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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Lexus IS

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Lexus IS

Overview

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2013 Lexus IS Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.5

While it has a tendency to fly under the radar, the 2013 Lexus IS continues to be a formidable contender in the ultra-competitive luxury sports-sedan category. With the standard IS250 and sporty 306-horsepower IS350 at its core, the IS lineup also offers a hardtop convertible and a high-performance IS F variant designed to compete head-to-head with BMW's M3. Class-leading resale values and a reputation for exceptional long-term reliability make the Lexus IS a smart choice for value-conscious buyers. But, despite its sleekly-styled exterior and high value quotient, the Lexus IS has struggled to draw market share away from the Mercedes-Benz C Class, Audi A4 and the benchmark among sport sedans, the BMW 3 Series.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you appreciate the aggressive styling of contemporary sports cars, but crave the refinement and comfort of a luxury sedan, the 2013 Lexus IS is tough to beat. It may lack the athleticism of a BMW 3 Series and trail the Mercedes-Benz C Class in terms of prestige, but the Lexus IS remains a well-rounded performer with exceptional reliability and value.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If interior volume and rear-seat legroom are at the top of your list, you may find the Lexus IS less accommodating than its larger European rivals. In addition, drivers who prefer a generous helping of sport with a side of luxury should consider the BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37 or the Audi A4.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.5
Driving Dynamics

7.9
Comfort & Convenience

7.7
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.5
Value

7.1
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#16

out of 30

MPG

#25

out of 29

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.1 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

With an all-new model due out next year, the Lexus IS has only a few upgrades for 2013. IS models equipped with navigation now include Lexus' latest Enform infotainment system with automatic phonebook downloading via Bluetooth and HD Radio with iTunes Tagging. Additionally, the IS250's optional 6-speed manual transmission has been discontinued.

Driving the IS

Driving Impressions If the BMW's 3 Series serves as the definition of "sport sedan," then the 2013 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 might be seen as the "Grand Tourers" of the...

category. While the Lexus IS isn't as engaging or nimble as its sportier rivals, all iterations provide a level of compliant composure the Germans rarely deliver – at least in this size category. Of course, what's under the hood will determine, in large part, where you peg the smile meter. The entry-level IS 250 focuses on practical characteristics such as fuel efficiency and ride quality, while the more powerful Lexus IS 350 borders on the visceral. As Lexus' first super sedan, the V8-equipped IS F makes a credible run at BMW's M3, and does it without earning the costly gas-guzzler tax. Given its mission, the hardtop convertible – with either V6 powertrain – is little more than a boulevard cruiser.

Favorite Features

AVAILABLE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
In a segment offering all-wheel drive as an all-season prerogative, Lexus' approach delivers 70 percent of the engine power to the rear wheels under normal operating conditions. With that proportional distribution, little of the sport orientation is lost on dry pavement, while traction is enhanced on wet or slickened pavement.

F SPORT PACKAGE
While the well-tuned standard suspension will please most buyers, Lexus' F Sport Package incorporates firmer springs and shock absorbers along with a recalibrated electric power steering system to elevate the performance of any rear-drive IS model to near-BMW 3 Series levels of agility and fun.

2013 Lexus IS Details

2013 Lexus IS Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

As BMW and Audi interiors continue to gravitate toward mid-size, the smaller Lexus remains, well, small. The driver and front-seat passenger are well accommodated, and all seating positions are well appointed, but this is best regarded as a "personal" 4-door sport sedan, one which will never be confused with a family hauler. Of course, if you're in a Lexus showroom shopping for the family, the dealer has roughly a half-dozen better choices from which to choose. We like the personal feel of the IS, and the convertible hardtop offers unlimited headroom – with the top down, of course.

Exterior

The Lexus IS 250/350 body shell shown in March, 2005 was remarkable for its utter lack of adornment or distraction. A softened wedge profile, short overhangs and a raked windshield created a sporting 4-door that was almost coupe-like in its design. Opt for the IS F (or F Sport package) and things get more enthusiastic. The IS C hardtop convertible strikes, to these eyes, the only discordant note; in order to accommodate the folding hardtop, Lexus designers added an unsightly slab of bulbous sheet metal to the rear end.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The term "bang-for-the-buck" is seldom associated with luxury vehicles, but with an attractive base price and long list of standard features, the Lexus IS offers perhaps the best value in the category. At its about-$36,000 starting price, the Lexus IS includes leather seating, smart access with push-button start, 10-way power front seats, power moonroof and a 13-speaker premium audio system. Opting for the IS 350 gets you xenon headlights that emit up to three times the light of standard halogen systems, a 306-horsepower V6 and beefed-up brakes. On the safety front, every Lexus IS includes eight airbags, built-in telematics with emergency services and hill-start assist, which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting off on a steep grade.

Optional Equipment

Buyers looking to bridge the performance gap between the mainstream IS and the race-inspired IS F will find the available F Sport Package up to the task. Upgrades include 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark graphite finish, aggressively-tuned electric power steering, firmer suspension and a host of cosmetic adornments for both the interior and exterior. Technophiles will rejoice at the newly-available Lexus Enform 2.0 infotainment system comprised of HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and in-vehicle mobile applications such as Bing local search, OpenTable, MovieTickets.com, Yelp and Pandora Internet radio.

Under the Hood

Two technology-intensive, all-aluminum V6 engines provide clean and comparatively fuel-efficient motivation for the IS line. Both powertrains use dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and direct fuel injection. The 2.5-liter develops 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, sufficient to take a rear-drive IS 250 from zero to 60 mph in under eight seconds. The 3.5-liter V6 in the IS 350 adds secondary port injection and cranks out 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Backed by a multi-mode automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, it propels the fleetest member of the standard IS family from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. If a zero-to-60-mph time of less than six seconds isn't quite quick enough, consider the IS F's 5.0-liter V8, and then go cruising for pink slips – or tickets. The all-aluminum 8-cylinder engine produces 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque, and is capable of launching the IS F from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top track speed of 170 mph. All engines require premium unleaded fuel.

2.5-liter V6
204 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
185 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg, 21/27 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter V6
306 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
277 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 19/26 mpg (AWD)

5.0-liter V8
416 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
371 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg

Pricing Notes

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a 2013 Lexus IS 250 is right around $36,000, with the IS 350 coming in closer to $41,000. High-performance IS F variants are roughly $62,500. Although it features less standard equipment, the Audi A4 undercuts the Lexus IS by nearly $3,000, while the Infiniti G37 and BMW 3 Series will be about $2,000 and $3,000 over the IS, respectively. To see what buyers are actually paying for the 2013 Lexus IS in your area, take a look at Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price at the bottom of this page. Down the road, we expect the Lexus IS will maintain the best 5-year residual values in the segment.

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2013 Lexus IS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 357 Ratings for the 2006 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.5/10

This car is just amazing.

By Gunner (AZ) on Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 56,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, style, quality, performance."

Cons: "Navigation option is around $5K"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is amazing. I also own the original IS300. I'm more than staisfied with this IS350, It's fast, it's consistant in every way, it's stiff, it's quality in every aspect. I test drove an Infinity G37-S and I almost bought it, but then I drove my IS-350 and it was just a better car in every category. I love it and I smile every time I drive it."

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2011 IS250 F-Sport RWD w/Nav

By Ray (FL) on Thursday, May 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Resale value, good looking interior and exterior"

Cons: "By-the-book maintanence is high, small backseat"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The F-Sport model handles very well at high speeds when compared to my previous 2009 IS250. The steering is phenomenal. The interior looks and feels solid. Front seats are definitely an upgrade from the base IS. The F-Sport suspension is tighter and more responsive to quick turns. In terms of acceleration the 2.5L engine does not impress much, but it does the job when passing is necessary and gas mileage is great. The Nav System is a must, not only does it make driving much easier, it cleans up the dash to look much better as well(back-up camera is great too). The maintanence costs can add up, which is why I stick to the basics (oil change, air filters, pump premium fuel, and inspect tire pressure to avoid premature tread wear). I always hear IS drivers complain about tires wearing prematurely, but most likely that is due to neglecting the tire pressure monitor. Driving around with low pressure for 1000 miles will easily take an additional 1000 miles off the life of the tread. At 17,000 miles my tires still look great all around. Why did I buy this car for a second time? For the money, this is one of the best cars out there. I really liked the F-sport Package(black headliner, sport seats, rims, steering, suspension, aero package). Mercedes quality does not match(owned a C-class before the 2009 IS250). BMW styling is dull(inside and out, my brother drives 4-door 335i and he loves my car). Drawbacks: The backseat is small, but if you treat it as a 4-seater you should be fine. No need to do everything the dealer suggests unless you plan to own long-term(5+ years)."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love it except for maintenance costs

By Lori (AR) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 61,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great gas mileage; sharp exterior; reliable"

Cons: "High maintenance costs, especially for tires"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have the 2008 IS 250. I love everything about this car EXCEPT for the high maintenance costs. It requires new tires every 2 years, and I am a very conservative driver. The routine maintenace at the Lexus dealership isn't cheap either. I prefer smaller zippy cars so this one fits me perfectly. Yes, it has a bumpier ride than other similar sedans, but that is in large part due to the low profile tires. I get great gas mileage: 29-30 MPG in town; even higher on the highway. And let's face it, the car is just a good looking car, both inside and out. I get lots of compliments about it. I also take very good care of my car, so even though it's 5 years old, people tell me it looks brand new. Will I purchase another Lexus? Not sure right now. The high maintenance costs will really make me stop and think about it when the time comes. If you are looking to purchase an IS, just be aware of the costs involved. Other than that downside, I absolutely love mine. Since it's paid for, I'm still far better off keeping it a little longer than to trade in for a lower maintenance, lower cost car."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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I love this car

By Les (FL) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,599

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"It's handles like a sports car, has plenty of horsepower but is comfortable, good on gas and has all the bells and whistles. At 5 years old it still drives like new."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I love my car!

By Sadie (AR) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, stereo, smooth ride, cheap maintenance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had my car for over a year and I love it. I haven't had any issues with it and I haven't regretted my purchase one time. If I were to get a new car I would definitely consider buying another IS, but maybe a 350 instead for added pep. I would buy this car over my previous 3-series BMW for sure. Love the cheap maintenance in comparison and how smooth the ride is. I love everything about this car!"

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Smooth ride - decent mileage

By Tallguy (FL) on Sunday, April 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Clean lines, beautiful design, good quality"

Cons: "Tight back seat, large blind-spot"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I sold my Infiniti G35 for the IS250. So far so good. Tight steering radius, smooth ride, easy to find controls, decent mileage (26mpg Hwy - 22mpg City)."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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