2008 Lexus IS: Overview
2008 Lexus IS ▼
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- MSRP: $30,855 -$56,000
- Invoice: $27,151 -$49,280
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Pros
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration (IS 350)
Cons
- Passenger and cargo room
- Quietness
Vehicle Highlights
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' 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.
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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | IS 250, manual Rating | Premium Compact Car Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration | 5 | 6.4 |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | 5.6 |
| Ride Quality | 6 | 5.5 |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | 7.3 |
| Quietness | 6 | 6.1 |
| Controls | 7 | 6.3 |
| Details | 7 | 7.2 |
| Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) | 5 | 6.8 |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | 3.7 |
| Cargo Room | 3 | 4.3 |
| Value within Class | 5 | 6.2 |
| Total Score: | 59 | 65.4 |
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