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Lexus IS - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Lexus IS ranks 10 out of 15 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 60 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus IS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Lexus produces two midsize luxury cars - the comfort-oriented ES, and this, the more performance-oriented IS. Available as a sedan and a convertible, it's intended to do battle with sport sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. It can't keep up with those cars in track testing, but its exceptional interior and sexy looks make it a decent alternative for many buyers.

The IS comes in two trim levels, the IS 250 and IS 350. A high-performance F-type, reviewed separately, is also available. The primary difference between the two other trims is power - both are nimble handlers, though not at the top of their class, but only the 350 has the straight-line acceleration most buyers expect of a sport sedan. The IS 250 is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the IS 350 comes only in a rear-wheel-drive layout. 

The New York Times explains, "The Lexus is like the perennial A student who has yet to declare a major. The car shows perfection in individual disciplines. Its creators have done their homework assignments well. But the better-rounded BMW remains the class valedictorian." However, buyers should know up front that the car can be a tight fit for taller drivers. Six-footers will find headroom and legroom tight at every seating position.

Convertible shoppers take note, the IS is available as a hardtop convertible, introduced late in the 2009 model year. The IS Convertible, most will find, is not as performance-oriented as the 3-Series convertible or the G37 drop-top. But it has a larger trunk than either, an important consideration since many hardtop convertibles have virtually no usable trunk space once the top is down.

The IS received a significant refresh for 2009, with interior and exterior improvements and the debut of the first IS convertible. Lexus makes no significant changes to the IS for 2010.

Shoppers might want to note that the IS is included in a massive and highly-publicized recall due to a floormat design that can trap the vehicle's accelerator pedal, causing unintended acceleration.  Lexus safety personnel have informed us that customers can currently purchase a 2010 IS with floormats.  The car will be delivered with the driver's side floormat attached to the track of the driver's seat with zip ties.  Customers are asked not to remove the ties.  Lexus will contact buyers with a recall notice when a permanent fix is available

• "These premium compacts impress for their design, features, and materials. They also benefit from Lexus' strong resale-value record. However, they're not quite alluring enough alternatives to the Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series -- especially in rear-passenger room and comfort." -- Consumer Guide

• "While Lexus contends that the IS C [Convertible] represents its wilder side, we'd qualify that with: "It depends on what you consider wild." -- Autoblog
• "As expected, the IS convertible features Lexus fit and finish and, somewhat less appealingly, Lexus dynamics." -- Car and Driver
• "On the whole, it seems that Lexus was aiming for a slightly less sporty demographic with this car, namely buyers who want the aesthetics and track numbers of a sport sedan along with the compliant ride and coddling interior of a luxury sedan. If that sounds appealing to you, then the IS 350 hits the bull's-eye." -- Edmunds
• After testing the 250 and 350 models in 2007, About.com's reviewer notes, "They still appeal to people who buy BMWs -- but more to the people who buy them for their style than for their road manners." -- About.com
• "The IS could easily pass the entry-lux manhood test, it just chooses not to take it." -- U.S. News
• "Virtually everything about the car, aside from its looks, says 'sports car,' king of the Japanese sports-sedan hill, surpassed our expectations in performance and touring, and have earned the right to shed the 'near luxury' moniker." -- Road and Track

IS Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)

Lexus intends the IS to be its performance sedan, while the ES is its sedate, luxury cruiser. Reviewers, however, find the IS tuned too soft to compare with true sport sedans. Most writers say it handles well enough to please most drivers, but can't hang with the class leaders on a twisty road. The IS 250 also trails the class in acceleration - but few say the same about the more powerful 350. Convertible editions handle well with the top up, but lose some of their composure when it is lowered. Read More

IS Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)

After an update last year, the 2010 IS sees no exterior changes. Reviewers like the look of the car, but it competes in a class filled with beautiful cars, so few call it the loveliest of the bunch. The convertible edition doesn't share a single body panel with its sedan cousins. Reviewers like the drop-top from the front, but some find its rear oddly-proportioned. Read More

IS Interior - 7.5 (Good)

While the IS doesn't quite stack up to other performance-oriented midsize luxury cars on the track, it may beat them from the comfort of the driver's seat. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman says the cabin is "classy" and "sleek," with an overall feel that is "more reminiscent of an easy chair than an airplane cockpit." However, taller drivers will need to look elsewhere. Many reviewers say the IS offers small interior dimensions for a midsize car. Read More

IS Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)

The 2010 Lexus IS does well in government crash tests, but falls short of perfect scores. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the mechanically-similar 2009 edition high marks. A pre-collision system is available to improve the car's crash performance. Read More

IS Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Lexus IS reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Lexus protects IS buyers with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. Read More