5 Best Years For The Lexus IS (photos)
03-23-17, 04:39 PM
#1
03-23-17, 04:50 PM
#2
No mention of the IS F or 3rd generation IS?!
MY2009
MY2009 IS still ran Gen5 navigation. Gen6 from the MY2010-2012 had the Bluetooth Audio capability.
MY2011 received the face-lift. MY2009/2010 are the same. MY2011 Was the first F-Sport package and LED DRL's.
2008 brought another series of styling changes to the IS 350, giving it an edgier look. The same improvements from 2007 carried over to the refreshed model, including the much improved steering feel. In addition, Lexus added turn signals to the side mirrors, a few minor interior trim revisions, and replaced the cashmere interior with ecru.
The 2009 IS brought many technology upgrades, which is an important consideration if you want a more modern car, and to top things off, Lexus updated the taillights in '09 as well. Lexus added Bluetooth capability independent of navigation, an upgraded audio system with USB port and iPod interface, standard XM radio, and an updated navigation system with real time traffic updates.
The IS 350 received its second face-lift in 2010, with a few changes to the front and rear. Headlights became standard HID units, with LED daytime running lights. 2010 also marked the first year for the F-Sport package, which replaced the Sport. Things remained much the same for 2011, but Lexus did offer all wheel drive for the first time in the IS 350.
03-24-17, 02:22 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Correct, the 2009's got the turn signals on the mirrors, not the 2008. The 8's also got darker optional rims.
03-24-17, 03:58 PM
#5
I have a 2nd gen and while it was a decent car it doesn't deserve to be on this list as much as it was. The 3rd gen is a much better car overall, even if it doesn't "feel" as luxurious inside due to it's boy racer design theme and lack of wood trim. But I'd say overall it's the closest the IS has gotten to the best from Germany.
First gen was boy racer inside and out. Not a single aspect of the interior was luxurious.
First gen was boy racer inside and out. Not a single aspect of the interior was luxurious.
03-25-17, 08:30 AM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
I wouldn't call it a boy racer. It only had 218 ft-lbs. of torque, and most models had a 5-speed automatic. I've sampled a lot of family sedans that had quicker response.
I owned one for almost 5 years. It was pretty nice inside, though of course, lacked the rich wood paneling found in some other Lexus models. But the chronograph-style gauges and chrome-ball shifter gave it a touch of class....and was one of the things that attracted me to the car at that time.
Not a single aspect of the interior was luxurious.
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03-26-17, 12:56 AM
#8
My favorite IS was the 1st gen, aka the Toyota Altezza. Something about the styling of that car is just righteous, there isn't a bad line on it, its extremely proportional, balanced, muscular, yet it still looks compact. Even today, 17 years later, I think it still looks contemporary, except maybe for those clear tailights(you can easily change those btw). The interior is kind of a mixed bag, I'd rather have clear electrolumencent gauges like my SC300 over that chronograph style gauge cluster. The half suede/leather interior looks great new, but the tan wears like crap, the black/black combo is the one to get, it wears like iron. Or just get one with the full leather interior, its those tan suede seat inserts that wear like crap.
As for the handling, its pretty damn awesome for its time/age. Turn in is direct, very little body roll, car feels light on its feet. It handles A LOT better than my SC300, which feels like a boat in comparison when the road gets real tight and twisty.
As for the handling, its pretty damn awesome for its time/age. Turn in is direct, very little body roll, car feels light on its feet. It handles A LOT better than my SC300, which feels like a boat in comparison when the road gets real tight and twisty.
03-26-17, 07:26 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
In the industry, "boy racer" usually refers to styling and appearance, not horsepower or torque.
Suede seat trim always wears the worst, at least in appearance. Once you sit in it or rub your hand over it, it creates contrasting dark spots which automatically looks like dirt from more than ten feet away. Never been a fan. Even worse when on steering wheels.
Suede seat trim always wears the worst, at least in appearance. Once you sit in it or rub your hand over it, it creates contrasting dark spots which automatically looks like dirt from more than ten feet away. Never been a fan. Even worse when on steering wheels.
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