The Lexus IS has been in the U.S. for 25 years as Toyota’s luxury brand’s fun-to-drive sports sedan. It’s the entry-level model in the Lexus lineup, attracting younger buyers with its comparatively low price point and compact proportions.
Throughout its life, it has been sold as a wagon, a convertible, and with a high-performance V8, taking swipes at the likes of the BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the Audi A4.
While many thought the 2025 model year would be its last, the current IS received yet another facelift for 2026, which heralded dramatic design changes and the addition of the current tech from the rest of the Lexus lineup.
If you want a manual transmission, look at the 2002 to 2012 model years. Yearn for a V8? Narrow your search between 2011 and 2014 or 2022 and 2025. Looking for something more fuel efficient? Go for the inline-four turbo that was available from 2015 to 2025, first as the Lexus IS 200t, then as the Lexus IS 300 RWD. If Apple CarPlay is your jam, you’ll have to start with the 2021 model year.
The IS is ideal for young professionals or those who rarely bring passengers along for the ride—less so for families, because the back seat is really tight.
Lexus IS: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Lexus IS Pros and Cons
- Lexus IS Generations
- Lexus IS Third Generation (2014–Present)
- Lexus IS Second Generation (2006–2013)
- Lexus IS First Generation (2001–2005)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Lexus IS years are the best?
The newest years are the best bets from a reliability and technology standpoint, but they’re also the most expensive. For older examples, CarComplaints.com shows the 2013 model year has very few complaints, and it also has the lowest number of complaints and recalls of the second generation on the NHTSA.gov website. If you’re looking for a third-generation example, the 2018 model year is a good bet.
What are the worst Lexus IS years?
Though Lexus IS models are typically reliable across the generations, there are a few model years to avoid. The 2007 and 2008 model years in IS 250 and IS 350 forms have an unusually large number of complaints and recalls because of interior accessory problems, and the most reported problem for 2007 was a melting dashboard. With the exception of the 2013 model year, which has very few reported complaints, the second generation is best avoided.
Is a used Lexus IS a good deal?
Considering that the current price for a new Lexus IS tops $40,000 in all trim levels, a used IS can be a good deal. Sedans from the 2013 model year are selling for $10,000 to $14,000, which is a great deal for a reliable, compact luxury car, and you’ll likely spend just over $20,000 for an early third-generation model. If you crave modern technology, such as Apple CarPlay, you’ll want a model from 2021 onwards, prices for which start at around $28,000.
Lexus IS Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fun to drive
- Easy-to-use technology
- Standard advanced safety features
Cons
- Not much cargo space
- Cramped back seats
- Poor fuel economy
Lexus IS Generations
Lexus IS Third Generation (2014–Present)
The 2014 model year for the Lexus IS is kind of weird. It ushered in the sedan’s third generation with a radically new design—taking a few cues from the Lexus LFA supercar—better interior space and a revamped infotainment system. But the convertible carried over unchanged from 2013, and the Lexus IS F received only minor changes, such as a carbon fiber rear spoiler.
The powertrains were carried over from the second generation and comprised a 2.5-liter V6, a 3.5-liter V6, and a 5.0-liter V8. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on non-F sedans, and there was no manual transmission. F Sport models (not to be confused with the IS F) added firmer springs and shock absorbers and a recalibrated electric power steering system.
The IS sedan offered a lot of standard luxury-level specs in this generation, including passive entry, push-button start, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a power moonroof, a 13-speaker premium audio system, built-in telematics, and hill-start assist. The new Lexus Enform 2.0 infotainment system was available, and included HD Radio and mobile applications such as Bing, OpenTable, MovieTickets.com, Yelp, and Pandora. This generation also introduced some new available safety features, such as automatic high beams, lane departure alert, blind spot monitoring, and rear-cross-traffic alert.
The IS F disappeared from the lineup in 2015. In 2016, the IS lineup lost both the IS 250 and the IS F but gained a 200t model with a 241-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 300 AWD model with a 255-hp 3.5-liter V6. There was a slight refresh for the 2017 model year, with revised front and rear ends, a tweaked grille, new headlights and taillights, a bigger infotainment system, and a redesigned center console. The Lexus Safety System+ was fitted as standard, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, while the rear-wheel drive version of the IS 350 f Sport Performance got a standard limited-slip rear differential.
There was a confusing nomenclature change in 2018, as the Lexus IS 200t RWD with the four-cylinder turbo was renamed the IS 300, and the IS 300 AWD with the V6 engine kept its name. Both V6 engines got a five hp boost. Amazon Alexa and smartwatch integration arrived in 2019 and the IS F Black Line Special Edition arrived in 2020 with unique design elements and a limited 900-unit production run.
The 2021 model year brought a significant refresh. There was new exterior styling, including fresh taillights, plus a significant tech update. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were finally included in the infotainment system, and the touchscreen display was updated. Standard features included NuLuxe synthetic leather seats, an eight-inch infotainment screen, passive entry, push-button start, dual automatic climate controls, and 18-inch wheels. The Lexus Safety System+ was standard with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-trace assist. New for this year, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.
Available features included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, an F Sport Package with design enhancements, a power moonroof, and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation.
The IS 500 F Sport Performance arrived in 2022, which marked the return of the 5.0-liter V8 engine. In addition to 472 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, this performance-oriented model boasts a raised hood line, dark chrome accents, a quad-exit exhaust, 19-inch Enkei wheels, an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, and F Sport badging. It also got the updated Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 safety suite that includes improvements to the pre-collision systems, as well as the addition of emergency steer assist, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steer assist, enhanced lane trace assist, and road sign assist.
Minor changes in 2023, 2024, and 2025 included the addition of packages and more options.
The 2026 model got another major refresh, with a redesigned exterior that included a new grille and more aggressive headlights. The Lexus Interface infotainment system was standard, as was a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the digital instrument cluster increased to 12.3 inches and the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 was standard. Both the four-cylinder turbo and the V8 disappeared, the only powertrain was a 311-hp 3.5-liter V6—available with both RWD and AWD drivetrains—and the only model was the Lexus IS 350.
This third generation spans more than 10 years, so there’s a lot of price variability among used examples.
If you’re looking for an accident-free vehicle with less than 100,000 miles from the first five or six years of the third generation, you’ll likely pay between $20,000 and $24,000. Post-2021 tech upgrade models start in the low $20,000 range for higher-mileage models. If you’re looking for a low-mileage post-2021 model and can forgo the V8, you’ll probably find an IS priced around $30,000. If you must have the V8, you’ll likely pay around $60,000.
Lexus IS Second Generation (2006–2013)
The second-generation Lexus IS was introduced at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. The wagon disappeared, and the sedan was wider and longer, with an extra 2.3 inches in the wheelbase. It had more coupe-like styling with a fastback roofline, and ushered in new tech features such as keyless ignition, electroluminescence display lighting, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision safety systems.
For 2006, we saw two new V6 engines: a 204-hp 2.5-liter and a 306-hp 3.5-liter, which were used in the Lexus IS 250 and IS 350, respectively, while six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions were available. While RWD was still standard on this compact sedan, AWD was offered for the first time but only with the IS 250 with an automatic transmission.
The IS retained its sporty nature, but this new generation also added available luxury features such as 10-way power adjustable front seats, heated-and-ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, a seven-inch touchscreen DVD navigation system with a back-up camera, a 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system and intuitive park assist.
In 2009, the IS got a refresh with new front and rear bumpers, folding rear headrests, new interior colors, and improved suspension and steering, while a hardtop convertible two-door model arrived in 2010. There was another refresh in 2011 with some interior upgrades and slight exterior changes, and Lexus also added an AWD option to the IS 350 models. This was also the year that the high-performance IS F came on the scene with a 416-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine and an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. It featured a lowered suspension, 19-inch BBS wheels, Brembo brakes, and a specially calibrated version of Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system.
There were only minor changes and upgrades in 2012 and 2013, and in the latter year, the six-speed manual was discontinued and Bluetooth phone connectivity was added.
The second-generation Lexus IS is plentiful and prices start from as little as $3,000 for models with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer. On the high end, we saw Lexus IS F models starting at about $50,000. Lexus IS convertibles range between $8,000 and $28,000, but if you’re just looking for a sedan with no accidents and fewer than 100,000 miles, you’ll likely pay between $12,000 and $14,000.
Lexus IS First Generation (2001–2005)
The first-generation Lexus IS was announced in 1999, and it went on sale in the U.S. in 2000 as a 2001 model. It had a front-engine, RWD layout, and set the stage for a future of dynamic driving for the Lexus brand. Fun fact: According to Lexus “IS” is short for “intelligent sport”.
Launched as the IS 300, this compact sedan was designed to compete with the likes of the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It was equipped with a 215-hp, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Initially the IS was equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual was introduced for the 2002 model year.
It had standard cloth sport seats (leather seats were available), 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, power windows, and an eight-speaker premium audio system with a cassette player.
Though initially only offered as a sedan, a SportCross Hatchback (aka wagon body style) was offered from 2002 through 2005 and was only available with an automatic transmission. The IS got a refresh for 2004 that included redesigned fog lamps, a new 11-spoke wheel design, a smoked surrounding trim for the headlights and taillights, a storage compartment on the dash, and an automatic drive-away door locking system.
First-gen Lexus IS models are now quite rare, so you’ll need to travel to find them. We saw prices ranging from about $5,000 for a high-mileage 2005 model to about $27,000 for a low-mileage 2002 model. However, we saw several models for sale in the $10,000 range. Most were sedans, but we saw a couple SportCross wagons listed.
