Used 2009 Lexus IS 250 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 IS 250, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS 250 since its last redesign.
End of my lease, going to miss "lexi"
skyrunr, 10/08/2010
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just love this car and my wife gets jealous when I start talking about "Lexi." I am tall so the back seat sacrifice was justified. Two large dogs have no complaints. Poor rear visibility, but the nice big mirrors help. I get 24mpg with spirited driving and 90% manual shifting. I rarely use the paddles and the shift restrictions are a hair too restrictive. If you want 0-60 times get a motorcycle or theme park. ;) However, this car was purely made for on/off ramps and windy back roads. I also really like that I can disable VSC and TRAC by holding a button (must be stopped.) Wish they had a real wagon version as we now have children. Venza and RX350 can't fit large dogs in back.
Former Beemer has seen the light
Rob, 11/10/2010
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had a few nice cars in my day and this one is my favorite. Grew up with Mercedes and had a few BMW's but this car by far is much more reliable and better overall in the same class. Spent about 10k less than my BMW 325i and it's a much better car even at BMW's price.
2009 Lexus IS 250 for sale near you
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Good for me
3dog, 02/18/2011
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car since November of 07 (it's an 08). I, too, had problems with potholes the winter of 07-08 - sidewall damage on 2 tires which had to be replaced with less than 5000 miles on them. I promptly got a set of rims one size smaller with snow tires that were NOT low profile and I've had no problem since. The car handles great in the snow, pulling through the piles of snow our village plows against the end of the driveway. The ride is a little jittery on the expressway, sometimes seeming to find a harmonic convergence with the ridges on the road, but it is comfortable and quiet. I average 25 mpg on my daily drive, up to 31 mpg on long trips, slightly less with the snow tires.
2008 IS250 Valve Spring Problem
sharon39, 01/05/2011
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With the exception of horrible visibility especially when backing up and changing lanes I loved my IS. At about 30 thousand miles I started to experience a shutter when coming to a stop intermittently. I had it in the shop twice for the problem and they told me there were no error codes and it may have been bad gas. My car is now at 61 thousand miles and needs the valve springs replaced. This is the same problem that there was a recall for on the IS350 and a few other Lexus models a few months ago. I think they need to add the 250 to that recall.
Lexus IS 250 AWD Handling Dream
Criticfilm on LEXUS, 02/22/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an early review, I just purchased my new 2008 Lexus IS 250 AWD, Starfire Pearl. BMW 325i owner, so standards were high, researched and drove 2008 BMW 328i, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, all excellent cars, tough decision. IS 250 needs more power, but overall great handling, love styling, features great, excellent service and prestigious!
Great Little Car
RV, 02/27/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From an SUV to an IS and I don't miss a thing. The IS is a funny car that packs a good punch and its not a bad looker either.
Best In Class
ScottW710, 10/09/2007
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Before purchasing I drove the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C 350 Sport, Infiniti G35, Audi A4 and Acura TL-S. The C 350 was the only car in class that can hold a candle to this car in all-around characteristics. The IS 250 in the 6 speed manual, gives you the performance that you're looking for. While other cars in the class will be slightly faster, none had as nice of a feel in shifting and ride comfort at the Lexus.
Slick... but Still a Lexus
fleetfoot, 10/20/2007
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had an Audi that was about to bite the dust - thing was an absolute money pit. Fortunately, our other "family" car was a Lexus RX and we've had nothing but a stellar Lexus ownership experience, so when I decided to buy another AWD car, the IS 250 AWD had to be on the list. The car has not disappointed. Handles beautifully, looks good, plush inside and best of all it's a Lexus, so you know build quality and ownership experience will be top notch. Get the nav package (w/Bluetooth and rearview camera) - worth every penny.
Best Car Ever
John, 10/22/2007
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I shopped and test drove all the entry level luxury models in this category, G35, C280, 3 Series. I previously owned the Lexus SC 300 and Infinti G35 coupe, but this IS 250 is best car ever. Drive it and you wont sleep until you own one. Such a nice balance between sport styling and true lexus comfort.
2008 IS 250
Ibycus, 11/12/2007
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love everything about this car. The base model is loaded and I only upgraded the wheels, headlights and added a spoiler. I purchased the Matador Red and it's just sexy. I look forward to my drive to work now!
Great overall car, highly suggested
Ennertia.com, 11/22/2007
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the price of a base, it's a great overall value for a luxury vehicle. I purchased only the leather package with automatic. Handles well, lovely interior (doesn't feel like plastic) which is important for me. I take clients out in this vehicle with good overall feedback. Base sound system is decent, includes as base a 6CD changer. Previous car was a Acura 3.2TL with a premium package; only difference I've found is that the Lexus handles better, smaller and maneuvers like a small car.
Great Car
Dablaze, 11/26/2007
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased an 2008 IS 250, and I love the car. Me being 16, I love any car but this car is so fun to drive and it is very comfortable! I installed the spyder wheels and the billet grille, which i highly reccomend!
IS 250 Buyer's Remorse
Kat, 03/14/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The handling on this car is great. It is very reliable and stable at high speeds. The interior is a bit small but feels and looks luxurious. The horsepower is too low - it is missing that extra kick at acceleration. The standard audio system is bad quality; my Bose system in my 96 Maxima was 100% better. The bass is very weak and listening to music became a nuisance in this car. The car makes a weird sound from the rear passenger wheel which I told was normal. Overall, the car operates a bit noisy. The IS 250 is a nice car but I feel I could have gotten a better deal for the money spent.
Great car except for the Nav System
Karim, 03/23/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car a week ago, what a fun car to drive! It handled extremely well in the snow, AWD is great. I love the leather seats, smart key, radio. Paddle shifters are fun. Handles unbelievably!! However, the experience that has been awsome in everyway was dissipated when i found out that several nav system available while the car is parked become inaccessible when the car is in motion. In the name of safety according to lexus. If I were to agree that lexus can be my mother, I resent paying $2600 for a system that is literally crippled in my mind when the vehicle is motion. Save yourselves the money get the car without nav and by a $100 3rd party nav system instead.
Great Car
Nick, 03/24/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this car going on a month. Great car. Test drove the G35 and c300. Picked the IS 250 because of Lexus reliability and looks.
Awesome Car!
jules8174, 03/28/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great car so far. It looks great and feels great. It doesn't make a sound when it's on. The interior is also of extreme quality which makes everyday driving an experience to look forward to! I highly recommend this car.
Great car for the money
carfreak, 03/28/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased by IS 250 two days ago and I love it. I traded an 07 Acura TL, but I drove the Mercedes C300, Audi A4 and VW Fahrenheit GLI. Glad I chose the IS 250 even though the horsepower is lacking and doesn't compare to the TL I had. I got an excellent deal on this car and the base model is loaded with everything I needed. I did get one with HID, 18" tires and upgraded rims and a few other items. Drive it and you'll want one for sure!
Great Choice
Brent, 04/04/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 1 month and it's been a blast to drive. I really like the interior and exterior styling and it has a very smooth ride to it. I looked at the G-35 and BMW 325 but you get more for the dollar on the lexus IS 250. Never really paid attention to Lexus before, but this is a great quality car. 31.7 MPG highway and 26 mixed. A 15 min test drive is not enough as I had to go back to drive it again. It took me several days to get used to driving this car.
Great car
caldad, 04/06/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was very impressed with the drivability of this car compared to the BMW and I'm looking forward to lower maintenance costs than my BMW or Audi. Comfy ride yet still good road feel so I know what's going on. Nice and quiet. Smooth transmission even with performance driving. Paddle shifters are convenient and give confidence when performance driving. Heated and cooled seats are very nice.
I love it
Jen, 04/10/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car because I needed an AWD vehicle but did not want an SUV. Test drove the Audi A4 but went with the Lexus b/c of reliability. This car is fun to drive and has made my commute more enjoyable. It needs more power. In the Power mode, it's a dream but in regular mode, it's quite sluggish. The ride itself is smooth and the interior is comfortable. I'm getting used to the brakes - I'm used to pressing the brake and coming to an immediate standstill, the brakes on the Lexus tend to "glide" a little more. The back seat is small but my 2 kids (age 9 and 3) don't seem to mind. Handles like a dream. Fuel economy is great. I love it!
Nice!!
lji, 04/17/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car a week and a half ago and really like what the car has to offer. Test drove a 335i sedan, infiniti g37, and an acura tl and tl type s. Went with the Lexus due to interior quality and richness and value compared to the bimmer. Coming from an Acura TL, the learning curve on using the nav system is huge. Toyota (Lexus) can learn quite a bit from how Honda (Acura) has implemented their nav interface. Drives like a charm, although I wish the steering would tighten up a bit at highway speeds. It would be nice to deactivate VSC and TCS while driving instead of bringing the car to a stop first. There is definitely room for improvement on the car. Fix the nav operation, add mem seats!
Very good - but not great
bringbackmalcolm, 04/23/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2005 Acura TL for the Lexus. I feel like I've from cream to half&half. Don't get me wrong, this is a very good car, and it was the AWD at a reasonable cost that sold me. The interior is beautifully well crafted, but not as ergonomically friendly as the Acura. You feel more road irregularities, but if were expecting not to you bought the wrong car. My biggist gripe (and I hate to keep comparing the TL) is the Manual/Sport shift. Nowhere near as seamless as the Acura. Even worse is when you move your shifter over into that mode, the default gear is 4th - rather than the gear you were in. Pretty abrupt if your in 6th, which this car has you in most of the time.
... so far, so good!
IS 4 KC, 04/27/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my IS250 1 week ago and so far it's been great! I have heard some complaints on how the initial pick up is lagging some, but I have yet to feel inadequate upon "take off". It's a smooth ride and really fun to drive. The navigation system takes a little getting used to-- it's really just a matter of getting the lingo down. I have the tan interior, which tends to get dirty rather quickly, but the perma-plate guard that they put on seems to be keeping the dirt off. The only thing I can complain about is the slightly small back seat (but hey, i'm not sitting in the back!!)and the blind spots. Other than that, I love it!
Awesome Car
NJ, 05/01/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car about 5 days ago after deciding to trade in my 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe due to rising gas prices. I agree with several other peoples posts in regards to test driving this car just wasn't enough. After 5 days of owning this car I can honestly say that it is AWESOME. I commute in the Bay Area everyday and this car is by far the best I could have bought. The gas mileage is great, the luxury features are wonderful and the car looks/drives like a dream! Please keep in mind that I came from a 6,000lb SUV to this small Lexus sedan. I was very worried about the drastic change in vehicles and that I wouln't like being in a sedan. I have 0 buyers remorse and don't miss my SUV at all.
Excellent and fun car!
Jason, 05/17/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've read all of the reviews for this car on this website and where some I thought were very helpful, there were those that questioned things like the lack of horsepower, sound system, and build quality. For an entry level luxury car and a terrific base price, you can't get a better deal. The ride is tight with the Sport package but this is what I wanted in a sport compact. The power was surprisingly peppy, fun, and the growl at times was a nice tease that indicated there's still that hint of energy and adrenaline waiting to be let out. When needed, the car goes and in the cabin, the comfort conveniences are second to none. Excellent options and an excellent experience. Very satisfied!
Poor Navigation
Jeffrey, 05/13/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very nice & refined car. AWD model accelerates fine. Very nicely finished interior. The rear seat is tight, but I knew this when I made the purchase. It was hard to find a model with the Luxury Package. Would not have purchased the car without that package. This package is what makes a Lexus a "Lexus". On the other hand the navigation system is not acceptable. A passenger cannot program the system while the car is in motion, does not announce street names, is very complicated to program. Do not waste your money on this inferior system. Instead purchase a $300.00 portable navigation system. They are easy to program, have "Text to speech", and have traffic updates.
Great car
Rick, 09/13/2018
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has all the features. A 2008 that has features that 2018 cars don’t have. I love this car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fun Car to Drive
SBK, 03/11/2008
2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car last month, what a fun car to drive! It handled extremely well in th snow, AWD is great. I love the leather seats, smart key, radio. Paddle shifters are fun. Handles unbelievably!!