Lexus IS

Lexus IS Reliability

Overall Average Rating: 87.89%
Position in the Top 100 cars: 18th

The latest IS racks up impressive results in the areas where a compact exec needs to excel – superb comfort, a cosseting ride and general ease of driving. Yet elsewhere the package falls down.

A lack of space inside is a problem, and we were disappointed with its reliability and build quality scores – they’re good, but not what we’d expect from a Lexus.

WINNER OF CLASS - Compact Executive

One of only two classes to keep the same winner as last year, yet it’s thrown up some fascinating results. The top pair of cars in the sector, traditionally dominated by German cars in terms of sales, are Japanese. Top of the pile is the Lexus IS. Its 18th position overall was enough to push it to the front of this competitive class. Some might argue the Accord should be in the family sector, but with the emphasis on desirability, not versatility, we’ve put it in here and it hasn’t disappointed. Third goes to the latest 3-Series, and the ageing IS still proves one of the most durable cars money can buy in fourth. Fifth is BMW’s 1-Series, which offers lower-cost entry into compact exec ownership.

Manufacturer Verdict (Position: 2nd)

It's the first time Lexus has had to settle for the runner-up spot, but it shouldn’t be too disappointed. Second is still a glowing testament to a line-up that features quality and reliability across the board.

Overall Average:

87.02%

25th in Driver Power 2010

73%

56th in Driver Power 2010

Owners who would buy another Lexus IS again:

91%

52nd in Driver Power 2010

Relialibity:

95.38%

5th in Driver Power 2010

Build Quality:

93.58%

4th in Driver Power 2010

58-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Great car, Lexus customer service very lacking at dealership level, but great at distributor level. I love the car, the economy, they might boast a bit more than you get but it beats the hell out my IS 200 automatic, which I also loved and drove for four and a half years. The comfort level driving on the secondary roads in Ireland is second to none and I often drive 200 miles in difficult country roads and arrive as fresh as when I left home. Mine is an executive model and having a serious back complaint, the lumbar support is terrific. The only technical problems I had was incorrect software and a requirement to have three modifications to the fuel system. I did have to reject the car, until the distributor came on board to rectify the problems. Alas it is the dealerships in Ireland that would possibly put me off buying another Lexus, but I do love the marque amd with a good exchange rate, would possibly look to the UK for my next purchase. The diesel engine could do with a bit of refinement, but the power is excellent, one you get over the turbo lag up to 2000 rpm

Reliability: 5/5 Build Quality: 3/5

56-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

It has been a fantastic car, delivering everything expected of it, unlike some people who think that it is a bit boring against a BMW 3 series, I do not think so! At least the Lexus Dealers are not 'snobby in their attitudes towards you. The service from Lexus Teesside has been second to none, the only warranty situation was a small amount of corrosion on an alloy wheel & they did not argue and changed all four wheels, that is what I call service.
I have thought about my next car, it will most probably be a Lexus and would be interested in looking at the LF-Ch later on in the year.
All in all, a well engineered reliable car.