Totally redesigned for 2006, the IS350 is the cheapest sporty Lexus one can buy, provided your definition of sporty includes at least 300 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. There are no noteworthy updates or changes for 2008 to the IS350.

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The 350 is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine, which is carried over from 2007 and is one of two in the IS that replaced the Supra-based inline-six of the first generation. The high-tech V6 makes 306 horsepower at 6,400 rpm along with 277 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, thanks to its high compression ratio of 11.8:1, variable valve timing and direct injection. The IS350 comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels.


Fuel economy, as estimated by the EPA, is 18 mpg in the city cycle and 25 mpg on the highway.

Standard safety fare is generous and includes airbags, traction and stability control in addition to anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. Eight airbags as well as a tire-pressure monitoring system are part of all IS350s as well. Comfort touches include a 13-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System with a six-disc in-dash changer with auxiliary iPod/MP3/WMA port, a moonroof, power locks and doors, an outdoor temperature gauge and compass.

The list of optional equipment is even longer, and includes sport tuned suspension, aluminum trim on the interior, a different front fascia, 18-inch wheels, leather interior with heated and ventilated seats, a voice-activated navigation system with rear parking assist and Bluetooth, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, a radar-enforced Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise control, parking assist, moonroof, and a 300 Watt Mark Levinson-branded audio system with 14 speakers with 7.1 channel surround sound support and six-disc in-dash DVD / CD changer, among others.

A more aggressive body kit, dual sport exhaust and even an aftermarket HKS dual exhaust are also on the options sheet.

The above are either available bundled as packages or as stand-alone additions.