706) 868-1200
Augusta, GA
(888) 330-8877
Roswell, GA
(706) 868-6400
Augusta, GA
(706) 312-9200
Augusta, GA
(706) 722-3997
Augusta, GA
(706) 860-1111
Augusta, GA
2009 Lexus IS350
December 7, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor
DriverSide Overview
2009 Lexus IS 350
The 2009 Lexis IS 350 finds itself in an awkward position. Stuck between the entry-level (but adequately powerful) IS 250 and the uncompromisingly hardcore IS F , the IS 350 must be suffering from a case of identity crisis. No longer is it the go to car for thrill seeking IS loyalists, nor does it offer the IS 250’s optional all-wheel drive system. And while a headline power output of 306 horsepower notches well between the 204 hp of the IS 250 and 416 hp of the IS F, the IS 250 offers a manual transmission while the IS F utilizes an excellent eight-speed automatic – both of which pip the IS 350’s overbearing six-speed auto. Still, the IS 350 offers a lot – sophisticated style, a comfortable interior and plenty of standard features. If you’re not a true driving enthusiast but enjoy the availability of ample passing power when you put your right foot down, the IS 350 provides a splendid way to tackle the daily commute.
What's to Like
Balancing lateral support and La-Z-Boy comfort into sports seats is a slippery slope, but Lexus has mastered it. The engine isn’t a top-end screamer, but rather provides plenty of ample, linear power. Exterior and interior stylings are both unique and charming, without going too far.
What's Not to Like
Bouncy sports suspension compromises ride quality to the point where you question whether it’s really worth the extra grip. You’ll have to dig around a bit before you’re able to fully wrap your head around the climate controls, as temperature functions are operated by console-mounted buttons, but vent and fan controls are hidden within the navigation screen. You have to completely stop the car to fully deactivate the traction control.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Pasted firmly to the IS 350’s superb sports seats, the direct, weighty steering and balanced chassis give you the confidence to push hard through a corner, making you seriously question whether you're truly behind the wheel of a vehicle carrying something as mundane as a Lexus badge on the deck lid. There’s little delay to any steering inputs and once turned in, the sports suspension helps to settle the car's weight on all four corners quickly. It’s a shame then, that when you go to put the power down in the proper gear, the engine quickly ratchets down a few cogs and sends you blasting off course. Even with the transmission in manual mode, you’re not immune to its desire to select lower gears for you. Leaning on the IS, you can tell it has an excellent, pliable chassis, and while the engine isn’t as rev-happy as Nissan’s outgoing 3.5-liter, it has a robust midrange. If only the transmission would let you enjoy it instead of constantly flinging the tach towards the redline, you might be able to better exploit its solid...