2008 Lexus IS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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A compact sport sedan with a large helping of quality.

The IS stands out from the average Audi thanks to small details. Take the rear door cutline, which reaches over and around the rear window instead of pointing straight up. The car's nose is tapered and the hood slopes aggressively, yet the rear is short and square. On the side, perhaps in the wrong color, you might mistake an IS for a pricier Toyota Corolla. It's not as low or sleek as its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis would suggest.
But once inside, you'll realize none of that matters. Attractive colors, especially the matte silver on the center stack, make the IS look more high-end than the competition. Even the rear seatbacks are more sculpted than they ought to be in an entry-level luxury car, replete with a few pleats for that tailored style. The leather and wood trim are rich, and what's not leather or wood is mostly soft, padded, and fitted with the same exacting care as the flagship LS sedan. A few more details impress, like the instrument panel gauges with thin numbers aligned to each hash mark, like an expensive wristwatch. Even the hand pulls and speaker grilles on the front doors intersect as the headlights and grille do on the outside of the car. Not many cars in this price category feel this upscale.
The IS F is a subtle but meaningful upgrade in the best tradition of German rivals like BMW M and Mercedes AMG. Everything inflates in size—the wheels, air intakes, and the quad exhaust tips, stacked at either end—without revealing the true muscle underneath.

The IS comes with two V6 engines in either rear- or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base IS 250 has a 2.5-liter V6 with 204 horsepower, 185 pound-feet of torque, and a 6-speed manual transmission. Yes, a manual-transmission Lexus still exists—for now. It's a lazy thing, really. The IS 250 never wakes up from its perpetual snooze, and keeping the revs high just makes things louder without the accompanying thrust. It's fun to row the gears in a Lexus, and the clutch engagement and shifter are as smooth as they come. AWD is only available for the IS 250. The better choice is the IS 350 with its 3.5-liter V6. At 306 hp and 277 lb-ft with the 6-speed automatic that's optional on the IS 250, there's no lack of anything. Paddle shifters make the IS 350 truly fun. But despite livelier steering and a balanced chassis, the IS holds back compared to a BMW 330i, and it dials in more ride comfort.
The exception is the IS F, which has a brutal ride, a loud exhaust, and a 5.0-liter V8 worthy of a race car. This little sedan has 416 hp, 371 lb-ft, and an 8-speed automatic bolted to re-engineered suspension, brakes, and tires. It's so quick and overkill that went it first launched, I saw a journalist crash one into a racetrack barrier in just minutes.



The 2008 IS comes with dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear head curtain airbags as standard. ABS, traction, and stability control come standard. Optional is a Pre-Collision Assist system that uses a radar sensor to detect an impending crash. If one is unavoidable, the seatbelt pre-tensioners activate and the brakes are primed to transmit full braking force the moment the driver steps on the pedal. A reversing camera is available.
In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests for the front moderate overlap and side, it scored the best Good rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the 2008 IS at four out of five stars for the driver and passenger in a frontal crash, five stars for the driver in a side crash, and four stars for the rear passenger in a side crash.
Update: The 2008 IS came with defective Takata airbags that can explode during a crash and kill the front occupants, so be sure to verify the vehicle has received the recommended recall repairs.

User reviews for 2008 Lexus IS
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Speakers not working when it rains
My car speakers make a loud "boom boom" when i turn on the radio and then no sound is coming out. This would only happen when it rained during summer but now that winter is coming the problem seems to be more frequent. The radio still turns on and seems to be working fine. I would appreciate any clues you might have on this issue, Thanks
2008 Lexus IS250, changed bulb, now car stalls in idle
Shop guy was changing out the bulbs on my Lexus IS250, and of course it was under plates with brackets and behind the airflow system. So he unscrewed everything and found the bulb, switched it out, and put everything back... Now my car won't idle and I called and asked lexus and they said I forgot to plug a sensor back in and that's why my car won't idle. I just need to find the location of the sensor... Any help? Please and Thank you
Lexus is250
Hey guys, I'm days away from possibly purchasing a car from a private owner. The car is a 2008 Lexus is250 with 151,000 miles on it. Is this to many miles for this type of vehicle. And how often should spark plugs be replaced, Thanks in advance.
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2008 Lexus IS Pricing
Trims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.4 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation
Tires
Profile: 45 · Type: all season · Width: 225
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.4 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Xenon · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: perforated · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Profile: 45 · Type: all season · Width: 225
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: perforated · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Profile: 45 · Type: summer performance · Width: 225
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Width: 8.5
Wheels - Front Size if Different
Width: 8 inch
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 13
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Stability and Traction
Accident Avoidence Systems: pre-collision safety system
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation



