The 2009 Lexus IS

The latest 2009 Lexus IS ranks 8 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. The ranking is based on our analysis of 57 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus IS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
While most luxury automakers produce one midsize car, Lexus makes two. The ES is its sedate, comfortable cruiser. The IS, however, is the athlete. Clearly the performance-oriented Lexus midsize sedan, it's meant to do battle with canyon carvers like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. It falls short of that standard in terms of performance, but sharp looks and a Lexus interior make it worth a look.

For 2009, the IS has been updated with new interior and exterior styling, and a few performance tweaks. Late in the year, a convertible edition will join the lineup. But the press still considers the car an upstart -- it may try to run with the best in this class, but it falls just a little short on the track and on the commute.
It's also a tight fit for many. The exterior dimensions make this a midsize car, but inside, 6-footers will find headroom and legroom tight at every seating position.

The New York Times explains, "The Lexus is like the perennial A student who has yet to declare a major. The car shows perfection in individual disciplines. Its creators have done their homework assignments well. But the better-rounded BMW remains the class valedictorian." Drivers interested in a serious performance car would do well to look at the 3-Series, or the Infiniti G37, which many reviewers now say is actually a tighter handler.
Lexus dealers treat the IS as two separate cars -- an entry-level IS 250 for commuters who want something a little energetic, and a more athletic IS 350 that is a flat-out hot rod. But the two share the same body, chassis, interior, and many parts of their drivetrains. They are essentially trim levels of the same car. A high-performance F-type is available, which we review separately.
For 2009, the IS has been slightly re-shaped, front and rear. The suspension of both models has been re-tuned, adding firmness to improve the car's sport sedan credentials. The already sumptuous interior has seen minor tweaks, and stability control is now standard on all trim levels.
IS 250 sedans are available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the IS 350 comes only as a rear-wheel drive sedan.