Consumer Report IS250 Smackdown!
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 2
From: North Carolina
Consumer Report IS250 Smackdown!
Looks like there is another magazine with distaste for the IS. At least he 250 variant. But the IS is not alone. It is joined by the Q.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...ports/3146525/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...ports/3146525/
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 248
Likes: 1
From: TX
Kind of sad because they tested arguably the worst possible IS available if you're looking for "fun". But whatever, I don't care, I'm VERY happy with my IS350 F Sport and when it came down to this, the Q50 or the 330i, I wouldn't have chosen differently because a magazine said so.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 3
From: Utah
I don't know what to think of Consumer Reports. Reminds me of when they panned the iPhone. Makes me wonder if they make these controversial evals in part because of the publicity and attention it provides them.
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I was shocked when I saw this haha Naturally, my coworkers emailed me the link to the article this morning and told me my car sucks lol
It is indeed interesting though how this one is so much the opposite of all of the good reviews IS has been getting
It is indeed interesting though how this one is so much the opposite of all of the good reviews IS has been getting
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CR reviews washing machines and underwear for pete's sake... I wouldn't give much attention to CR in car reviews. I trust JD Powers more than CR
I rather see Car Mag reviews who are in the industry. Car & Driver and other car mag's loved the IS350...
Forbes also gave the IS350 great reviews.
Not much difference between 250 and 350 except HP
I rather see Car Mag reviews who are in the industry. Car & Driver and other car mag's loved the IS350...
Forbes also gave the IS350 great reviews.
Not much difference between 250 and 350 except HP
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: TX
Let's all be honest... if Consumer Reports had made a glowing review of the 2014 IS, we'd all be crowing about how everyone agrees our cars are awesome. They didn't, so now everyone is saying the source doesn't matter. Enjoy your car for what it is, not what someone says it is.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,998
Likes: 249
From: California
This is very shocking. There is no good reason for the IS not to be recommended. What is happening with CR is they are increasingly not recommending cars because one or two minor things are not to their liking. A rough example would be the Civic, which is a fine car by all means, minus the dip in interior materials and handling. Not deal-breakers to most people, and nothing that makes the car bad. To not recommended it simply because it is less than the previous model is simply illogical. It's still a good car that reaches solid levels. Same with the new IS. It may have not met their personal criteria in certain spots, but that's no reason to not recommend an entire car. It's like scolding a student for getting a "B" on a test instead of an "A." Should that student not be allowed to go to college now because of that B? Crazy thinking.
This strange thinking on their behalf has me rethinking my entire trust in CR. Their logic and points of importance have shifted since that Civic test and it's spreading and getting worse. All these not recommended cars are fine autos with excellent reliability. There's no good reason to pass such judgement. It's a disservice to the public.
This strange thinking on their behalf has me rethinking my entire trust in CR. Their logic and points of importance have shifted since that Civic test and it's spreading and getting worse. All these not recommended cars are fine autos with excellent reliability. There's no good reason to pass such judgement. It's a disservice to the public.
Last edited by Fizzboy7; Oct 22, 2013 at 02:20 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 526
Likes: 3
From: PA
Let's all be honest... if Consumer Reports had made a glowing review of the 2014 IS, we'd all be crowing about how everyone agrees our cars are awesome. They didn't, so now everyone is saying the source doesn't matter. Enjoy your car for what it is, not what someone says it is.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 526
Likes: 3
From: PA
For what it's worth, I read the original note via my CR online subscription. Their comments were from their "first drive" (not quite the same level of evaluation as car mags first drives by the way). They are in the process of evaluating and reviewing the 3IS now. It was unclear from the article which 3IS variants were to be selected for in depth inspection.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: NV
Previous picks by CR: '06 STI (CR claimed a tolerable ride with blistering performance). The car rode slightly worse than a Conestoga wagon and the only blister was to one's backside for sitting in the car. I drove mine cross-country and the only way I could tolerate the ride was by using Aleve liberally.
Another CR pick: 2013 Honda Accord V6 sedan (I traded mine for the IS 350 F Sport). The V6 Accord had the worst steering of any car I've owned in nearly 49 years of driving.
Another CR pick: the 2012+ 328i. Really? Awful steering, totally numb, not just my opinion either (plenty of reviews to support my claim). Steering on the Lexus is exponentially better, as is the steering on my '13 Mustang GT (both with EPS).
I wouldn't get too wound up over CR's negativity.
Another CR pick: 2013 Honda Accord V6 sedan (I traded mine for the IS 350 F Sport). The V6 Accord had the worst steering of any car I've owned in nearly 49 years of driving.
Another CR pick: the 2012+ 328i. Really? Awful steering, totally numb, not just my opinion either (plenty of reviews to support my claim). Steering on the Lexus is exponentially better, as is the steering on my '13 Mustang GT (both with EPS).
I wouldn't get too wound up over CR's negativity.