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Still Not Quite There Yet? TTAC 2008 Reviews The Lexus IS-F

Agent009 submitted on 1/23/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 1:07:33 PM

58 user comments | Category: Reviews | Source: | SOURCE: www.thetruthaboutcars.com

Hammering the IS-F through the sleepy desert two-lanes of Rosamond, California, I tried to remind myself: “I’m driving a Lexus.

” But the 416-horsepower sedan leaves little time for inner monologues. Caned hard, the IS-F reels in straight-aways like King Triton's spey rod. Corners arrive before your consciousness can catch up. Quick! Turn in, dip the throttle, unwind the hefty steering and feel the skittering rear wheels rotate you through the apex. Then look down at the silver “L” pointing at your chest. Cognitive dissonance much?

Yes, well, that’s exactly what Lexus has in mind. No longer content to be characterized as a purveyor of exceedingly well-built Buicks, Lexus is now vying for the youth vote. The IS-F’s ambitious charge: lure well-heeled hormonal enthusiasts away from Euro thoroughbreds like the M3, revitalize the brand’s image and pour young blood into its late middle-age demographic pool.

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Still Not Quite There Yet? TTAC 2008 Reviews The Lexus IS-F

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"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
— Agent009 (View Profile)

User Comments

i thought we've been thru this millions of times already...

the makers of the IS-F stated this would be a competitor to the M3 segment but in it's own way. they did not take the conventional way, like Audi and MB, and create a vehicle that was completely sports derived. they incorporated the sports with the luxury that a Lexus is known to have and between that mix, we have the IS-F...

these constant rants about how it falls short of the M3 in driving dynamics, etc. is getting tired and old.

it hold's it's own on the course while providing the comfort an "L" badge inherits.
— r15mohd (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 1:24:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

Well the point remains they can all say what they want, but in the end the press will still compare against the closest competitor and judge you by them.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 2:44:22 PM | | Votes: -2

Are you implying that the M3, RS4 and C63 aren't sports/luxury sedans?

I whole-heartedly disagree. All three are as luxurious as the IS-F.

However, there's no need for you to make excuses. This Lexis lives up to the class standards, and then some. With the CTS-V coming, you won't be able to make a "wrong" decision in this price range.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 4:29:53 PM | | Votes: 0

Lexus... My phone "corrected" me again.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 4:31:54 PM | | Votes: 0

Why the hell was I de-boosted for defending the Lexus AND the Germans in one post? WTF???
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 10:37:50 AM | | Votes: 0

The german fan boys didnt want you to defend lexus, and the lexus fanboys didnt want you to defend the germans..

Trust me you ll never be able to satisfy both sides :P its a lose lose situation ;P
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 1/25/2008 1:27:00 PM | | Votes: 0

I agree that this is primarily a BMW fan forum
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 2:40:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Actually the top articles are consistently Lexus, followed by BMW, then Mercedes.
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 2:45:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

So this is really a Lexus site? Then all the Lexus haters need to stop complaining and leave...
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 3:28:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

"Actually the top articles are consistently Lexus, followed by BMW, then Mercedes."

Yes, considering how much talk any Lexus story generates here. It's a very controversial brand. However, I believe that there's a bigger proportion of Lexus threads that are negative compared with BMW and Mercedes and there are way more Lexus haters than BMW and Mercedes. You agents know this and so you try to put more stories about Lexus, drawing more traffic in to you site.
— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 10:25:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

I know, the F stands for feminism :-)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 1:51:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Did that sound funny when you thought it up?

Because it sure wasn't funny when you typed it.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 2:18:50 PM | | Votes: 10

So I guess you'll be first in line.EL
— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 7:30:48 PM | | Votes: 2

its a TTAC article...

they hate all cars. lol i dont take them seriously anymore
— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 1:58:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

ditto
— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 3:39:11 PM | | Votes: 7

@EL34

I don't know what EL34 stands for but its got to be something stupid.
— STJ88 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 2:12:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

It's somethin' kool, let me tell you ;-)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 2:32:52 PM | | Votes: -4

We don't need to know what EL34 stands for, his comments tell the whole story.
— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 10:29:36 PM | | Votes: 3

El Lobotomista (with IQ of) 34
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 6:22:45 AM | | Votes: 2

stands for Extra Limp
— ripper350 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 2:14:38 PM | | Votes: 5

Lexus should at least try to make a good luxury car before they venture into sport sedan territory!

Looks like the have perfected nothing to date!
— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 2:54:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

Except making large amounts of money.and selling the most luxury cars and suv's in the largest market in the world seven years in a row.
— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 7:57:40 PM | | Votes: 3

You are in dreamland. Maybe in america Lexus sells well but world-wide they aren't making any impact. It's only the americans that believe that Lexus is better than BMW and MB.

Let me guess, You are an american? Right?
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 9:48:54 AM | | Votes: -3

technically autopro - BMW sell the most luxury cars in the US. Lexus sell the most suv's and overall combined. In regards to new cars, then BMW reigns supreme
— BMW4me4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 1/25/2008 1:24:13 PM | | Votes: 0

This reviewer from EVO mag seems to like it:

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/211992/lexus_isf.html

— Ingenieur (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 3:05:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

This is a stupid review - he complains it's too quiet at low speeds.
Don't go slowly then!
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 3:36:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

That's what she said!!!!

OOOOOHHHH!!!! WHAT NOW SUCKA!!!!!

don't take this seriously.
— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 12:26:36 AM | | Votes: 0

"Yawn. Why does this cost $56k again?"

That's the perfect summation for this and every other tarted-up toyota in this price range.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 3:42:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

TTAC has some great analysis articles (Llke their deathwatch posts). But their reviews are all over the place, random, often nonsensical rants. Toyota brands regularly feel their wrath, but so do many others. Their subjective ratings rarely match their objective results, and they spend more effort trying to be pithy or clever than seriously evaluating the merits of the car. I take all their reviews with a grain of salt.

Just as a counterpoint, I think I'll throw in a few points from a Motor Trend review, just to show how subjectively off base TTAC is.

"This car is a riot....
The test gear confirmed our giddiness. The IS F blazes to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and stops from the same speed in only 106 feet."

I feel much better.

And dont try to dispute any of the holier than thou authors on that site. If they dont ban you, you'll surely get torn a new one.
— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 3:48:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

There is no question that TTAC writes reviews the way they do for entertainment purposes over true and authentic automotive journalism.

I think the fundamental point to take away from this is how the author had to keep reminding himself that he was in a Lexus. The prime goal behind the IS-F is to break the perception of the brand. I think they accomplished that quite well.
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 4:02:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Anthony be careful your comments are way to smart to be displayed on this site,some bmw fanboy may not be able to understand.
— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 8:02:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

One man's comment who spent too much time in english class to write with fancy words.He Knows nothing about fine machinery.He was playing with himself in first grade when I was ccreaming around in my 1966 mustang fastback with a 289ci v-8 and three speed std. transmission,drinking beer and picking up chicks.He's a poser.
— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 8:14:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I don't agree with the writer, but atleast he was fair and offered pros and cons for each aspect and explained his opinion (nose is odd, but the hump and intakes actually served a function).

I don't know what the fad is about push button starts.

I did notice that he mentioned the performance only really came alive at above SAFE, legal speeds. I always thought enhtusiasts only drove at crazy illegals speeds while chucking their cars around the road?
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/23/2008 9:35:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The reason a Lexus topic makes so much postings more than anything else, is because its the new guy on the block and all the rest are becoming history and old news. More attention is given to Lexus for the greatness that it provides year after year. So to all Lexus haters, you all know your BMW etc... are coming to an end, and someday even the F1 title will be taken away by Lexus, it only needs time that's the game plan. ;-)
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 1:13:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

F1 title for Lexus. LOL!
They have to win a race first.
They need time? 7 years isn't enough?

I hope you were being sarcastic because if you weren't....

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 9:51:30 AM | | Votes: -3

You are so stupid! It's like, you get angry when someone bashes Lexus, but then you go and hate on the other brands yourself!

BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz aren't going anywhere because of Lexus. Quite the opposite, they're only improving, just as rapidly as Lexus is. Accept it and move on!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 10:45:35 AM | | Votes: -1

Nobody's going anywhere. Unless due to some weird odd reason...

They're just gonna keep slapping each other so, just take your pick and be happy that it satisfies your taste. Who gives shiet what other people think as long as it meets your expectations/needs?
— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 12:56:26 PM | | Votes: 3

That quote describes the IS-f to a Tee. Its sad that there are tons of folks can't see what the IS-F really is.

The IS-F is a nice car. BMW/MB/Audi contender? Not yet.
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 9:58:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Wasn’t the IS-F supposed to send BMW, MB and everyone else back to the drawing board? That’s what people (Lexus Lunatics) were posting here. Looks like they were wrong! LOL!!!
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 9:58:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I disagree on the IS350 being better than the 335 and so does everyone else who compared them together. The IS350 doesn't offer the level driving excitement as the BMW 335. That isn’t an opinion, That’s a fact. Sales mean nothing to me (and if they did, the 3-series outsells the Lexus IS by a substantial margin). BMW was there first. Those are not opinions those are facts. Oh yeah, the G35 is the reason why the 3-series has so much power, not the IS350.

Now with your other reply. How can the Lexus win in interior durability? The Lexus IS uses paper thin leather for the seats, while the BMW uses much thicker leather. I’ve never heard of thinner leather being more durable than thicker leather. I’m not sure how you can make a judgment on the IS350’s durability when the car has been on the road for only 2 years.

The interior of the IS350 is nothing special (imo) and does absolutely nothing for me. The exterior of the IS350? It’s not ugly (the IS-F is that) but it’s also not a head turner either (neither is the BMW). The 3-series just looks more athletic than the Lexus IS. I guess that’s because the 3-series is actually more athletic than the IS350.

There’s nothing wrong with the Lexus IS. It’s just isn’t the type of vehicle that folks here are portraying them to be.
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 3:51:45 PM | | Votes: 0

yes, one guys opinion makes lexus and all lexus fans wrong. now about all the great reviews for the is-f...
— ripper350 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 10:51:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

It's more than one opinion. The IS-F is a great car, but its not a BMW M3 killer. Just like the IS350 isn't a 335 killer.
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 10:55:33 AM | | Votes: -1

in many respects the is350 is better than the 335i. unchipped they are almost identical in acceleration. the lexus wins on interior and durability. i personally like the looks of the exterior of the is a lot better as well
— ripper350 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 1:35:51 PM | | Votes: 2

i am not sure why you are referring to killer this or that. and why you are bringing up the whole is350 vs 335i argument? (the 335i in its current form would not exist but for the is350) is this where i insert that the X5 is not a RX350 killer? are we going by sales? who was there first? or the opinion of a guy named lexsucks?
— ripper350 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 1:52:53 PM | | Votes: 2

I disagree on the IS350 being better than the 335 and so does everyone else who compared them together. The IS350 doesn't offer the level driving excitement as the BMW 335. That isn’t an opinion, That’s a fact. Sales mean nothing to me (and if they did, the 3-series outsells the Lexus IS by a substantial margin). BMW was there first. Those are not opinions those are facts. Oh yeah, the G35 is the reason why the 3-series has so much power, not the IS350.

Now with your other reply. How can the Lexus win in interior durability? The Lexus IS uses paper thin leather for the seats, while the BMW uses much thicker leather. I’ve never heard of thinner leather being more durable than thicker leather. I’m not sure how you can make a judgment on the IS350’s durability when the car has been on the road for only 2 years.

The interior of the IS350 is nothing special (imo) and does absolutely nothing for me. The exterior of the IS350? It’s not ugly (the IS-F is that) but it’s also not a head turner either (neither is the BMW). The 3-series just looks more athletic than the Lexus IS. I guess that’s because the 3-series is actually more athletic than the IS350.

There’s nothing wrong with the Lexus IS. It’s just isn’t the type of vehicle that folks here are portraying them to be.
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 3:52:15 PM | | Votes: -2

The four Exhaust tips are a fake! The Exhaust is actaully connecting to only 2 of the tips.
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/24/2008 11:36:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

That's two extra pipes to suck up bmw's with.HA HA HA!
— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 1/25/2008 11:35:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Yeah, The IS-f has all BMW M3 owners wanting to trade in, and future M3 owners reconsidering. Yeah right!
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 1/25/2008 3:50:21 PM | | Votes: -1

What a loaded title: "Still Not Quite There Yet?" YET? It's the companies first try, you would think by the title of the article that they have been around for 5 generations already...This is the first attempt at anything exciting and I think that it has successfully stirred the pot with the likes of the great M3, RS4 and now the C63...That is not a failure in my opinion.

Think about it guys, if they can get this close/equal/better (where ever YOU think it lands)to the other great cars in the class, things have a real potential to get better in the next generation and so on.

A great first effort. Some things can be improved upon, and that will come in time! No worries!
— jeeka715 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/26/2008 1:42:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Still Not Quite There Yet? TTAC 2008 Reviews The Lexus IS-F

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