2023 Lexus IS 500 Consumer Reviews
Pricing
No surprises if you do your homework
I purchased my Lexus IS 500 in September, 2023 having reviewed all available YouTube tests, Car and Driver reviews etc, so I was familiar with all of the rants/criticisms. This was my first encounter with Lexus.I purchased the prepaid and extended warranty (40% off the cost of an AMG, my former car) and a nice set of P ZERO winter tires. There is an abundance of reviews on the IS 500 now so most buyers should be familiar with the pros/cons. My take: Cons *No electric folding mirrors which should have been included back in 2014 for IS models *No ability to raise or lower windows & open sunroof with the key from outside which is a nice feature on hot days *Tires should be 245 Front/275 Rear. This is an easy fix when the sub standard Bridgestones are worn * no wireless ( I don't care) Pros * love the hard button controls * Apple car play * touchscreen new for 2023 * highway mileage is surprisingly good for a V8 if you keep in prolonged Eco mode *great seats * service cost a fraction of Audi/BMW/MB *spare tire *nice dash cam * nice paint quality * steering weight is actually adjustable for sport ( journalists would not know this likely) *best looking four door period * engine/engine/engine>>>>! Could not be happier, now is a good time to buy as I got mine below sticker. This one will be a keeper.
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1st Time Lexus Owner IS500 F Sport Perf. Premium
Been eyeing the RC and the IS models for a few years, decided and purchased the IS500 Iriduim color at the beginning of January 2022, slightly over priced, but worth every penny with that V8 Horsepower, love the sporty exterior and a fun weekend car. Interior could be a little upgraded, but am still very happy with it, think it will be worth it in the long run when considering upkeep and since I plan on keeping it for years.
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- F SPORT Performance SedanMSRP: $70,738107 mi away
- F SPORT Performance SedanMSRP: $63,258108 mi away
- F SPORT Performance SedanMSRP: $65,035108 mi away
Best All-around smaller sedan ever made in history
Plenty fast, solid ride, quality construction=peace of mind, nice materials interior, comfortable cabin, sounds great, keeps value better than most. Rare tried and true V-8 for such a platform. Decent mpg. Very hard pressed to find something negative that would be a dealbreaker. Love this car because it’s so unique and is truly enjoyable to drive if your an enthusiast.
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Amazing tribute to old school V8 muscle!
I've been driving my '23 IS500 for slightly over 2 years now. So far, it's been typical carefree Lexus regarding operation and maintenance. Online reviewers have dinged this car for it's lack of advanced technology, but I actually appreciate how the car is lacking many of the latest tech features and the complex infotainment interface that seem to be the source of so much frustration (and so many repairs) in new automobiles today. In terms of driving experience, the IS500 strikes a nice balance of performance and comfort. While it will pin you to the seat during hard acceleration, it is also very livable as a daily driver, with plenty of room for 4 passengers. The seats are comfortable and the interior is luxuriously quiet. This vehicle is not a canyon carver, but it does have a fairly stable suspension that can be adjusted with the drive mode selector. Another area commonly cited as a shortcoming in the IS500 is the somewhat lazy 8-speed automatic transmission. It sometimes balks during downshifts and can be found gear searching at times during aggressive acceleration-deceleration sequences. Much of this can be mitigated using the aforementioned drive mode selector. Using the Sport S+ mode firms up the suspension and holds revs at higher rpm, which significantly improves the overall performance of the transmission. The IS500 does come equipped with paddle shifters, so there's always that as an alternative. It would be nice if Lexus put it's best 10-speed automatic in this car. The naturally aspirated V8 is surely the main draw to the IS500. It certainly was for me. It generates 472hp and sounds BEAUTIFUL doing it. It will do 0-60mph in around 4.5 seconds. Some owners have lamented the absence of an active exhaust to control exhaust sound, but I feel like any louder than stock would potentially become a neighbor arouser. I rank the upgraded Mark Levinson sound system as the 2nd most desirable feature on this vehicle after the engine. It absolutely kicks tail and I highly recommend it. If you grew up wanting/driving sports cars or American muscle, but you've now outgrown the sacrifices demanded by those driving experiences, I highly recommend the IS500 as the more refined method of getting your kicks!
Rumbly Gumbly V8
I've had my IS 500 since mid-February 2022, and I am smitten. The car is comfortable and easy to drive. I have since added an aftermarket exhaust to amplify that big V8 and that purr inside the cabin is all I need to put a smile on my face. I am glad I got this car and have no regrets. It is a comfortable touring car and has that power on demand when you need it!
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