2010 Lexus IS Reviews & Ratings

Acceleration

IS 250s feel sleepy on takeoff, strained up steep grades, and are shy on midrange passing power despite a responsive, silky automatic transmission. IS 350s are strong in all situations. We timed an IS 350 sedan at a speedy 5.5 seconds 0-60 mph. IS F accelerates with race-car thrust, yet is remarkably docile in around-town driving. Credit its 8-speed automatic for lightning-fast, yet smooth shifts.

Fuel Economy

In Consumer Guide testing, a rear-drive IS 250 averaged 20.7 mpg in city/highway driving. Test AWD IS 250 averaged 23.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. An IS F averaged 18.5 mpg, a good return for a performance car. Premium-grade gas is required.

Ride Quality

Any IS closely matches its class rivals, but the ride is tainted by slight wheel thump on washboard roads and mild float over large crests at speed. The optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires detract slightly from comfort. IS F is fairly comfortable on most surfaces despite its performance suspension and wide, track-ready tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

IS corners with little body lean, secure grip, and an agile feel. The optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires furnish little cornering advantage, nor does AWD on dry roads. All IS models have electric power steering that is quick and informative. IS F is clearly the sharpest model in this roster, with a stable, secure, and nimble feel that puts it among the best sport sedans. The brakes furnish swift, drama-free stops on all models, but pedal action was slightly grabby in some test cars. Our test IS F suffered from squeaking brakes and borderline severe pedal vibration when stopping.

Quietness

Coarse-surface tire thrum is noticeable on all, especially the IS F. Wind noise is modest. IS 250's engine is louder than the IS 350's at high rpm, but both V6s are subdued and relaxed in highway cruising. The IS F's V8 produces a subdued burble at cruise that rises to a muscle-car growl at full throttle.

Controls

IS has Lexus' usual large, legible gauges and handy, intuitive minor controls. The steering wheel obscures switches on the lower dashboard, though. The screen of the optional navigation system is easy to read. It controls many audio and climate functions but is easier to learn than most navigation systems.

Details

Cabin decor includes rich-looking upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and high-grade plastics. IS F has additional detail touches, including classy visible blue stitching and braided aluminum trim panels. Fit and finish on models tested was generally good, though some test cars suffered from improperly aligned dashboard panels.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)

Adult-size leg space, but headroom is very limited for six-footers. The seats are comfortably shaped and padded on IS 250 and 350. IS F has sport bucket seats that some testers find too confining. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, and power adjustment is optional. On sedans, the body shape limits the view to the right rear and directly aft.

Room/Comfort (Rear)

Rear seat room is tight. Headroom is limited and legroom is skimpy with front seats pushed even partway aft. Narrow door openings and small footwells impede entry and exit. The seats aren't in line with the footwells, forcing passengers to sit slightly sidesaddle, and legroom disappears with the front seat set far back.

Cargo Room

Packing gets complicated with a small trunk opening and intrusion from the rear wheel arches and trunklid hinges. The hinges are covered, though, to keep them from damaging any cargo. Cabin storage is mediocre.

Value Within Class

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. The IS F blends luxury and high performance into an incredibly refined package. If you're shopping the BMW M3 or Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, add IS F to your list.