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2008 Lexus IS Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Lexus IS Review:
2008 Lexus IS Review
The 2008 Lexus IS F makes its debut as the first of a proposed series of high-performance vehicles from Toyota's luxury division. The rest of this lineup of premium compact cars is largely unchanged. The IS 250 has a 204-hp 2.5-liter V6 engine and is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The IS 350 has a 306-hp 3.5-liter V6 and is rear-drive only. New for 2008 is the IS F, which has a 416-hp 5.0-liter V8. Rear-drive IS 250s have a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on those and standard on the AWD IS 250 and IS 350 is a 6-speed automatic. IS F has an 8-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and front knee airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery and a sunroof. Available is Lexus's Pre-Collision Safety System, which is designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected. IS F models have specific sport suspension, tires, and trim.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
News
Sources still expect Lexus to add four-seat IS coupes and convertibles by 2010. Both should offer the same two V6 powertrains as sedans, and there may be killer V8 versions, but all-wheel drive seems unlikely. The convertible will have a hideaway hardtop. A fabric roof was originally planned, but Lexus reportedly went back to the drawing board once it learned of BMW's new 3-Series retractable.
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2008 Lexus IS Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Passenger and cargo room |
| Acceleration (IS 350) | Quietness |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No opportunity yet to test the IS F. IS 250s feel sleepy on takeoff, strained up steep grades, and are shy on midrange passing power despite a responsive, silky automatic transmission. IS 350 is strong in all situations. We timed one at a speedy 5.5 seconds 0-60 mph.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 8 | 6.6 |
No opportunity yet to test the IS F. IS 250s feel sleepy on takeoff, strained up steep grades, and are shy on midrange passing power despite a responsive, silky automatic transmission. IS 350 is strong in all situations. We timed one at a speedy 5.5 seconds 0-60 mph.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an IS 250 averaged 20.7 mpg in city/highway driving. Test AWD IS 250 averaged 23.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with the IS 350. Premium-grade gas is required.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an IS 250 averaged 20.7 mpg in city/highway driving. Test AWD IS 250 averaged 23.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with the IS 350. Premium-grade gas is required.
Ride Quality
Any IS closely matches its class rivals, but its ride is tainted by slight wheel thump on washboard roads and mild float over large crests at speed. The optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires detract slightly from comfort.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.5 |
Any IS closely matches its class rivals, but its ride is tainted by slight wheel thump on washboard roads and mild float over large crests at speed. The optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires detract slightly from comfort.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Trails the benchmark BMW 3-Series, but IS corners with little body lean, secure grip, and an agile feel. The optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires furnish little cornering advantage, nor does AWD on dry roads. IS's electric power steering is quick and informative. Brakes furnish swift, drama-free stops, but pedal action was slightly grabby in some test cars.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Trails the benchmark BMW 3-Series, but IS corners with little body lean, secure grip, and an agile feel. The optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires furnish little cornering advantage, nor does AWD on dry roads. IS's electric power steering is quick and informative. Brakes furnish swift, drama-free stops, but pedal action was slightly grabby in some test cars.
Quietness
Coarse-surface tire thrum is noticeable but not intrusive. Wind noise is modest. IS 250's engine is louder than the IS 350's at high rpm, but both V6s are subdued and relaxed in highway cruising.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
Coarse-surface tire thrum is noticeable but not intrusive. Wind noise is modest. IS 250's engine is louder than the IS 350's at high rpm, but both V6s are subdued and relaxed in highway cruising.
Controls
Lexus's usual large, legible gauges and handy, intuitive minor controls. The steering wheel obscures switches on the lower dashboard, though. The screen of the optional navigation system is easy to read. It controls many audio and climate functions but is easier to learn than most navigation systems.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Lexus's usual large, legible gauges and handy, intuitive minor controls. The steering wheel obscures switches on the lower dashboard, though. The screen of the optional navigation system is easy to read. It controls many audio and climate functions but is easier to learn than most navigation systems.
Details
Cabin decor is the Lexus-typical mix of rich-looking upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and high-grade plastics.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
Cabin decor is the Lexus-typical mix of rich-looking upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and high-grade plastics.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Adult-size leg space, but headroom is limited for six-footers. The seats are comfortably shaped and padded. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, and power adjustment is optional. IS's body shape limits views to the right-rear and directly aft.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
Adult-size leg space, but headroom is limited for six-footers. The seats are comfortably shaped and padded. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, and power adjustment is optional. IS's body shape limits views to the right-rear and directly aft.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Tight. Headroom is limited and legroom is skimpy with front seats pushed even partway aft. Narrow door openings and small footwells impede entry and exit.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Tight. Headroom is limited and legroom is skimpy with front seats pushed even partway aft. Narrow door openings and small footwells impede entry and exit.
Cargo Room
Packing gets complicated with a small trunk opening and intrusion from the rear wheel arches and trunklid hinges. Cabin storage is mediocre.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Packing gets complicated with a small trunk opening and intrusion from the rear wheel arches and trunklid hinges. Cabin storage is mediocre.
Value within Class
These premium compacts impress for their design, features, and materials. They also benefit from Lexus's strong resale-value record. However, they're not quite alluring enough alternatives to the Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series--especially in rear-passenger room and comfort.
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.4 |
These premium compacts impress for their design, features, and materials. They also benefit from Lexus's strong resale-value record. However, they're not quite alluring enough alternatives to the Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series--especially in rear-passenger room and comfort.
Total Score
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | Class Average |
| 61 | 61 | 64 | 65.5 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 59 | |
| Average Score | 65 | |
| High Score | 72 |
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2008 Lexus IS Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| IS 250 4-door sedan, manual | $30,555 | $26,887 | $765 |
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| IS 250 4-door sedan, automatic | $31,725 | $27,917 | $765 |
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| AWD IS 250 4-door sedan, automatic | $34,185 | $30,080 | $765 |
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| IS 350 4-door sedan, automatic | $36,005 | $31,684 | $765 |
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| IS F 4-door sedan, automatic | $56,000 | $49,280 | $765 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
IS 250
Powertrain
2.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/45VR17 front tires, 245/45VR17 rear tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, heated/cooled front seats, 225/45VR17 tires.
IS 350 adds to IS 250:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
IS F adds to IS 350:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night, rain-sensing wipers, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/40YR19 front tires, 255/35YR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Plus Pkg.
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250, 350
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$1,290
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$1,032
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Heated/cooled front seats, wood interior trim. NA AWD.
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Luxury Plus Pkg.
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2WD 250, 350
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$3,495
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$2,796
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AWD 250
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$2,205
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$1,764
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|
Heated/cooled front seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), wood interior trim (2WD 250, 350), automatic day/night outside mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid, rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights.
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Luxury Plus Pkg. w/18-inch wheels
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250, 350
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$4,325
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$3,460
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Luxury Pkg. plus 225/40YR18 front and 255/40YR18 rear summer performance tires. NA AWD.
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Sport Pkg.
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350
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$3,805
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$3,044
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Heated/cooled front seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), alloy pedals, rain-sensing wipers, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, sport suspension, 225/40YR18 front and 255/40YR18 rear summer performance tires.
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X Pkg.
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250 manual
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$1,424
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$1,139
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250 automatic, 350
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$1,394
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$1,115
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Alloy pedals, illuminated door sills, front spoiler, sport suspension, 255/40YR18 summer performance tires. NA AWD.
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X Pkg. w/sunroof delete
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2WD 250 manual
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$924
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$719
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250 automatic, 350
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$894
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$695
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Navigation/Mark Levinson Pkg.
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IS 250, IS 350, IS F
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$3,990
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$3,302
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Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, Mark Levinson AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer.
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Preferred Accessory Pkg.
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250, 350
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$197
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$117
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Cargo mat and net, wheel locks.
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Powertrain |
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Sport dual exhaust system
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250, 350
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$1,500
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$1,100
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Safety |
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Pre-Collision Safety System
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250 automatic, 350
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$2,850
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$2,280
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F
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$2,550
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$2,150
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Includes adaptive cruise control.
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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IS 250, IS 350, IS F
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$500
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$400
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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IS 250, IS 350, IS F
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$2,550
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$2,150
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Includes voice recognition, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link.
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Mark Levinson sound system
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250, 350
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$940
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$752
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Satellite radio
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IS 250, IS 350, IS F
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$486
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$389
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Wood interior trim
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250, 350
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$450
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$360
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Rubber floormats
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250, 350
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$99
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$59
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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250, 350
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$355
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$246
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Steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights
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250, 350
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$875
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$700
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Requires Luxury Pkg.
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Headlight washers
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IS 250, IS 350, IS F
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$100
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$80
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250, 350 require Luxury Pkg., Luxury Pkg. w/18-Inch Wheels, Sport Pkg., or steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights.
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225/40R18 front and 255/40R18 rear summer performance tires
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250, 350
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$830
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$664
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NA AWD.
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Lexus IS Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lexus IS 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3455 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 30.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /152 | 3.5 /210 | 5.0 /303 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 204 @ 6400 | 306 @ 6400 | 416 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 185 @ 4800 | 277 @ 4800 | 371 @ 5200 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 18/26 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | 21/29 | 18/25 | --/-- |
| 8-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 16/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lexus IS 4-door sedan |
| 4WD Rollover | 5 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2008 Lexus IS Review:
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