Lexus IS 250 or 350?
I am trying to pick out my parents and I are wondering whether it would be worth it to upgrade to the 350 or is not that big of a difference from the 250?
20098 views
2007 Lexus IS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
A baby Lexus big on premium comfort.
New for 2006, the Lexus IS carries into 2007 as a fresh compact sedan with loads of standard amenities and a sport-tuned chassis that can keep up with BMWs. Drivers who prioritize comfort over outright performance will find the IS to be one of the best luxury sedans on sale.
8/10
Lexus sets a high bar for quality. Step inside the IS and you'll get a heavy whiff of the larger ES and GS sedans. The materials are excellent, from the soft pleated leather to the soft-touch rubber dash and silver-painted center stack. The instrument panel's gauges take the look of old wristwatches and modernize them with sharp lighting. The switchgear is just as impressive in the IS as in an $80,000 Lexus LS. You feel rewarded in this Lexus like you won't in a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi.
The exterior styling from some angles is too Toyota, but the slanted headlights, sloping hood, short tail, and large alloy wheels suggest this is something more special. There's a graceful curve to the roof, but it's not too aggressive. This is still a practical and conservative car.
7/10
Two V6 engines are available. The Lexus IS 250 has a 2.5-liter with 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) models get a six-speed manual that's fun only because of the car's novelty as a manual Lexus. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional and brings with it a six-speed automatic transmission. The 250 trim level is just enough to keep you awake, but for anyone looking to scoot, it's capital-S slow. It may not be a full-on sports car, but the Lexus IS 350 is the preferred choice, with a 3.5-liter V6 good for 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This car comes with only RWD and the automatic transmission. It's far more satisfying, and it brings real sporty performance to this small Lexus. An X package is new for 2007 and brings a stiffer sport suspension and 18-inch wheels for the RWD models. While the chassis is balanced and has no trouble keeping up the pace on twisty roads, the IS with either engine is more softly tuned and languid than the best BMW sedans. It tries, but it'd rather pamper you with its quiet interior and comfy ride.
7/10
Large, comfortable front seats and rear seats have good lateral support. The back seat is on the small side with less legroom than you might like, and those rear doors don't offer the best ingress and egress given how the fender intrudes into the space. The trunk space measures 13 cubic feet.
For the driver, the controls and seating arrangement put everything within easy reach. Visibility is good. The small screen in the instrument cluster is a bit hard to read.
7/10
The Lexus IS is a relief among foreign luxury cars because a lot of features come standard. Push-button start and proximity entry, a six-disc CD changer, 13-speaker stereo, 10-way power leather seats, moonroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are all here. Bigger-car amenities like heated and ventilated front seats and power rear sunshades are optional. It's also nice to have rain-sensing wipers, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and auto-dim exterior mirrors. Bluetooth connectivity, a reversing camera, and a DVD navigation system that can play DVDs through a 14-speaker Mark Levinson 7.1 surround sound audio system are available, too.
8/10
The 2007 IS has dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear head curtain airbags standard, along with ABS, traction, and stability control. A Pre-Collision Assist system uses a radar sensor to detect an impending crash. If one is unavoidable, the seatbelt pre-tensioners activate and the brakes are primed to transmit full braking force the moment the driver steps on the pedal. This is optional, along with a reversing camera that comes only with the navigation system.
In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests for the front moderate overlap and side, it scored the best Good rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the 2007 Lexus IS at four out of five stars for the driver and passenger in a frontal crash, five stars for the driver in a side crash, and four stars for the rear passenger in a side crash.
Update: The 2007 Lexus IS came with defective Takata airbags that can explode during a crash and kill the front occupants, so be sure to verify the vehicle has received the recommended recall repairs.
7/10
The 2007 Lexus IS starts at $30,970 for the IS 250, $35,000 for the IS 250 AWD, and $36,420 for the IS 350. This makes the Lexus less expensive than either the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The EPA measures Fuel economy at 18-21 mpg city, 25-29 mpg highway, and 20-24 mpg combined, depending on which IS you buy. The high quality, generous standard equipment, modest prices, and high reliability are all strong marks for this small, impressive car.
Published May 25, 2021 by Clifford Atiyeh
User reviews for 2007 Lexus IS
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Moe T
Oct 27, 2022
This car has to be the most reliable dependable car even till now Oct 27, 2022
by Griffin B
May 17, 2022
Really good car overall, dashboard is easier to melt so have something to cover if car is going to be in the sun all dayMay 17, 2022
by Roy C
Jun 06, 2021
The Lexus IS 250 looks drives and handles well it’s very reliable gets good gas mileage. I d compare it to BMW, M-Benz, or baby Jaguar Jun 06, 2021
User rating:
by Moe T
Oct 27, 2022
This car has to be the most reliable dependable car even till now Oct 27, 2022
by Griffin B
May 17, 2022
Really good car overall, dashboard is easier to melt so have something to cover if car is going to be in the sun all dayMay 17, 2022
by Roy C
Jun 06, 2021
The Lexus IS 250 looks drives and handles well it’s very reliable gets good gas mileage. I d compare it to BMW, M-Benz, or baby Jaguar Jun 06, 2021
by Carlos W
Apr 15, 2021
Great car! Fun and fast! Great value. I drive this as my daily commuter and drive S5 on off days. I absolutely love this car and great gas milage.. after 10 years etc. this car is still relevant today and the fit and finish is flawless!
Apr 15, 2021
by anthony G
Feb 10, 2021
If you can get into a 6cyl that would be optimum. For the most part Lexus spells reliability, resale value, a little luxury for the price. Especially for a young couple or transportation startup.Feb 10, 2021
by E B
Mar 10, 2020
Great car and ride reliable car luxury car always loved the lexus make Mar 10, 2020
by Mark B
Apr 15, 2015
The Lexus IS250 is a very fun car. Mine has a F sport exhaust, intake and shifter knob. I had also tinted the back tail lights. Black on black is my favorite combination on this car. Very quick with turns.Apr 15, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 16, 2015
I was initially attracted to this car because I was tired of driving my Nissan Versa econobox. What a big change! I purchased it used from a private party. I really enjoyed driving it. Its a very comfortable car. Even back seat passengers were very happy with the comfort of the seats. Braking and acceleration are fantastic. Since it was equipped with all-wheel drive, I felt very safe driving it in wet weather. All in all, an excellent car.Jan 16, 2015
by Phil F
Nov 03, 2013
Overall....this car is phenomenal. Fast, luxurious, clean, every imaginable option...it's simply a great car for the money. It has the reliability of Lexus, and just as relevant, the feel of a Lexus. which comes with more luxury than ever wanted. This car is meant to drive to 200K. Its. A. Lexus.Nov 03, 2013
by Anonymous
Apr 10, 2013
Gas mileage was average, about 25 mpg. Ride quality was pretty good, overall felt like a Toyota Camry but with better sheet metal. Only had this car for a year, shop time consisted of recalls for accelerator pedal, and replacing windshield.Apr 10, 2013
by Jon R
Oct 31, 2012
Lexus brings style and power to it's IS350 sports sedan. Around town the the car remains composed and civilized, but put the pedal down and the IS350 puts it's 306 horsepower to good use. Hope you don't mind speeding tickets. Oct 31, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 07, 2012
This car is a pleasure to drive. It has a quick pick up and responds fast to all commands. The stereo system is very nice and allows 6 dixcs to be rotated at one time. What I love the best is the heated heats and yes the air conditioned seats as well. They are great on days like the last several we had had. Gas mileage averages 19-27mpg. The sun/moon roof is a plus on those perfect days for a drive. Also it has the auto skid control for excess water or ice on the road. Jul 07, 2012
by Anonymous
Apr 22, 2012
A Super fun car to drive. Insane amount of power available at any time.
Super comfortable seats, technology everywhere.
Rain sensing wiper blades, auto headlights.
HID adaptive headlights (turns around corners).
Heated and A/C seats.
Will certainly return to the Lexus IS line in the future.
Apr 22, 2012
by Anonymous
Oct 10, 2009
It is fast,classy and handles great. Lexus is a very
good car. Great service and quality. So go buy a lexus
try it out. You will not be disappointed.. There not
cheap but there fast,classy and fun to drive.Oct 10, 2009
by Alex C
Dec 10, 2008
Performance - quick off the line with lots of power (306hp). handling is pretty good but not as good as the 3 series. Brakes is impressive, and suspension absorbs imperfections in the road well. Tires though, particularly the Bridgestone RE33 all season, are terrible. Road noise can be noticeable, and wet weather grip is crap too.
Build Quality - Pretty much a rock solid car, though there are a few reports of dash rattles and moon roof rattles.
Appearance - Beautifully designed, clean, simple, all around.
Cost of Ownership - Gas mileage is decent, i get around 18mpg. First 5000mi service is free, but will cost you out the pocket after.
Fun Factor - Its alright, not as engaging as lets say the 335i.Dec 10, 2008
by Kevin C
Oct 09, 2008
The car is amazing. Lexus tried to make a sports sedan that could compare to the three series but instead they created a car that was more luxurious than sporty. Don't get me wrong, the car is plenty sporty, but if you want a sports car stick with the bmw but if not, the IS350 is DEFINITELY your best bet.Oct 09, 2008
by BlackBird P
Sep 08, 2008
My car is cool and everything I like about it, but the sad thing that I don't like about the Middle Eastern version is that it can't be tuned and the performance is lower than the Japanese and American Version. Everything else about the car. The design, the shape the look it's all cool. I love the navigation system. It's all in touch screen, but the negative thing about it. If it fails then you have to replace it and if you have things stored in it. It will be lost. It's not just Lexus cars. Any car with a navigational system would fail due to unknown reasons. Even if you take a very good car about it!
Car is allover is great. If you want one just go for it ;)Sep 08, 2008
by Brad C
Sep 08, 2008
Handling and braking are sports car quality.
The engine is not as powerful as I would like but it is very smooth and fuel efficient.
The six speed transmission shifts very smoothly.
The tires are a disappointment on a car of this quality and price range. They are very noisy and wore very quickly.Sep 08, 2008
by Patrick M
Sep 01, 2008
Quit possibly the best car ever made. I have owned a
BMW and Mercedes prior to this lexus. Amazing
performance, looks and handling make it the best mid
sized luxury car on the market. Lexus customer
service is second to none and everytime I have the
vehicle serviced, I am surprised and pleased with
something new that they provide.Sep 01, 2008
by Joey O
Jul 01, 2008
I love my car.. it's sexy and quick. i couldn't ask for anything else. The car performs very well... On the open road she's a beast and handles with the best of them. My car is a very fun car, has a nice sporty look and very comfy on the inside! Jul 01, 2008
by John C
Jun 26, 2008
The new 2.5-liter V6 is quiet and refined, even with normally noisy direct injection on board, also the new IS looks as good as it does and produces an aerodynamic drag coefficient as low as it does. love the AWD in rainny day, passing those idiot drivers XDJun 26, 2008
by Victor M
Jun 22, 2008
I like everything in my car except the the black color when become dirty in dust and rainJun 22, 2008
by Vikash K
May 21, 2008
Fantastic build quality, clearly a demonstration of the L-Finesse Lexus philosophy. Looks great b oth on the inside and the out. Sharp curves and aggressive lines mark the front, while the rear is very compact unlike a BMW-3 Has amazing handling, the AWD works great in wet/ icy/ snow conditions. (I live in Minnesota, trust me, it gets real bad here in the winter). Interior is great, the best selling point for the interior would be the dashboard. The machine accelerates quite fast, and is very nimble and stable around corners. This is a semi-sports luxury car, so the ride is very smooth, suspension is obviously not tuned towards the sports end. Would have liked to have the 'Sports' mode option like in the European version here too. The flappy-paddle gear box is a great tool to impress your friends, but as an alternative to the stick-shift, it loses. Couple all the above with Lexus' customer service, and we have a winner.Overall, a fantastic car to own and drive everyday. If you do want a serious and worthy alternative to the BMW-3 series or Audi A-4 stereotypes, this is the car for you. Definitely a head-turner.May 21, 2008
by Eric C
May 09, 2008
Full featured, powerful, quiet, luxury, smart appearanceMay 09, 2008
by Adrian T
May 01, 2008
Could use a bit more horsepower. but handles great, rides smooth, and a pretty bad ass
sound system.May 01, 2008
by L H
Apr 20, 2008
Easy to handle, good on gas, sporty. A bit small for a family.Apr 20, 2008
by Will A
Apr 02, 2008
Still wish it laid down the numbers that the 335i does, then again the interior is far better
than the compact out of Munich (BMW).Apr 02, 2008
by Beisi R
Feb 14, 2008
great handling, love the steering, push to start engine. Sleaky design, very nice exterior, as well as interior. Very nice wood design interior. F1 style shift paddles, nice leather seats, feels great for long trips, just overall a great carFeb 14, 2008
by Chris R
Jan 23, 2008
The moment I saw this vehicle I knew the world has changed. No longer will Lexus struggle to beat BMW's 3-series. Although, it may takes serveral generations of this vehicle to beat them, they are closer than they think. With the Release of the 2009 IS-F to compete with the M3, it's going to be interesting. The vehicle's design takes direction from a design philosophy from Lexus, known as L-Finesse. Exterior and Interior communicate with each other by sharing in the form of design. Materials, fit and fininsh, technology and luxury are of course the finest in it's class. After driving this vehicle it's not hard to see why Lexus is the number one luxury brand in america. ( That's not an opinion, it's fact, taken from a well known world renoun auomotive publication.) Jan 23, 2008
by Arlene A
Jan 05, 2008
Love it!! Fun to drive with great handling and accelerationJan 05, 2008
by Arlene A
Jan 05, 2008
Love it!! Fun to drive with great handling and accelerationJan 05, 2008
by Arlene A
Jan 05, 2008
Love it!! Fun to drive with great handling and accelerationJan 05, 2008
What users have asked
Car shopping to near by area
Can a car be transported somewhere near me
5 views
transmission fluid
how much trans fluid do i need tofill for lexus is 250
100 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2007 Lexus IS?Compare this car
2007 Lexus IS Pricing
Original MSRP
$30,970 to $36,420Price range
$8,457 to $8,744Average price on CG
$8,616YoY price change
$8,637 to $8,616Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: electrochromatic
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Camera system: rearview
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 194 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.71 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: electrochromatic
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Camera system: rearview
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation