Albeit short, from the Brea Mall in Brea to Chino Hills.

Whoever said this car wasn't fun in the twisties doesn't know what they are talking about. Nope, it's not a race car (I traded a race car, I should know), but it handles well for a heavy nosed car. And I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I'm pretty sure in Sport+ mode the steering feel in the IS is better than my old M2 Comp. I am absolutely sure about that.

Also, since the wife was with me, I didn't put it in manual mode, but I'll be damned in the transmission didn't know what is was doing when left in automatic. It knew when to shift, when to downshift, all that good stuff.

Overall I am still quite pleased with my purchase! Almost 800 miles now!

 

Absolutely. I think a lot of reviewers don't take time to learn the car and actually push it. In my experience, the auto shift programming in S+ is pretty great if I am actually driving spiritedly - in fact, it's perhaps a little more aggressive than I would even do myself!

After reading this, I need to get back up to the mountains. Thanks for that.

 

You bet!

I was just thrilled to be able to finally push the through some twisties and it didn't disappoint! Enjoy your mountain drive!

 

…and this my friend, is why I trolled the living fck out of every YouTube reviewer video posted.

Most talked out of their *** and needed an owner’s perspective to balance out their ignorance. The later vids were a bit more informed, I think because some had a second bite at the apple and reviewed the car properly. E.g., Reviewed the car for what it is and not what they wanted it to be.

This car is FUN and the steering ratio is one of the best around.

 

Agree with absolutely everything said so far in this thread. It goes into total "beast mode" once you're on it - and stay on it. It is interesting how Youtubers complain the steering has no feel. I actually think it is really good for electric steering. Maybe that's just because I keep comparing it to my wife's BMW and some other (recent) German cars I've driven, which have absolutely NO feel whatsoever, to the point where I lose some confidence going hard around corners despite great all-wheel systems. But I love the steering on the IS500 in Sport + Mode with spirited driving. And I know many of you folks here were adamant about changing the tires, and you were 100% correct. Ever since I put the PS4S tires on, everything has gotten better. Weird to say this, but even the transmission "seems" to be shifting better (snappier shifts and holding low gears longer).

 

^^ Like they say, good rubbers completely change the experience

I know I love my Michelin all season too!

 

I could care less what reviewers and their sheep followers have to say after their 30 min test drive. It's always the same regurgitate the specs, walk around, call the interior dated, laugh at the CD player, drive it and say the transmission is slow but the engine is lovely. Is the IS 500 perfect? No, what car is? The IS 500 in day to day life is comfortable, reliable, fun, powerful, rides well, and while subjective has an attractive design. Most importantly it makes me smile every time I turn it on or push the pedal.

 

As soon as the factory Bridgestone's go kaput, PS4S will be going on for sure

 

We don’t have twisties in Florida.

 

^^ Use the off/on ramps (LMAO)

 

I do.

Favorite is to lay up behind the car in front of me, letting them getting far ahead and then getting on it and slingshotting onto the freeway.

*When safe, of course