We have measured the scattering of 375-MeV {sup 17}O ions by isotopes of {sup 204,206,208}Pb to investigate the isospin character of transitions to low-lying 2{sup +} and 3{sup {minus}} states. The data were analyzed using the deformed optical potential model. The 2{sup +} collective strength, which is concentrated in a single state at 4.085 MeV in {sup 208}Pb, is observed to fragment in both {sup 204}Pb and {sup 206}Pb. The differential cross sections for excitation of the collective 2{sup +} and 3{sup {minus}} states are well reproduced by model calculations in which it is assumed that {ital M}{sub {ital n}}/{ital M}{sub {ital p}}={ital N}/{ital Z} (i.e., isoscalar character). Angular distributions for the lowest-lying 2{sup +} states in {sup 203,206}Pb are significantly different from those for the higher-lying collective 2{sup +} states, and can be reproduced with {ital M}{sub {ital n}}/{ital M}{sub {ital p}}{approx}2.5. The data are compared with random-phase-approximation calculations including pairing, and good agreement is found within estimated uncertainties.