2008 Lexus IS 250 User Reviews

Pros

Looks amazing, smooth ride, loud sound system, reliable

Cons

Expensive service and parts, acceleration, brake dust

Purchased As New

When you want a review, you want to hear the bads things before the good.. This car is expensive to maintain. At the dealership (which is recommended) an avg service: estimated 125$ or for the major service (25,000 & 40,000 whatever mileage): 400$ each time.. For tires on this bad boy, grand total: around 800$ (with a friend discount). The brake dust burned into my front rims and now the chrome will never look the same and you have to keep up with keeping them clean or they don't even look chrome. For how quick the car looks, the acceleration is a bit slow but the car delivers power when your already on the move. Something happened with the brakes and I had to pay 600$ for new front rotors, which they ended up recalling, go figure. This is why I suggest going to the dealership for service because they know your car better than any other place, trying to save money costs you more in the end. Other than those few negatives, this car is great. I made it from LA to Vegas and back on a little over a tank of gas. The car is extremely quiet, people don't even think the car is on when there in it. It handles extremely well and smooth, don't listen to these "sports car connoisseurs" , you get more than you pay for I personally think. I drove through the mountains to go snowboarding about 12 times this season and I felt like I was in a commercial with how well it took windy roads and bumps, as well as snow..even without rear wheel drive because of the traction control. This car was not made to be a family car, the backseats are bucket seats and when 2 people are sitting in the back, they are just fine, not to mention they have their own air vents and the center armrest back there has a compartment and cup holders. The sound system is awesome, better than friends who purchased systems for their cars. Since I purchased the car in November of 2006 I have not had a single mechanical problem with the car. . I'm going on 52,000 miles now. This car is extremely reliable.. Toyota has stuck with it's reputation by my standards.. this car will probably last a while and other than service fees and tires, also brakes, this car is definitely recommended if you had it in mind...read morehide

Pros

Luxury Sports Car appointments, good handling, good mileage

Cons

Outdated electronics, poor navigation system, rear passenger and trunk space

Purchased As New

Leased a new 2009 IS 250 AWD fully loaded. Nice vehicle, with some minor refinements for 2009 but its still a 2006 technology platform. Navigation system is worse than a $150.00 portable unit - no text to speech, outdated maps, no traffic etc. Poor bluetooth quality. Feature for feature this does not compare well to vehicles such as 2009 Acura TL with AWD....read morehide

Pros

Great looks

Cons

Numerous mechanical problems

This was by the far the most luxurious auto that I have ever purchased. I like sports cars but I felt it was time to try a sports sedan. I purchased an IS 250 with a manual transmission.
The auto that I purchased was a nightmare. I had to buy tires after one year. The radiator had a leak, although I never saw wear it was. I reported the problem to the Lexus dealership and I was told that there was a problem that was discovered with the radiator and that it would be replaced if I was still covered by my warranty. Well I wasn’t and as a result I often drove without any heat, estimated cost $1,600. After a year I had to have the fuel injectors cleaned, cost $1,200. I complained repeatedly complained about a ticking noise coming from the engine. I was told that that was normal. After two years and 60.000 miles I was told that my valve springs were failing and that I needed and engine job. Estimated cost $5,500. After two years, one of my rear back up sensor stopped working, estimated cost $400. The break dust produced by the front brake pads always leave the front rims looking dirty.
Last but not least the car was an absolute terror to drive at high speed. It never felt stable. You drive it with your hands straining to keep control of the car. The rear end is so light, that when it rains or snows you are tempted to leave the car behind.
The car is beautiful on the outside, but if you are looking for a SPORTS sedan, be careful with this one....read morehide

Pros

Not only is it beautiful it has great gas milage and kicks up the speed!

Cons

Even though I like how low the car is the front bumper is so low that I've scraped the bumper a few

I bought my IS250 about a year ago and I saw it on the road when it first came out and said thats my next car. I bought it about a year later and I still love it to this day. I get so many compliments on it and people just love the way it handles on that road. It's beautiful inside and out and runs awesome! Best car ive ever had....read morehide

Pros

Compact, sporty, interior fit and finish, dashboard controls, NAV

Cons

Lack of acceleration, average paint job, all bark and no bite

This trim needs more horsepower. Lacks punch. Exterior style needs a face list, a bit bland. Lexus service is great though.

Pros

Beautiful, GPS is the best!!!

Cons

A little crowded in the back!

OK where do I start... I absolutely love my car! It drives really well, brakes are great and react very quickly. I love the heat/cooler in the front seats. Rearview camera is really helpful in parking, bluetooth and GPS are also really helpful when you get lost haha. Impressive car with great safety features. Only problem is the fact that it is a bit crowded in the back, but it hasn't kept anyone from climbing in so I guess its not that bad!...read morehide

Pros

push button start, AC/heated seats, keyless entry, good fuel economy, comfy ride, sleek design

Cons

lack of keyless trunk release

It's a stylish sports car that causes a lot of heads to turn. Back seat will accommodate two adults. If you need more room buy a SUV. Test drove an Acura TL but Lexus easily won the comparison test. Love everything about my IS!!

Pros

I love this car good fuel style over all quality excellant

Cons

Ride a little rough over bad roads

Me and my wife love this car it is stylest and we love the quality and value. I would tell any one looking for a sports sedan go buy one. We got the IS250 that is enough power for us. GREAT CAR.

Pros

Great Looks! Good fuel economy, luxury interior.

Cons

Rear seat small for adults.

Great car overal. Fun to drive. I've had a 3 series and a G35, and the Lexus is much more luxurious inside. Great handling, enough power.

Pros

Good acceleration, perfect integration of navi, bluetooth, backup camera, mp3 & radio

Cons

Driver seat does not support my back well. My back hurts as a result

Since last year (2007) I had been telling myself that I must insist on getting a navi if I'd ever buy a new car. I finally decided to buy a brand new IS 250 a few days ago (Aug 08). It was not easy to find a pearl white IS250 with a navi. Most don't have navi. But I found one and paid invoice price hoorayyyy! It's definitely worth the extra 2 grands for the navi. Why? Because it is not just a simple gps unit, but rather it is a fully integrated entertainment system, which includes bluetooth (caller ID & phone book shows on the same large screen), backup camera, mp3, Sirius, radio (with song titles & artists), climate control, & map. Acceleration is responsive (don't be afraid to step hard on the accel pad). Ride is comfortable & quiet. Corner turn is smooth. What I really don't like is that the seat does not support my back well (yes, I tried many different settings). My Rav4's seat works better with my back. This may just be unique to my back. If you have the same problem, please share your experience. This really bothers me and I become somewhat concerned for the long term. As a result I gave it a 4 star. I wish there was a front popout cupholder (BMW has popout cupholders from the dashboard). One of the 2 front cup holders is in the console box, making it inconvenient to access the console box and making the box smaller than it should be. Like many have said, there is very little leg room in the back seats. Seats don't fold down for trunk access. I don't think Acura TSX has any of these problems. Other than these, I like everything else. It is an intelligent car....read morehide