dchar

Just watched this week's episode of Talking Cars on Consumer Reports. Presenters were asked what were their least favorite cars tested. Some listed Chrysler PT Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, Smart ForTwo, and Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Auto Engineer, Tom Mutchler, grouped the current gen Lexus IS into this list. He stated, "If I spend $50,000 on a car, I'd like to fit in it. It's a luxury sedan and there's no room in it, doesn't ride well, doesn't steer well, finally has a decent drivetrain which isn't terrific, and also the AWD version of that car has a giant hump in the floor; it's like sitting on an ottoman. This is Toyota and they can't design a car without a lump in the floor?"

These are pretty strong, negative comments about the IS and I don't really agree with them. I was shocked that he hated it so much. Yes, the IS is kinda small/cramped, but this class of car isn't suppose to be large and spacious; the competition isn't much better. I have to agree with Tom that the AWD hump is definitely a design flaw, which hopefully has been addressed for the 2017MY. I don't find anything offensive with the ride, steering, and powertrain though. Plus, the design is way more interesting than the competition, which has become kind of bland.

What do you guys think about this assessment?

flexspace

iTrader: (2)

Consumer Reports is an idea that's since become an afterthought because there's so many outlets for people to leave reviews and read about them (for free). That's why their target market is mostly older people, like my mom, who don't know any better.

The IS is not a bad car. It has and will remain more reliable than any luxury competitor, while retaining most of its value for resale. It also looks better, which is subjective, but I bet most IS owners would agree that was a main determinant in their purchase. Yes, the engine and transmission leave a little to be desired, but the IS is still considered "entry-level", a fact that escapes most people.

I'd rather listen to Matt Farah (a car guy) sit inside the IS if I want an unbiased review, who, by the way, had many positive things to say about the F-Sport model he drove upon initial release.

http://www.thesmokingtire.com/2013/v...view-one-take/

In conclusion, there's little rationale to any high-dollar purchase. We buy things because of how they make us feel. It shouldn't be relegated to what other people think, especially Consumer Reports.

xellos

How big is Tom Mutchler? I'm 6'2" and I had plenty of room in the IS when I had it. Matt Farah is not a small guy either. Also lol @ consumer reports car reviews.

JDR76

I've never understood the issue with the AWD hump. Maybe it's just my size, but the hump is so far back my foot doesn't bump it at all. Calling it an ottoman is a bit extreme.

The rest of the interior size is appropriate for the class, handling is fantastic, and it is first and foremost a sporty sedan, not a luxury sedan.

Sigh...

goldengame

Consumer Reports's primary target is middle-aged people who just want something comfortable. The IS is not as comfortable as some other cars you can get for the same price (e.g. 3 series seats are easier to get in/out of). The IS, at least in my F-Sport, handles as well as the 340i and has a more sporty feel than the 340i, S4, and XE (especially in the steering feel department). These characteristics are the opposite of what Consumer Reports cares about, which is why they don't like it. If you're looking for a luxury-sports car in the $50k price range, of all the cars I've driven, the IS350 F-Sport, M235i, and XE (if you want a little more luxury than sport feel) are the best.

AMNss

Don't feel bad about it, they are not a car review specialists. If you want to buy a car read about it in a proper car review site such as motor trend, car and driver, edmunds and road and track.

goldengame

And for the record, the real car reviewers mostly liked the IS350 F-Sport. The comparison reviews put it ahead of the 335i.

evident

CR is pretty much the only publication that hates on the IS that badly. i really don't get it.

dchar

Before dismissing CR, but not saying that CR car reviews are the best, but they are just as legit of a real car review source. They are probably more unbiased than other car reviews since they aren't sponsored by the carmakers, they don't attend fancy drive events they host at exotic locations, and they are privately funded. Reviewers like Mat Farrah can't afford to say tons of bad things about the cars in risk of being taken off the invite list. Plus, most other car reviews don't live with the car or test them for an extended period of time; usually only a couple weeks.

CR's testing of cars involve going to the dealer, finding out what the dealer experience is like, buying the car in a spec most people would order, driving it for several thousand miles over several weeks between multiple reviewers, track testing it at their private track with certified track drivers, and trying to sell the car to see realistic resale values. All while getting data from real owners about their ownership experience, especially reliability, through polls.

So I wouldn't write off CR so quickly; CR's target audience is more customer/consumer focused, while other car reviews are more car enthusiast and entertainment focused. Before you think, I'm a huge CR supporter, I am not subscribed to them and only view the free content.

I feel like it is only one CR presenter that was so negative towards the IS. Nevertheless, I thought his comments were interesting.

bhvrdr

I can appreciate two his complaints which I would consider relatively minor IMO. The interior may feel a bit "cramped" to many. It seems to be by design but they certainly make it snug. Being 5'7" and 150lbs, i like it. If I were a big fella, I can see that as an issue. I would simply buy a different car. Not a big deal. Some cars are smaller than others. The transmission tunnel is a flaw. Not a huge deal at all IMO but its a design flaw.


Otherwise the car is dynamically a great car. The steering is universally praised. The handling has been considered as class leading above the 3 series and better than my S4. Funny he says the drivetrain is nice and thats the one area Lexus really didnt change at all in the IS350 and could use more power in most peoples opinion. Honestly its an odd review and not in line with any others that I have ever seen.

Mike

E46CT

If it doesn't steer well, what does? The IS is consistently ahead of its class in steering feel. including BMW. Which never has happened in automotive history. Nobody's ever bested the 3 series in any performance category.

New 3 series are kind of soft.

the twin turbo I6 though is glorious. I don't think Lexus can ever ever match it.

leo877

I would not care much about what CR said. What you think about the car is the most important thing.

Olasek

If I am interested in a refrigerator or a lawn mower I might consult CR, not for cars. I think they are much better set up, they have better expertise in these kind of consumer products.
But CR is not a gospel and they are capable of making serious errors of judgments - I once followed their advice and bought a video camera and got badly burnt.
And you can see that his opinions like "doesn't fit", "doesn't steer" are full of hyperbole and generalizations, I can go on Youtube and watch 30-min review of this car by Alex-On-Autos or similar guys
and I will get full explanation what they mean by every statement, no hyperbole, no cheap talk, everything is very well justified and/or reasoned.

mirai

CR has some great info in terms of quantifiable information (reliability numbers, customer satisfaction surveys, cost to own, etc) and that's where their biggest value is as a research resource.

Their opinion commentary on the other hand....eh. That's where you have to take their opinions with a grain of salt. At that point, what they say is just as valid as any other automotive outlet, so if a bunch of them say that the ride is great, handling is precise, and the room is adequate then you could draw your conclusions from there.

BoDarville

i would appreciate hearing honest elaboration limited to the is350 f-sport's "fun to drive" quotient relative to other cars in its segment from owners -- is it a blast to drive? does it get boring or leave a little to be desired after a few months or years of ownership? is it generally good as a driver's car but does not excel in any one category? not interested in hearing about the car's reliability, that is obviously not a concern with this brand. thanks to any for sharing their useful experiences.