In-depth reviews

Lexus IS owner reviews

"It might be a bit of an outsider in such a competitive class, but striking design and impressively low running costs make the Lexus IS worth a look"

Carbuyer Rating

3.6 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.5 out of 5

Advertisement

Reviews

Owner Reviews

  • 5 out of 5
  • 4 out of 5
  • 3 out of 5
  • 2 out of 5
  • 1 out of 5
thumbs up58%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

  • Brakes, Engine (1 case)
  • Engine (5 cases)
  • Suspension (1 case)
  • Brakes (4 cases)
  • Electrics (2 cases)
  • Other (3 cases)

Review 1 of 92

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

is 300h advance

Year

2016

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

47.5
Tell us what you think about your car?
This is the second IS I have had and it is one of the best cars around for reliability and quality. I cannot understand why people talk about diesel cars as being better for fuel consumption, this petrol hybrid can match their average mpg and does not have the deadly gases that the diesel produce. it has never let me down is smooth to drive a very relaxing car on long journeys and the quality of build is second to none.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

220d

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

42
Tell us what you think about your car?
Bought a three-year-old 220d with only 24K on the clock. That was mistake one. Never buy a low-mileage modern diesel, they are not made for short commutes! Egr clogged up. Egr cooler clogged up. Eventually got them replaced after many arguments with Lexus Birmingham. The car is now running like it should but it has taken 18 months to get it like that. Does about 30mpg in Town and 47mpg on a good run. I average 42mpg but most of my miles are on the motorway. The 6th gear is too tall and you have to be doing 80mph plus to use it. I like the car but the problems I've had have put me off Lexus for life . It's a nice car when running right . Don't believe the 50+ MPG figures Lexus quote, you won't get near.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
Excellent
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
good reliable car hasn't given me any problems so far
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

>3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

20
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have had the car nearly 3 years. Nothing has gone wrong.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
Small judder from the clutch when crawling through traffic. This was rectified under the extended warranty by the main dealer.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
Its boring because it never breaks down, ever
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2010

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

34
Tell us what you think about your car?
Never let me down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
So far not a thing has gone wrong
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2004

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

23
Tell us what you think about your car?
Both Front Shocks Failed
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

31
Tell us what you think about your car?
Never had anything go wrong - touch wood.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

37
Tell us what you think about your car?
never let me down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2002

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Totally reliable.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2004

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have never had a reliability issue. I use the car every day of the year
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol

Year

1999

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
2 front discs rear half of exhaust and minor electonic problem
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

44
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2002

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
Not bad on petrol starts 1st time holds the road well , and very comfatable with quite a few mod cons.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

>3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

18
Tell us what you think about your car?
Nothing gone wrong in 2 years
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

33
Tell us what you think about your car?
Never have a problem with any aspect of the car,always starts first time,2 MOT's passed with flying colours,best car I have ever owned and I have had many over 45 years.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

IS300H Executivve

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

50
Tell us what you think about your car?
Excellent Car. Very reliable. Pretty fast. Bluetooth and radio system is top class. Navigation System is a little tricky to use but works well. Boot space is a little compromised due to the battery system so this car may not suit families with small kids. Neither drivers seat or passenger seat have lumbar support which is the only reason I sold the car. I had small issue with the tyre pressure sensor constantly reading low.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

300h petrol electric hybrid

Year

2013

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

44
Tell us what you think about your car?
Quiet, refined at high speeds and very comfortable. CVT gearbox not liked by journalists but super smooth in real world driving in town, dual carriageways or motorways so adds to relaxing drive. Fuel consumption good at 44mpg, drops if you drive hard but is to be expected. Had a GS 450h previously which went like a rocket but small boot due to battery placement, so 300h boot is much better and practical for a family of 4. Bought 1 year old from main dealer, superb condition and saved £10k. Colleagues comment on good looks of the car and different from the competition- no worries with either Lexus to date.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
Hasn't missed a beat.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2010

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

40
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

44
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems so far.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

36.5
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have not had the car long but I am so far really satisfied with it and am still getting used to its driving style
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2000

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
Runs faultlessly
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

>3 litre, Petrol, Other

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

24
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2003

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

24
Tell us what you think about your car?
NEVER LET ME DOWN
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2002

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

26
Tell us what you think about your car?
ONLY had NEW FRONT Brake Calipers and a new Battery
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2005

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

29.4
Tell us what you think about your car?
Apart from normal servicing, it has required only a front brake caliper replacing in the past 2.25 years.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

26
Tell us what you think about your car?
No major problems.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

36
Tell us what you think about your car?
Nothing ever goes wrong.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol

Year

2004

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

25
Tell us what you think about your car?
Excellent, never given me any grief
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
never broken down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2010

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

36
Tell us what you think about your car?
Has not started on occasssions, lacked power due to turbo problems
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

32
Tell us what you think about your car?
Perfect, so far...
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol

Year

2000

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

25
Tell us what you think about your car?
Never let me down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

2 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2003

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

17
Tell us what you think about your car?
RECENTLY HAD FIRST FAULT IN 5 YEARS WHEN OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER CIRCUIT FAILED.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
never breaks down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol

Year

2004

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
100% reliable never question its fitness for duty
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

29
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Is250

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Greate car, good engine and automatic gearbox. I would recommend this car as I have used this car for over four years. Very comfortable, seats are just amazing. Also i will always remember nice v6 sound engine.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.5 Hybrid 4 door

Year

2013

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

55
Tell us what you think about your car?
Bought this car to replace my Lexus diesel as my annual mileage had reduced dramatically plus a big factor was 'reliabilty'. Cannot fault the car regarding ride, fuel economy although the satnav is clearly not the best around etc., etc.. My biggest beef is that it has developed a fault where the car won't start so much so, I've had to call upon Lexus Assistance twice in 3 weeks for help. The primary battery is not holding its charge and although the local dealer has checked it out, they state there is nothing wrong. Something is clearly amiss but there appears to be a reluctance to determine what the cause of the fault is and a suitable remedy. Has anyone else experienced this type of fault and/or lack of assistance? On this current situation, I would not wish to recommend this car but clearly, if Lexus carried out a full fault-finding procedure to identify the cause of the primary battery and a remedy then I would recommend this car.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

300h f sport

Year

2015

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

43
Tell us what you think about your car?
This is my second Lexus. Previously had 2.2d for 8 years. I buy Lexus for reliability and comfort. The majority of my journeys are over 3hrs. I get out the car as relaxed as when I got in, the drive is exceptionally comfortable. The dealership is so professional in the way they handle everything from purchase to servicing nothing is a problem. Agreed you may pay a bit more for the Lexus but worth every penny. Would not consider driving anything else.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

37
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

31
Tell us what you think about your car?
Not broken down, feels secure and safe
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
FANTASTIC
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

42
Tell us what you think about your car?
First class - the car has never let me down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

33
Tell us what you think about your car?
It is faultless despite being 4 years old.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2005

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
Hasn't let me down in 95000 miles...
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2007

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

36
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems. Replaced tyres. Serviced according to manual every year. Calliper on rear brake needed replacement . No charge to me.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2009

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
Not a single problem.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
Spot on. Nothing has gone wrong in the 2 years that I have owned it.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

34
Tell us what you think about your car?
NO PROBLEMS AT ALL
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.5 V6

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Probably the best car I have owned. Unlike the Jaguar XF I had before this is impeccably reliable and so far has only required routine servicing. The Jaguar required numerous trips to the dealers for various electric faults. Lexus dealers treat their customers with respect (unlike others) and the service is impeccable.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

ISF 5.0

Year

2013

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

25
Tell us what you think about your car?
This ISF is my third Lexus, having previously owned an IS220D and and IS250. I admit that my car is the one major indulgence in my life! The drive is superbly smooth with an 8 speed auto. Took it up to 155 mph on the autobahn in Germany without any problem at all and the engine clearly had plenty left to give. The acceleration is great, hitting 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The sound system is brilliant - Lexus have an agreement with Mark Levinson and it's very very good. My one major complaint is the sat nav. It's simply not good enough. I wish Lexus would from an alliance with TomTom (in the same way that they have with Mark Levinson). I run it with a hydrogen cell which has boosted the fuel economy and reduced my emmisions to zero. Driving this car is a lot of fun and I'll keep it for a couple more years before moving to a 4x4 to accomadate the dogs and country roads.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

28
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2002

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

22
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2005

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
Very dependable .... never a problem in 4+ years
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
its never let me down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

2001

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

33.7
Tell us what you think about your car?
So far the most reliable car that I have owned
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

34
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Petrol, Automatic

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

32
Tell us what you think about your car?
in 2 and a half years only faults have been a small door trim rattle and a sticky rear brake calliper, both fixed at once by dealer
Would you recommend the car to a friend?