Positive Review
Ive owned BMW's and Mercedes in the past. I traded in my 2011 Mercedes GLK, which i loved and gave me no problems. The one area that Lexus shines in customer service. I bought a silver IS first and the dealer actually took it back a week later to make me happy with the starfire pearl white. Unheard of and Lexus of New Orleans is second to none. As for the IS250, i have been thouroghly happy. The nuluxe interior feels much more like leather than the MB tex in my MB. The car is smooth, the engine is super quite and everything is placed out perfectly. The 2.5 is adequate and the design has garnered a bunch of attention and most has been very positive. I switched to Lexus so that i could keep a car past warrenty. BMW was the worst, MB was great and gave me no problem at all, but I did not feel comfortable outside of warrenty. Lexus reliability is why i moved over to Lexus. Hightly recommend the 2014 IS 250!
Critical Review
For me, The Lexus IS 200t was a very bad decision that I will spend the next decade paying for. Traded in a beastly BMW for it, and I miss it dearly. Pro - Design. Excellent styling. In and out, the design of this car is quite beautiful. It looks fast, and futuristic yet classic. Inch by inch there is a touch of elegance and class in the design. Con - The paint is extremely thin, and the interior door panels are pleather! They rip if you even sneeze on them. Pro - the seats are extremely comfortable. I love the heated and cooled seating. Con - no model seems to offer memory seats. Pro - The technology is very good, I like all the customization, and all the features. And I absolutely LOVE the gauge cluster that moves. Super cool little feature. Con - The display resets randomly and frequently. Goes completely blank for random amounts of time. Resets in navigation mode. Also you can't cancel a route. you can only pause it. this is very annoying. Pro - Its Turbo!! I love turbo...Especially two. This car is peppy, with decent power and torque. These days with the demand of seemingly opposite things, Power and fuel economy, I think this car does combine them well. HOWEVER.... Huge Con here - the Turbo lag is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE. Are you reading this Lexus???? The atrocious turbo lag combined with an extremely LAZY transmission will frustrate you to no end. The computer forces the transmission into the highest gear possible at all times, probably for fuel econ. "Sport mode" does absolutely nothing but change the gauge colors. If you step on it to pass, or accelerate at all - prepare to read a book while you wait for the turbo to spool and for the transmission to decide in each gear to downshift to the next four gears. REDICULOUS. Why is this an issue?? Toyota has mastered the mechanics of the turbo and transmission symbiosis in years past. (Supra) I know everyone is less involved in the mechanical drive nowadays, but if they offered a six speed manual transmission, oh boy would I be happy and probably tons of other frustrated drivers. In the end, if you are looking for an aggressive sport sedan that can handle the driving style to which it is marketed, I would avoid this model. Perhaps the IS V6 is better, but I will never know. This is my fist and last Lexus. Should have went with the Infinity.
Showing 8 of 47 reviews.
Great hassle free vehicle
None
This has been a great car. I purchased it new about 6 years ago. Keep the oil changed, new tires, and one brake job. I have had 0 issues with it and am now at 111,000 miles. Lexus paint quality is great and this car is no exception. It is the bright blue color and still retains all of the original shine and luster.
Reliability, Looks, Performance
MPG, Not enough features, Could be a little faster
Get the IS350. Don’t compromise for anything less. The IS200-300 is too underpowered. The IS350 delivers a great balance of power, comfort, stability, and looks. I have the grey with red interior 350 f sport AWD. It’s a rare packaging. You don’t see too many 350s. It’s worth the extra cost. They also hold their value much better. It’s about 311 HP and 0-60 in 5.1-5.4 seconds. I get looks everywhere I go. It’s reliable and performance oriented. It’s the best of both worlds. Pros: Looks, performance, suspension, interior comfort and quality, reliability, suede headliner, responsive engine Cons: MPG, some interior parts are Toyotaish.(I know Lexus is Toyota. You get what I’m saying). Could have a little more power and handling in the 350.(Mostly to compete with the German rivals). Audio is good but could be better, could use more features.(I have the higher trim IS350 you can get and it’s still missing some stuff). A little tight inside. Overall is recommend the IS350 as the perfect balanced car for someone who wants luxury, performance and reliability. Saves you money and time from buying a German car.
Everything
No memory seats
Expect compliments from others on the road when you pull up to red lights! The body is untouchable. The interior is the same high end fabric found in Lamborghini and Porches. The seats curve to fit the owner perfectly, The console is simply to navigate with one hand and the sound system is impeccable. This cat has so many driving options (gear controls) for those that like shifting verses automatic. Low profile so one has to be cautious with debre on the road, bumps, ect. This car has power and class! OMG. I WENT FROM A MERCEDES BENZ TO MY LEXUS IS AND IT'S BEEN THE BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE!
Experience the speed of twin turbo Excellent performance and reliability Love the F Sport edition excellent stability on the road
Good Looking Car, Great Value before Covid
Overpriced now, go for the V6
Great car had a few reliability issues with it but it was fixed under factory warranty. Overall a nice and decent car to own. Had a I4 turbo and was a great little engine.
quality, style , feeling
cost, a bit pricey
after years of American car driving i decide to try the Lexus and what a difference in so many ways i know you will spend more but life is to short not to av
STYLISH, GOOD ON GAS, SPORTY, VERY COMFORTABLE
HAVEN'T FOUND ON YET!
I LOVE TO DRIVE AND I DO HAVE AN HOUR COMMUTE EACH DAY. I'VE LOVED LEXUS' FOR A LONG TIME BUT THIS IS DEFINITELY MY FAVORITE. STYLING IS VERY COOL AND THE INTERIOR IS PERFECT. COMFORTABLE, SPORTY, FUN AND SAFE TO DRIVE! IT'S LOW TO THE GROUND WHICH MANY PEOPLE WOULDN'T LIKE BUT IF YOU'RE BUYING A 'SPORTS TYPE CAR' YOU SHOULD EXPECT AS MUCH. EXTREMELY SMOOTH RIDE WHILE STILL FEELING THE EXCITEMENT OF THE ROAD.
Style, reliability, quality, craftsmanship
Weight of the vehicle
Beautiful styled sedan that started it all in the Luxury Lexus division. Large spindle grill that resembles a 'knight's visor'. Lexus' craftsmanship and workmanship are second to none, as shown by the reliability of their vehicles. Owned high mileage vehicle, with very minimal maintenance, and no unexpected damage or failures.