Lexus IS350 Review - Sports Sedans Pt3 - Everyday Driver

Lexus' alternative the to BMW 3 Series, the IS, enters its third generation with a radical redesign and a desire to bring enthusiasts to the brand. So the guys grabbed the hottest 6 cylinder variation, the F-sport, and put it up against the F30 generation of the 3 Series. And, to complicate things further they brought the other try-hard 3 series competitor, the Cadillac ATS. Has Lexus found the right formula? And the guys discuss which one is their favorite.
This is Part 3 of 3.
Watch Part 1, the BMW 335i Review here:
• BMW 335i (F30) Review ...
Watch Part 2, The Cadillac ATS Review here:
• Cadillac ATS Review - ...
Lots more on the way - look for us on Thursdays!
We read every comment, so subscribe and stay connected for more:
Like us: / everydaydriver
Follow us: / everydaydriver

[@JoeBlo2]

The Lexus is nearly 10 grand cheaper and will be far more reliable post-warranty than the BMW.

[@megaswenson]

But I wonder whether the BMW may be safer. That's really the number one consideration, and the reviewers never even touch that subject. Of course, reliability is, in a way, a safety feature. Being stranded in a car which fails to proceed can be dangerous.

[@jacobpalmer127]

JoeBlo2 Most of the IS350 F Sport's I've seen at the dealerships sticker for around $50k. There are many 335i's with options that sticker in the mid 50s, so I don't think it's accurate to say that it's $10k cheaper. I think Lexus is pricing the IS350 F Sport a little high, TBH.

[@JoeBlo2]

Jacob Palmer Late response but the IS350 starts at $40K. A decently spec'd 335i would clear $50K.

[@jacobpalmer127]

JoeBlo2 Not the F Sport, like I said. You might be able to get a regular IS350 in the low 40s, but an F Sport IS350 will run around $50k.

[@bliglum]

turns out it holds it's value way better too.. Shopping 2015 ish Is350's right now.. Clean examples are 22K+. Meanwhile, similar year ATS's and BMW 3's are 15-16K... At least in my neck of the woods.

[@HLinHD]

Am I the only one who thinks the Lexus is the best looking? Exterior and interior

[@bonz1481]

Nope. I'm with you. Most aggressive exterior styling and by far the coolest interior. Besides, I've driven all 3 and hands down, I loved the Lexus.

[@cizzlen07]

I feel like we're in the minority.

[@megaswenson]

You're not wrong. In the F-Sport version, it's a beautiful car (especially in the red. But of course you can't HAVE the red, because it's like begging to be be carjacked and murdered). In fact, next to the Lexus, the Cadillac and the BMW look like fifteen-year-old USED CARS. But you have to get the F-sport, because it's the only one without the hideous standard grille. But as someone in a multi-Lexus household, I have to say that we could not care less about "driving excitement" and "personality". What kind of moron WOULD care about things like that? What we buy the cars for is quiet, reliability, and durability. But frankly, I'm worried by the Lexus crash tests I've been watching, and we may not buy any more. Safety trumps all other factors. I assumed that we were buying safe cars, because of the ratings we found. But maybe we were misled.

[@baigadil]

HLinHD cizzlen07 naa... its ugly... too many complex lines that dont even make sense.. classic example of overdoing

[@jacobpalmer127]

HLinHD I agree. The IS looks better than the BMW and Caddy.

[@kgisabeast]

Man I don't get how people say this is ugly? I've seen them on the road and they look really good. Front end turns heads

[@imtheonehero9305]

The headlights makes it ugly. Everything else is fine

[@StunnaDroppedYou]

ImtheONE Lol $700 replacement for solid vland led’s.

[@osanshouo1684]

And if you notice, many other car brands arw following the bumper to lip front grill.

[@MRP78]

I think this Lexus is the hottest sedan on the road right now. I LOVE the look.

[@omgitsme435]

It's not ugly, it's aggressive. The A4 looks like a bar of soap like most of the Audi lineup.

[@imtheonehero9305]

Its ugly.

[@suleiman3811]

Lmao spot on bro

[@lazypower1239]

I’m trying to understand how the rear of the Lexus looked ugly. I mean the Front of the Cadillac ATS is aggressive I will give the Cadillac’s design that but wow the rear of of that car screams “I’m here to be owned by senior citizens “ and tbh the rear makes the car super retro. Granted now the 2020 cadillac designs have all around improved immensely, but seriously any design prior to 2019 to be safe for the Cadillac sedan in general is something your gramps would drive. I’m not taking the luxurious design of the car away by any means, but for a young person to say that yea id prefer this 2013 Cadillac ATS over a Lexus IS because it’s sportier then wow the world must’ve been back in the Middle Ages where every man wanted to date heavy set women for their “attractive looks” when it was really because they were wealthy and vice versa.

[@yousef.al-assaf]

I like how everyone now is copying Lexus with the grill design language when 7 years ago it was bashed by most. Way to go Lexus!

[@ravipeiris4388]

Honestly, I wish the two gentlemen would have a longer conclusionary segment as I truly enjoy them discuss their thought processes. Their friendship is for real. The Lexus is an absolutely sexy looking car and reliable and still stylish in 2022...ask BMW to match that 🤸.

[@kevinbreese5739]

Don't want to look at it? Open your eyes, it's a gorgeous car. The rear 3/4 view is one of the best on the road, and the front end, although aggressive looks awesome and fits right in with the times.

[@jungao470]

Agree，front 3/4 view also looks good！

[@KCMrecordings]

+Kevin Breese ...nah ..looks like an angry gerbil with predator disease

[@evan937]

I couldn't agree more man. I am a Toyota/ Lexus fan. When I saw one of these today while walking my dog I couldn't help but do a walk around. Gorgeous car with very good attention to detail. Even the valve stem caps had designs on them.

[@JoeBlo2]

I got used to the Lexus' stying fast. When you see them in real life it grabs your attention. And it comes with great-looking wheels from the factory. And the interior is beautifully refined. Aesthetically, Lexus got it spot on.

[@alanbta1]

Lol weird I drove all three and bought the Lexus IS, and the look of the exterior is growing on me. Lexus has came a long way and still love this car, great review.

[@rickl1942]

I test drove all three, plus the Infiniti Q50, ultimately I have chosen the 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. White with Red interior!!!! Car is amazing, very pleased with my purchase and will buy another LEXUS!! To be honest I would never have bought the older Lexus IS models. This one I did the research among the other competitors and it came up on top. The biggest thing, I decided to go with Lexus, The resale value styling an all new redesigned suspension with the BOLD GRILL!!!!

[@nickcaesar7650]

Hey I have same car. Bought it last month. Any issues with yours so far? Anything go wrong with anything?

[@daniel27560]

how do you like that fake supercharger whine?

[@rickl1942]

Daniel ivanov Not to bad, to me it does not sound cheap. But to me honest, after couple years owning it, I will sell it! It’s heavy and not as fast as I thought.

[@rickl1942]

Nick Caesar Just gas consumption, but I drive it hard, and just my opinion, it’s slow and feels heavy after couple years owning it.

[@rickl1942]

Sunamer Z Yes, same here just remembered, the wheel bearing, but that it

[@itsvictorrivera]

I have driven the GS 350 F-Sport sedan and it is amazing. Enough power and torque, great stability. I haven't driven the IS 350 but im pretty sure it is great!

[@creedjustice9401]

The Lexus is smooth but some people think BMW is the best car on the planet period, which is bullsh*t. It's a very good car but it's not the ONLY very good car.

[@MrTmenzo]

No its not a good car its an unreliable piece of shit, just because it looks cool people think its the best, lol

[@cizzlen07]

***** Lol yup, have fun paying hundreds of $$$ to replace the headlight or some other stupid shit. Fuck german cars. They're nice but fuck em in terms of reliability.

[@zkambov]

cizzlen07 people don't know how to drive hence cars break down

[@liudizzle]

I personally love the look of the Lexus

[@RobertBritoLee]

me too

[@patsnation654]

Same

[@naoonodera3118]

I don't know about you guys, but the Lexus IS with F-sport package look stunning. The design is futuristic, and some people just need to get use to it.

[@oghowie]

Hated the grill until I saw it in person. Getting the is350 Fsport soon.

[@daniel27560]

it's kind of boring my sister has one and wants to switch it out for an Audi S4

[@EverydayDriver]

If you watch much of our work you'll see that we don't have a vendetta against Japanese cars or cars from any company. You might enjoy our any of our FRS pieces, including the all Japanese Car - FRS vs. RX8 vs. S2000. Also our FAQs discuss the guys favorite cars and they list a lot of variety. Meanwhile, we agree that reliability is an absolute asset to ownership, but it doesn't make a car dynamic or fun to drive. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@dustinjames1122]

did someone really forget to tell them that if they hold the traction control button for five seconds it lights up on the dash and is actually then completely off?

[@techdude6693]

Possibly being a prototype car, they disabled the option to turn it off completely

[@StunnaDroppedYou]

Techdude6693 Lol no

[@StunnaDroppedYou]

Techdude6693 prototype car.... are you ok

[@amaenjoi]

lmfao he doesn't even know how to turn traction control off, take not even 15 seconds to open up the manual before you start complaining about what the Lexus can and cant offer.

[@orlandog.arcerenta1046]

When you are giving money for something, its better if it lasts longer... LEXUS!!!!!

[@assassin72]

You say ugly,I say original and fresh.

[@kev7355]

I find it odd when ppl still say Lexus does not have a character/personality/soul. It absolutely has it. It has the character/personality/soul of an extremely competent person, reliable, shows up on time, and with the 350 or the v8, can absolutely party if he/she wants to. It is not a supermodel, but certainly with the characteristics of a loyal spouse/partner.

[@siulaure]

I got this car 2 weeks ago, switching from an Audi A5. I love this car from all aspects. I walked into the dealership without knowing Lexus has a new car and I got the car pretty much on the spot. The driving experience is so nice and I actually really like the interior. I've just never imaged myself being a fan of LEXUS.

[@jjuhring1]

As always, great in-depth review. Really appreciate how much time and thought goes into making your comments and ultimately, your decisions. Very refreshing how much of your opinion is based on the driving experience over raw test numbers.

[@jimbochoo3316]

The design of the Lexus is very daring. I think it looks pretty good in person, although I can see how it can be very polarizing. The interior is just amazing to me. The BMW interior is pretty low rent and dated. Lexus has the best dealer experience and their cars hold their value. They are also very reliable for the long term and have significantly lower cost of ownership in the later years. The Cadillac design language doesn't age well. It's OK when new and shiny but older Cadillacs look terrible with the sharp flat panels. They also depreciate like fvck. Go with the Lexus, you will not regret it.

[@RoyalAbundance]

Your attention to detail is evident in both the reviews and quality of the videos. Keep it up guys!

[@aquateen77723]

Great episode! The Lexus' front spindle grill is growing on me and the interior looks fantastic! Hail the new king!

[@jelly1928]

Lexus. Every. Single. Day.

[@miamimagicians]

I believe LEXUS RX450H is the greatest SUV of all time..

[@azteczulu1]

miamimagicians why?

[@francisraveneau1294]

azteczulu1 If you're a grandpa it is.

[@Tony0392]

Francis Raveneau look at that car and tell me your grandpa would drive something that agressive and ill jump off a cliff for you..

[@francisraveneau1294]

See I'm not looking at the car, I'm driving it. There's a difference Tony...

[@whiteliketar]

i love my 2014 BMW 328 but bmw has so much to learn from Lexus. all my issues have been covered by the warranty but - module controlling passenger seat belt replaced then the , nav screen replaced because at night ..too dark to see ...going back in because their remote monitoring has picked up faulty steering, problem with run-flats , wrong service schedule ,,now my key fob seems to indicate errors - the car still drives real sweet, love BMW fuel economy in their turbo . amazing space in the new 3 , the red seats are unbelievably good looking and my iphone works really well with my idrive - btw ...really love the idrive. I have always owned lexus and had 3 previous IS models of the 2007 design - i really really respect Lexus becaus tthey really do pursue perfection . I might have gone with the IS again id they had a more fuel efficient turbo 4 but now they have one in the NX - maybe it will find irself in the IS pretty soon. I have come to love my 2014 328 with x drive but i still look with great admiration whenever I see an IS 350 come up alongside.

[@boboutelama5748]

BMW will not learn it. Never. They will only start to do a thing when the consumer will wake up. Those cars have, actually, a very sensible quality level. It can quickly become a money pit.

[@AdamAus85]

This current Lexus style sure used to be a bit polarizing to me. Nowadays I have to say though I do find it attractive.

[@spade118]

Great review... Really looking forward to the next comparison!

[@ThePinoyMamba]

That is why you two are the best! No bias! Truth be told! Love it as always! Keep on rocking!

[@awesome0001]

Great review guys... Surprising outcome :) Love your work. Keep the comparison coming 

[@iridius001]

enjoyed all 3 parts, thank you for the great review!

[@yokochimatadao6801]

Good review and good reason.I like the way you review and the way you answer. Thank you for this review.

[@whorok305]

Loved the review. Thank you

[@Tockerteeve]

The IS 350 is a work of art. It makes the other cars look plain. What you feel when you look at it is excitement.

[@itsELL24]

this car aged so well.

[@JustinLHopkins]

It really has and the current prices for used one are really good.

[@rapandrnb]

Love the non bias reviews !

[@ridgezero]

Great review guys!

[@ryanpatterson9526]

Very insightful guys. Thank you!

[@SereneSpeed]

Thank you for uploading this at 2am. I always run out of chit to watch at this time :)

[@CoyoteMan50]

See it's a boring car so buy a BMW and get those repair bills monthly.lol

[@sinrahimify]

Wow... the pursuit of perfection wins. That's why I like your reviews. Thanks a lot.

[@oscarhalder]

great stuff guys. like your contrasting views between you. also like the contrasting hair style :)

[@EverydayDriver]

Consumer Reports generally isn't concerned with driving fun. Our show is about finding cars that provide driving fun at somewhat affordable prices. So while Lexus has made plenty of good cars in terms of luxury and reliability, they aren't generally known for making cars that are more fun to drive than their competition. The guys are responding to that reputation, and review along the lines of our show's focus. If they are biased then they wouldn't have picked the Lexus first!

[@kenrenji1]

Yeah go lexus!

[@DEHDON13]

I drove a 2013 Lexus is350 F sport n oh yesss, I'm thrilled n happy I did.

[@rsj005]

I actually think the lexus looks great... I like the front grille, seen it in person & it just looks really sporty, aggressive & bada$$... This grille may take away from current lexus IS buyers which I think is mainly female, if they think the car now looks too mean... I think they will still buy it though, funny as a guy I'll be quicker to buy the lexus now since to me it looks a little more tough now than the previous versions, which just looked sexy, hence the reason a lot of females bought them...LOL... My picks - 1: Lexus, 2: Cadillac, 3: Bmw. I ain't worry bout nutting though, the new Acura TLX will blow all three of these cars out the water as the perfect Sports Sedan...! Wait & watch...LOL...

[@rsj005]

***** I saw this car in person, the ISF in black, and I must say with the whole package, rims & all it actually looked great, in black at least... You'll have to see it in person and in the right color to understand.

[@realalsenor]

Caddy, BMW, Lexus? After 100k the Lexus is just broken in, while the other two will start to break up. Since you judge cars by "fun factor", I hope you'll have fun repairing them.

[@HandsomeAlex25]

I didn't really read much about Lexus until recently, when they came out with the IS-F and LFA,which has been their new brand image. I think there is something of a revolution happening at Toyota with their idea of "bringing sport back" with the F badge in Lexus and the GT86. It's a great thing to see that Toyota is regaining some of the mojo it had a long time ago, after having a couple-decade lull with the Prius. Great work again guys!

[@efthimios]

Great honest review guys in really enjoyed it. Especially how frank you were on selecting the less popular under dogs likee lexus and Cadillac over BMW. My big question also was interior refinement. Which interior was the quietest? Was it the lexus? Thanks..

[@dparm1984]

Not surprised at the results, and thanks for another great comparison. Many others have said that the F30 just isn't as sharp as the E90, and it sounds like you reached the same conclusion. I'll be anxious to see an M3/M4, IS F, and ATS-V comparison from you as follow-up.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video , Lexus ,great automobile, much better than other two.

[@TheSuaveBOSS]

About time that the final video came out! I'm seriously considering the Lexus now, after this review. I'll probably end up getting the BRZ instead just because of the fun and "stylish" nature of it.

[@azhariqbal1212]

Lexus is fun guys and I bought one not IS but RX because its fun to drive. Nice review guys.

[@XiphasSolidus]

I'm not a big fan of the new look, but I heard it looks amazing in person. I love my last gen IS350, and it's good to see that the new IS lines are amazing as well.

[@alancirwin]

Fantastic series guys!

[@asianyangster916]

Wow. I'm surprise. Great review.

[@ssisakl]

Nice review! I absolutely agree that the Lexus design isnt the sharpest, but it's usability is gold!

[@JABarn11]

Hey guys, another great video and review! Question---Which interior do you guys prefer the most? In a practical, ergonomic, luxurious kind of way. The Lexus interior just looks amazing to me!

[@limanuel]

NICE REVIEW

[@murtazamd2011]

Great video!!!

[@UltimateCARNUT]

Having driven the Lexus..... I can totally understand what you guys are saying. It is the total package even if it doesn't excel at any one thing except feeling special which is what a 50,000 dollar car should make you feel. The LFA DNA in this thing runs deep. I almost traded in my evo for it.... just wish it had a more serious engine it would be parked in my garage right now.

[@gene978]

My jaw is still on the floor guys. WOW! I love and trust both of your expertise. I love the way you execute your videos. I don't mind the way the Lexus looks it grew on me. At first I didn't care at all but I like it now. I love the Caddy look as well. I think the bottom line really here is YOU CAN'T GO WRONG with any of these. Just down to personal taste. Right? See you guys in the next white knuckled video. ;)

[@kazmeyers]

Thanks for the video, guys! =)

[@icecold8974]

After driving all 3, I just feel like if you drive one BMW you drove them all. I agree I like the Lexus the best, I don't think its ugly its beautiful and bold. I'm really impressed with the caddy as well. Now to say the BMW isn't good because it is, but its not the best anymore. Plus the Lexus is the most reliable.

[@DonaldSeymourjr]

Honest guys. I Love it.

[@KuyaArbee]

Perfect Analogy!

[@Friday702Musicality]

I personally think that this new Lexus IS looks amazingly good. To each his own I guess.

[@bm3turbo10]

Lexus has one character and that got me back to them after owing 2015 mustang gt. That is refinement and reliability. I'm previous owner of 06 lexus is350

[@gdrtwentyten7052]

Great review. You two need to argue with each other more, like Siskel and Ebert. Question: What did you think of the paddle shifters? How does the setup compare to a true DSG? And why didn't they put in a dual clutch in the first place?

[@gettin-sendy]

The BMW suspension and steering is deliberately the way it is and the Inline 6 is a beast, winner by a country mile. Not to mention the prettiest of the 3, you guys are off ya rockers.

[@bavva]

Great Episode, and im loving the Lexus, but I was wondering wouldn't it have been more fair to compare the IS350 F-Sport to the 335i M-Tech?

[@yenmano]

I've watched this video a few times. Probably the best work is this series. I'm probably biased because I'm this demographic. Really great ending. And good use of predator reference :)

[@gthausde]

Great review, i agree with you guys, from those 3 i would pick the lexus, altho i hope the looks will grow on me with time :D

[@kryptocide-]

i love how the lexus looks...l when i first saw it i knew it was gonna be an amazing car to drive.

[@felixgaso7597]

The Lexus for me is the best looking I can’t stop looking at it

[@andrewolson4280]

I prefer the previous version of the Lexus for looks but as a car in general. The Lexus wins hands down because it’s the one that will last you a lifetime and still look great

[@MisterDopeTunes]

Im diggin the rear end of the IS but not so much the front.

[@EverydayDriver]

Stats don't always tell the story. Both the guys have driven the IS-F on the track alongside the E90 M3. The IS-F has a great engine and a lot of power, but the weight transfer and handling aren't as precise. As a result the M3 was more rewarding and fun to drive. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@omerbarel1780]

To think those guys would know how to take the traction off!!! Just press and hold traction until the light comes up on the cluster ! the look of the non F is really nice . great compressing !

[@vampireangelus]

You guys are awesome

[@2fresh2fly]

I test drove these cars and fell for the IS350 F-Sport with the same exact surprise. This is the best car overall and the driver experience is much better than the BMW for sure.

[@Subbanfan11]

I would still go 1 BMW 2 Lexus 3 Caddy. Great review guys.

[@TheInvstg8r]

I like these guys and the Lexus. I agree with their points.

[@NeemahSpeaks]

I love this Car. It is sexy idk why they are saying it's ugly.

[@EverydayDriver]

We hope you noticed that we agreed with you on the interior, calling it the best of all three. And the styling is polarizing, as the comments here suggest. The guys don't like it, but there are people who do. Besides the styling, we also hope you noticed how many positive things were said about the Lexus throughout the review - before the guys reached their end conclusions. We're glad you like the new IS, as it is an impressive car. Thanks for watching!

[@CyberCarExposed]

great review, as a BMW owner, I like your review, sport sedan market got really boring and predictable, glad to see Lexus step up

[@robstyles5002]

I OWN AN ISF AND THE LEXUS TRULY KICKS ALL TYPES OF ASS!!

[@ceckfabregas]

+Rob Styles I own a 2004 LS 430(looking to sell it) and it's very reliable. it would last 200k without much headache. Would you say the IS F can do the same thing ? Or would it overheat everynow and then ? Would be really interested to know!

[@robstyles5002]

+Klaus ive literally driven my ISF to the limit a couple of times! 150+ mph high heat high oil temp situation and i havent heard a peep. The engine is a marvel! I am sure if you push a car hard repeatedly it will obviously break but the ISF seems to be very very reliable and strong. Overheating is not an issue on these machines.... at least not to my knowledge. From what i hear as long as you keep the oil changed and put good synthetic i use Motul. It will run for an extremely long time...there also a timing Chain vs a belt which life span is pretty much indefinite. From owning the ISF i can tell they really built these things to last and not stay in the shop for major repairs....very bullet proof performance machine so far im happy....

[@ceckfabregas]

Thanks for the info!

[@Mrzeng1]

ISF Engine = Toyota Yamaha Partnership

[@kockgunner]

I got to ride this car on a closed track at a Lexus event. The thing has amazing grip and power when turning.

[@greggraham2642]

In 2023, the Lexus has aged very well. It's by far the best looking car with amazing lines and aggressive looks. The current IS design is even more aggressive. The BMW is boring in the exterior design and Caddy's origami lines remind me of an 80s Eldorado, only the Eldorado is better looking. Their design review was and is completely off the mark. I still love this channel. Long live the Park City boys of EverdayDriver.

[@vision1707]

no way - i just saw one today and it's a beaut !!

[@jkems06]

i agree with what they said, all things considered the Lexus is my personal favorite as well

[@Sturney]

dashboard is so so so cool. ISF is going to be epic.

[@djizzah]

Lexus isnt pretty, although I think the rear looks fine, but im certain the lexus would be cheapest to own and run and most reliable. You could probably get 20 years of trouble free motoring from the toyota

[@ernesto8082]

Lexus is the best just alone at looking how dependable they are !!And they are the true pursuit of perfection!!

[@NikoBell12]

There was nothing lacking about the old ISF, it was a monster. But I do agree with this review.

[@AIRBUSQ8]

In order to turn the traction control off compeletly you have to push and hold the traction control button for a few seconds then the indicator will illuminate on the dash board.

[@RobertBritoLee]

You guys are awesome, keep it up. would you still reach the same conclusion in 3rd world countries roads