What do you guys/gals know about the 2005 Lexus, IS 300, SportCross 4dr Wagon?

Mywife has a Volvo XC70 wagon that we are looking to replace. I have always liked the Volvo for it's saftey and it has never left me stranded but the electrical system sux (read SUX). Are the vehicles comparable in size? We no longer need the AWD ability of the Volvo since the addition of the 4runner.

I'll be going this weekend to look at them but thought I would ask here too. Does Toyota have a similar vehicle??

Thanks
koda

The Lexus IS300 is really small. It has no rear legroom, even less than the Corrolla! If you're thinking utility, then IS300 (in any version) is not the answer. Now, if you want raw handling ability, then the IS is probably in the top 3 in it's class.

If you have the time, then check out Lexus new generation IS350. There is no wagon yet...not sure if they will make one. The IS350 is a true Lexus...more luxury and faster. However, it is still on the small side.

Since you're looking for utility and reliability, I would consider the following vehicles: Honda CRV (excellent crash testing, amazing interior flexibility, stability control, good fuel economy), Toyota RAV4 (kinda small but with same attributes as CRV), Toyota Highlander (based on the old Camry platform, should be able to get a good deal, very plush & Lexus like), or Toyota Avalon (GREAT car, huge interior, Lexus in Toyota shoes, has everything a Lexus has). Obviously, you should also consider Camry or Accord. Chrysler PT cruiser or the new Chevrolet HHR provide interior flexibility, but unknown reliability. Crash testing in the PT cruiser is average...unknown in the Chevy.

I am a big fan of the Avalon...however, it can get pricey if you get all the options (over $35K). Toyota dealerships probably won't discount much (if at all) because it is a hot seller at this time.

Doesn't Volvo S40 come in a wagon form?? You may want to check that out also...it's about the size of the Lexus IS300 SportWagon.

I just looked on the Lexus website, also heard a review on the radio--looks like an awesome vehicle. Backseat does still seem a bit cramped though.

Has anybody had one of these for a drive yet?

I just drove an IS 350 last night, awesome car. I drove that an Infiniti G35 coupe and sedan and today went and drove the Lexus GS300, though I like the GS430 more they are in big demand and supposedly lexus has been cutting down on production of the GS430's for now.
But anyway the IS's drive really well, fairly peppy even though I'm now used to a big ol' V8, exceptional handling whilst the suspension is still soft so you dont get a stiff, sports car ride out of it. I would get one but I'm a nut for going really fast and it doesn't keep up with a 300 horse GS430, but then it costs almost half as much too.

At least on paper, the IS350 should beat the GS430 in acceleration and handling.

Well the GS300 handled very well for a car its size, but of course add the weight of a V8 in there and I'm sure that shifts everything a bit. I couldn't speak for how well a GS430 actually handles, or accelerates since I didn't have the opportunity to drive one... at least not yet :-)

but also the IS should handle better and accelerate better since it was designed more for that sporty but can carry people if need be type of thing where the GS is a sporty family sedan that always carries people (or at least is assumed I guess)
but I would trust sustained speeds in the GS more than I would the IS, that and at higher speeds you would get a bit better on the gas because of the lower revs in the 8 versus 6

Well, the IS350 gets 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway...which i doubt any V8 can match at any speed. Technology (direct fuel injection, VVTi on intake and exhaust) helps a lot here.

I will say that the V8 will last longer. However, that is a moot point with Toyota engines.