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:
4.351
87.02%
25th in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy a Lexus IS Owner Reviews Container again
3.65
73%
56th in Driver Power 2010
Owners who would buy another Lexus IS again:
4.55
91%
52nd in Driver Power 2010
Running Cost:
3.701
74.02%
63rd in Driver Power 2010
08-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Persistant rattle from the facia - has been back to lexus twice and still rattles. aaagghhh!

Headlights are diabolical (worst car ever for main beam - and I include Fiat cinquento, renault 5, Suzuki splash, Mazda 323)

I had the dealer check this out and they say there is nothing wrong - I say that main beam is set too low - and they can't be adjusted anyway. Dangerous at normal night speeds - so I have to drive slow!

(I am a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, and RoSPA (gold) motorcyclist - so I value my opinion LOL)

Cost: 2/5
59-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

A comfortable car to drive but very little space in the rear and the boot is worst than useless - not helped by the fact that you cannot put the rear seat down flat to increase the space
Fuel economy is dreadful - 35 mpg and the sixth gear is painful to use at anything under 80 mph - anything under 80 and it sounds as if the engine is struggling and it dosn't pull at all

Cost: 1/5
X-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Fantastic car, even after nine years and over 120k miles. Still looks great and goes really well. The car is still serviced by Lexus but I have noticed that Lexus level of customer service has deteriorated over the years which is a real shame as they used to be so much better than Marcedes or BMW.

Cost: 3/5
09-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Good bits ~ Looks good and drives well on the motorway.
Bad bits ~ Fuel economy is terrible for a diesel (32mpg) on anything but a motorway and don't even try putting 2 suitcases in the boot!
When will they learn to make a hatchback???

Cost: 2/5
51-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

i really enjoy driving my car it has everything i need ie speed reliability and looks
negative it drinks petrol for fun
next car must have sat nav built in and i think i will be look to be more aware of the MPG this time round

Cost: 1/5
07-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

apart from 1 rattle and cd jammed no probs ,but as a low mileage car very thirsty 23.4mpg and lack of rear room and luggage space,would have been better if hatch back.
but lovely car all the same

Cost: 2/5
54-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Love the side view styling contours and the paint really buffs up to a superb shine. Decent standard equipment and love the handling and engine note. Poor fuel economy lets the package down.

Cost: 2/5
07-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

I still love it. It makes driving a pleasure. Economy is great for the engine size, the performance still gives me a huge thrill, the toys are great. It is absolutely effortless to drive.

Cost: 5/5
54-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Does what it says on the box. Starts first time every time. Has good image and costs much less than you would think. Who wants to follow the crowd and buy a BMW or Audi.

Cost: 5/5
W-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

I love it, servicing is expensive but overall it's been exceptionally cheap motoring for a classy car. Practically isn't great - it would be much better as a hatch.

Cost: 3/5
51-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

It's an excellent car for its age and the time it's been on the market, although other cars have proved more economical, better handling, and more modern.

Cost: 2/5
04-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

The car is a IS200 Sports Cross and suits us fine as the hatchback sallows up all that we need to carry arround and is a very versitile vehicle

Cost: 2/5
06-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Expensive main dealer servicing. Superb level of equipment as standard. Very reliable. A bit different from the obvious (3 series) choice.

Cost: 3/5
07-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

I love the quality feel of the car and I think it looks fantastic to the eye as well as to touch.

Cost: 5/5
09-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

Extremely comfortable seats, good ride, performance and economy, all round very pleased.

Cost: 5/5
54-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

It looks good, nothing has gone wrong with it. Just wish the rear seats folded down.

Cost: 3/5
08-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Nice car very comfortable pity about the awful MPG compared to my Mercedes CLK

Cost: 2/5
Y-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

Superb! If only Rover could have made them like this.

Cost: 3/5
52-reg Petrol, Owner for 1 to 3 years

Brilliant but not cheap to run. Worth it though.

Cost: 3/5
V-reg Petrol, Owner for More than 5 years

A good car all round, though a small boot

Cost: 3/5
06-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

excellent best car I have ever owned

Cost: 5/5
04-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

I always look forward to driving it.

Cost: 3/5
55-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

Great car to drive and looks good.

Cost: 5/5
X-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

I love it - it's a superb car.

Cost: 2/5
07-reg Diesel, Owner for Less than a year

very good car have and own

Cost: 3/5
54-reg Petrol, Owner for 3 to 5 years

A great car

Cost: 2/5
57-reg Petrol, Owner for Less than a year

Great motor

Cost: 5/5
57-reg Diesel, Owner for 1 to 3 years

dependable

Cost: 2/5