VIDEO: Consumer Reports Tees Up Its Thoughts On The 2014 Lexus IS

In recent years, Consumer Reports have been known to be a pro-Toyota Motor Sales group. Post recall hubbub with the Prius and Lexus ES though it seems that CR has become a bit more critical.

And if you need evidence of that you should watch the preview it shot with the 2014 Lexus IS.

The presenter manages to highlight the good and bad of the IS 250 and IS 350 and, predictably, asks the question everyone wants to know: can the Lexus IS unsettle BMW's 3-Series?

From the looks of it, it seems apparent that the Lexus has its work cut out for itself.

With the Lexus IS, Lexus tried to inject more sportiness into its compact luxury sedan. A bigger back seat adds more practicality.

SPIED: 2014 Lexus IS Photographed On Road

CaddySeville - 6/27/2013 9:16:36 AM

+6 Boost

Ironically, on this site when it trashes a Lexus, everyone is in full agreeance and it is well-written, yet when it is a Bimmer suddenly Consumer Reports lacks automotive experience/integrity and is better served judging appliances.

LexSucks - 6/27/2013 10:40:44 AM

-9 Boost

CR is a crap magazine for car reviews regardless of thier outcomes.

USNA1999 - 6/27/2013 2:44:22 PM

-2 Boost

Not really, every real car enthuasist in this site knows CR is garbage, just like JDP regardless of what they print. This is coming from someone that owns a LEX.

cidflekken - 6/27/2013 2:44:55 PM

-4 Boost

I really think that this new IS will be a miss for Lexus this time around. Not sure there is a compelling reason to choose it over its direct competition, especially with such polarizing styling.

knowitall1985 - 6/27/2013 4:15:26 PM

-1 Boost

It's going to be real fun when your eating your words....

knowitall1985 - 6/27/2013 4:16:36 PM

-1 Boost

I say HUGE HIT!!!!!

nguyenvuminh - 6/27/2013 9:07:25 PM

+1 Boost

CaddySeville - I agree. I sense certain magazine have preference for certain makes. Car&Driver with their BMWs and Consumer Report with Toyota and HOnda. But that shouldn't surprise us, each of those magazines have a certain philosophy. Car&Driver strives to find performance cars and CR's aim is to seek reliable products. But Autospies participants have a leaning towards performance over reliability, hence, their disdain for CR.

skytop - 6/28/2013 9:24:56 AM

0 Boost

Front end looks like a screen door. Yeeeeech!

wcbrown - 6/28/2013 10:52:17 AM

0 Boost

I'm sorry, guys, but this car JUST doesn't come across as 'premium' in its design...not at all:(

ParadoX - 6/28/2013 6:07:04 PM

+1 Boost

The grille is the problem for me, I can take it or leave it. The rest of the car is styled well though.

2ndbimmer - 6/29/2013 10:45:18 AM

0 Boost

the only reason people still buying Lexus, it just a costs a little less.

ddkk10 - 7/1/2013 9:18:53 AM

+1 Boost

I think the place where Lexus really shot itself in the foot is releasing this car with such an outdated powertrain. The same ancient 204 hp 2.5L non direct-injected V6 and carryover 6 speed tranny that only manages to squeeze out 23city/30hwy? Come on Lexus! Anybody cross shopping the IS with the 3 Series is going to find it hard to justify settling for such an outdated powertrain when they can get the 328i's torque happy turbo with an 8 speed tranny that absolutely eclipses the Lexus with some pretty damn impressive performance and fuel economy. get your shit together lexus. you finally engineering a fun-to-drive car. don't f**k up a great opportunity to win customers over with lazy powertrain options.