IS350 test driven
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I think its sounding pretty good...
This car will be replacing my G35 coupe, which I'm very happy with. But, I'm expecting that the IS350 will address a couple of small nits I have with the G:
1. Harsh ride on bad roads. I don't want the 350 to be a floater, but the review seems to imply that the ride is pretty smooth. I'd sacrifice a little bit on handling to have a better daily driver. I doubt I’ll ever notice the VDIM but will definitely feel safer knowing its there.
2. Engine noise. I love my G's exhaust note but too much engine noise comes into the cabin during normal driving. It sounds like the 350 has this one covered, too.
3. Stereo quality. ML here I come...
Now, Lexus, if you're out there...build me a IS350 coupe (or coupe/convert) with a 6-speed manual, snazzier wheels, and sharper steering...and I swear I'll never look at another brand for the rest of my life!
1. Harsh ride on bad roads. I don't want the 350 to be a floater, but the review seems to imply that the ride is pretty smooth. I'd sacrifice a little bit on handling to have a better daily driver. I doubt I’ll ever notice the VDIM but will definitely feel safer knowing its there.
2. Engine noise. I love my G's exhaust note but too much engine noise comes into the cabin during normal driving. It sounds like the 350 has this one covered, too.
3. Stereo quality. ML here I come...
Now, Lexus, if you're out there...build me a IS350 coupe (or coupe/convert) with a 6-speed manual, snazzier wheels, and sharper steering...and I swear I'll never look at another brand for the rest of my life!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 203
From: Florida
Originally Posted by lexus_x_2
Without even driving the vehicle, it appears some have already decided that the VDIM is too intrusive and won't buy it based on a review.
I'm going to wait until I can actually drive one for myself.
I'm going to wait until I can actually drive one for myself.
Yeah & when test driving....scare the living heck out of the saleman....
...does this car ride on 2 tires...saleman (huh?)
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,849
Likes: 580
From: USA
Originally Posted by jrock65
Full test probably means timed performance measures, stereo evaluation, and other stuff.
Perhaps C&D, R&T, and MT are testing the IS as we speak? I can't imagine Toyota giving test versions just to Edmunds.
Perhaps C&D, R&T, and MT are testing the IS as we speak? I can't imagine Toyota giving test versions just to Edmunds.
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,849
Likes: 580
From: USA
Originally Posted by XeroK00L
Whew the aluminum pedals remain. The ones in the earlier auto show pics had only plastic pedals.
Perhaps Lexus is listening to our comments after all.
Perhaps Lexus is listening to our comments after all.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 203
From: Florida
Article says:
"A VDIM "Off" button would make this a much better sport sedan"
Do you think it's possible that Lexus would change this the following year in 1997 model? Not that it really matters to me, but just wondering, if all the mags start saying this same thing, wonder if Lexus will change it & make an off button.
"A VDIM "Off" button would make this a much better sport sedan"
Do you think it's possible that Lexus would change this the following year in 1997 model? Not that it really matters to me, but just wondering, if all the mags start saying this same thing, wonder if Lexus will change it & make an off button.
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,849
Likes: 580
From: USA
Originally Posted by XanaduSC
Do you think it's possible that Lexus would change this the following year in 1997 model?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,205
Likes: 253
Originally Posted by XeroK00L
You mean like this?
OK so that one was an IS250 with no VDIM
, but this IS350 with VDIM came pretty close too:
Perhaps VDIM isn't as intrusive is toned down a bit after all.Err...define "crashing a car nicely" please.
I actually prefer VDIM to save me from "crashing nicely", you know.
OK so that one was an IS250 with no VDIM
, but this IS350 with VDIM came pretty close too:Perhaps VDIM isn't as intrusive is toned down a bit after all.Err...define "crashing a car nicely" please.
I actually prefer VDIM to save me from "crashing nicely", you know.
I really cant see anyone complaining about VDIM in real life situations.... Many Toyota's and Lexi's have VSC that cant be turned off and is much more abrupt than VDIM, yet not many people complain about it....
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,268
Likes: 346
From: Canada
Originally Posted by spwolf
. . . Many Toyota's and Lexi's have VSC that cant be turned off and is much more abrupt than VDIM, yet not many people complain about it....
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I realize all of your guys' points when you say VDIM is not going to hamper most consumers of the car.... but a decent chunk of people.. at least the ones you run into on these boards... want to take their cars autocrossing. Now until someone here drives the thing we won't be able to tell just how intrusive it is, but it seems like the VDIM thing may possibly make the new 350 a less than ideal car to take to the autox.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 212
From: Silicon Valley
Originally Posted by Faraaz23
I realize all of your guys' points when you say VDIM is not going to hamper most consumers of the car.... but a decent chunk of people.. at least the ones you run into on these boards... want to take their cars autocrossing. Now until someone here drives the thing we won't be able to tell just how intrusive it is, but it seems like the VDIM thing may possibly make the new 350 a less than ideal car to take to the autox.
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Feb 24, 2005 09:49 PM
