We actually did not even test the vehicle. We got in (it was a 2006) and immediately saw how cheap the interior looked but the biggest thing was the size. I got in the drivers side and it felt cramped and boxed. I had a tiny little toyota paseo a few years back and even that seemed more roomier. Another thing that bothered me was the hood was up so high I could not see over it. Im not short either so this was a big concern as I want to be able to see the road.
I am glad I checked this car out before i bought it. I had heard how small these cars were but did not think it was so bad as the outside looks like a medium sized sedan. Dont know what to buy now. Getting the repair shop to fix an o4 lexus with almost 9000 in damage makes no sense. Im trying to get it written off so I dont know what to buy now. Im actually looking go figure.... at an 2007 GS430 in alberta...
Bottom line...I need to feel safe and the IS is to small for that..

Interesting. I am 6'2, 170 lbs and I fit perfectly in my IS; the hood is probably even higher as well due to the V8.

2006-2013 Lexus IS already a improvement for interior space... go look at the Altezza / IS300... its a compact sport sedan not a ES or GS... if u want IS and hav space go get a 2014... hood height maybe its safer for pedestrian and to clear the V6... imo u shouldn't look into cars from alberta or any cars from east unless u buy it brand new...

safety video on the 2006 Lexus IS..

Ive seen the crash testing. Im sure its fine. But still it doe not feel good. Theres just not much room. Its a closed cabin feel. Im a 5 11 thin girl and It didnt work for me nor did the toyota corolla. Similiar closed feeling. I am coming from a lexus GS430 house environment to a bachelor apartment basically.

ic.. than stick to the GS... cuz IS will never get that much room or else it will affect the sales on the GS category... the 3IS is a lot more roomier than the 2IS... but seems to be slower though... but u call 2IS cheap but some of the stuff on the 3IS is worst than the 2IS..

Im assuming you meant the 300 and 350 IS?
Any year where they got just a bit bigger? The hood sticks up so high i could not see the road!

rena, you are my height. if you feel 3IS cabin space too small, go with the GS. guaranteed to feel more roomy.

Bigger or more roomy vehicle doesn't equal safer.
Feeling safe is not the same as being safe.

I have owned, maintained, and driven many vehicles. I know a vehicle is safe when it is properly maintained and equip with the right tires / brakes / suspension. I am more confident in smaller vehicles as they are more responsive in terms of braking and turning. When I drive a bigger vehicle, the blind spots are bigger.

I have friends that are over 6'3" and +200 lbs. They are okay driving mid-size sedans. Are you sure your seat is adjusted properly? Many times, I have seen drivers sitting too close or too far from the steering wheel. Or the seat is inclined / declined too far.

1IS = IS300/Altezza
2IS = 2006-2013
3IS = 2014+

2014 is most roomy.. 2006-2013 is smaller and b4 those yrs is even smaller....

You should look at LS, GX, and LX