PAPI007

I had the FR-S. Way more fun to drive than the IS but as far as reliability.......Thats another story. Has a Subaru engine not Toyota. I have the IS350 and couldn't be more happier!

Thunderwuf

If you don't care about power and like the stick-shift fun, go with the fr-s or brz and you'll also be saving a lot of money. Paddle shifters are just not the same. Nevertheless, if you like to have more luxury, technology, and don't mind the automatic transmission, pick the IS250. Keep in mind, though, that they have almost the same HP.

ddvette9

I had an FRS and sold it to buy a 250. I've driven several other fast cars in my day so I understand speed. I don't understand the opinions that the car is slow. When I put the car in sport mode and pin the pedal down as soon as the engine downshifts there is a really nice smooth torquey pull that I'm more than happy with. I understand the 0-60 times and the 1/4 mile times are slow as a turtle on paper. But in a busy city like I live in, the car is more than acceptable when it gets up and goes. And I also drove the RC and is350 before purchasing and as of now I'm not dissapointed. Adding intake and exhaust soon so I'm sure with the louder sound and slightly improved throttle response I will be even happier.

azfsport

The IS350 has adequate power IMO. I wouldn't be happy with less power in a car this heavy.

lexi90

+1 As a fellow owner of an IS250, I can't agree with people claiming it lacks power to change lains on the highway! Seriously? Do you need 300 HP to change lanes? LMAO

Rebirthing

lol I agree.
IS250 IS fun to drive, especially under Sport Mode.
The acceleration is more than sufficient for passing and lane changing.

dseag2

I own a GS F Sport and drove an IS250 as a loaner. I thought it was extremely fun to drive, even with the lower HP, because the steeting is very direct and it handles corners really well. I felt some lack of power vs. the 350 (naturally) but it was still an exhilarating ride. Like others have said, you should go for the IS350, but if you are locked into a particular price range I don't think the IS250 will disappoint. Would I choose it over my GS350? Hell no. Is it fun to drive? Absolutely. Just keep your foot in it.

Swacer

If you understand POWER (lets keep in mind that SPEED is relative, you can get a Fiat 500 up to 100mph if you wait long enough), you would know for sure that the 250 is underwhelming and sad in comparison to the IS350. When we took a IS250 out, we put it into Sport and put the pedal to the floor...and nothing happened...except maybe a sad attempt at an engine growl? It took my wife about 5 seconds to say...ya... i don't want this.

She bought an IS350 and has loved it since.

Also, an exhaust and intake will not improve your throttle response. That is controlled by your ECU demand/response time and throttle body sizing.

lexi90

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