5 Best Years For The Lexus IS
Are you in the market for a Lexus IS sport sedan? Here are the pluses and minuses of various model years you might want to consider.
1. 2003-04
If you're a fan of the first generation of IS, the '03 and '04 models featured some nice changes over the earliest iteration of the car. 2003 brought a minor face-lift for the IS, along with new 11-spoke wheels, revised fog lights, and smoked trim for the head and taillights. 2-position memory was added for the driver's seat, along with a maintenance indicator light, a new dash storage compartment, automatic door locking system, and new trim highlights. 2003-04 IS models are widely considered to have the nicest interiors of all years of the IS 300, and the Sport Design models were top of the line.
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2. 2007
For 2007, Lexus made a number of improvements to the IS, including the shark fin roof antenna. The trunk open and gas cap door buttons were relocated and illuminated to make them easier to reach and see. But, perhaps the best addition is the button to disable the traction control, which is very desirable in the small sport coupe if you want to drift or do burnouts. Lexus also tightened up the steering in 2007 after receiving complaints that it was too soft and light.
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3. 2008
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.
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4. 2009
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.
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5. 2010-11
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.
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