2023 Lexus IS 500 Consumer Reviews
Pricing
F SPORT Performance (Most Popular) - $59,420 MSRP
Edmunds suggests you pay
$52,616Prices based on sales in NJ thru 4/28/25
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 IS 500, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS 500 since its last redesign.
First Time New Lexus Owner
J Smith, 02/17/2022
2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/22 (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
When I think of a car manufacturer using the word, "performance" with a car, terms like, "canyon carver, track missile, tire shredder" come to mind...that's not the case with this car. Lexus is using performance to distinguish it from the rest of its lineup. It's hard to compare the IS500 to another performance vehicle from a different brand, because it will fall short. High points of this car are reliability, nostalgia, and a pleasant driving experience. Low points are the transmission, suspension, and clunky infotainment system. The engine is a solid performer that sounds AMAZING! Loud enough during spirited driving but not enough to upset the neighbors during an early morning cold start. Acceleration is punchy if you keep the RPMs up but it feels like it was designed to cruise. Interior is a mixed bag; outdated and busy but has a lot of attention to detail and comfort. Visibility is great even though it has a small rear window. There's a plethora of safety features standard on this car if you’re into that. Overall, it’s a well-built car that will be underappreciated for a while. If you want looks (or AWD), you might be happy with an IS350, but if you want that with a V8, you can't go wrong with the IS500…unless you need AWD.
Amazing Noise and performance
PK, 04/08/2022
2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/22 (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
In the era of electric, Lexus is offering a naturally aspirated V8 sedan. Its one of the best investments for the long term, as these things are going to be rare in the future to buy. Everything is amazing; touch screen and apple car play connection, etc. The only downside is they do not offer AWD and that is a problem in the North. Other then that, the best car to drive. With Lexus, you are pretty much maintenance free and can rely on that for million miles.
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2023 Lexus IS 500 for sale near you
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- F SPORT Performance SedanMSRP: $58,84255 mi away
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I love it!
_thejurb_, 12/23/2021
2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/22 (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
Ok so first I’m not sure what other reviewer was talking about. Clearly he/she didn’t order the car and maybe just isn’t a true Lexus fan. I inquired about the Launch edition months ago with Hendrick Lexus in Charlotte NC. Due to the chip shortage and supply chain issue things got held up a bit. Did they ask for a deposit? Yes (and why wouldn’t they?) however I said if they could promise me a launch edition I would give them the money down. They said they couldn’t and would put me on the list to call if they could. About a month and a half later my phone rang…”we have a launch edition do you want to secure it?” Ummmm yes! I gave them 2500.00. Hendrick dealerships DO NOT charge above sticker. I paid sticker price for the limited edition trim plus the typical fees of course tint and the stuff they add to make a little extra. The car was 71k and change for one of 500 launches. The premium trim is in the low to mid 60k range and is almost the same but not limited. Considering what you are getting… N/A V8. Lexus quality. 1800 watt 17 speaker stereo that is amazing…. Well never mind. I don’t need to sell it to you. If you are buying something like this you should know what to expect. This is a Toyota/Lexus product. It is a swan song as V8s are going the way of the dodo bird. It is a premium product that lands you in a sweet spot between Mercedes’ and BMW. This car regardless of what trim you buy it in will appreciate in value and will have a enthusiast following. If you don’t believe me look at the ISF from 2007. This is the same engine people finely tuned for this car as well as the LC500 and the RCF. I could talk cars all day but I’ve owned quite a few in my day and I chose this one specifically because i know it will not only be reliable but also functional. Will it beat a new M3? No it won’t but there is a significant cost difference to get it nicely equipped and again Lexus reliability. This car will do 0-60 in 4.4 and will toss you back in your seat. I’m not a Lexus fan boy but a car enthusiast. I’m shocked they built this car but I’m glad they did and exterior to down one of the 500 launch editions. Do your research and buy what makes you happy!!! Also for those who don’t know. The IS500 was made only for America. If you think for one second Europeans won’t want this then think again. If you are even on the fence. Buy it… drive it a couple years and then toss it online.
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GET ONE IF YOU CAN!!
DLP Tony, 03/08/2022
2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I put down a deposit on February 24th, 2021 and finally picked up my IS 500 Premium on March 4th, 2022. This is my 5th Lexus and it is by far the best! It is kind of like my 2016 IS 350 FSport, just turned up. 1. The quickness is amazing. 2. At highway speeds the IS 500 returned 25mpg. My IS 350 returned 28mpg. 3. Do NOT pay over MSRP! Be patient.
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Not a Porsche 922, and that's a good thing
BCWatty, 11/03/2023
2023 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have been driving for nearly 50 years and have owned 53 vehicles. I have been a car enthusiast and have, therefore, not considered Lexus since "fun to drive" is at the top of my list. I finally ordered and obtained a Porsche 911 C2 18 months ago - it had always been my dream car and I took delivery at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta. It is a beautiful and highly capable car, too capable for the likes of me. I had to drive it hard and fast to really enjoy it at criminal speeds. The transmission was telepathic when driven hard. Having invested such funds in a "toy" however, which I could not reasonably enjoy, weighed on me and I traded it for a Toyota GR86 while awaiting an allocation for a BMW M2 with manual transmission, which I thought would be more engaging than the 922 due to the manual. While awaiting the allocation, however, I found I really enjoyed the GR86 for 1/2 the price and it scratched my manual transmission itch. Since I am relatively old and creaky, I found that car was just too small and too uncomfortable. Since I am nearing retirement, I discerned I needed a car which I could trust when outside of the warranty period and that caused me to consider a Lexus and the IS 500. Since Hendrick in Charlotte does charge over MSRP when taking into account the few thousands of dollars of no-choice, no value add-ons like nitrogen, paint protection (not PPF), and such, I shopped the internet and found a new one in the South Florida for $$$$ of savings over local. I like this vehicle is a stealth performance car. It is comfortable, it is fast, it is beautiful, and it has a reasonable amount of utility. I like having buttons instead of having to dive into menus to operate the car - my wife's Tesla MYP is faster but MUCH less comfortable, and a hassle to adjust any setting. I am not going to track this car, so NOT being a full "F" is a benefit, not a detriment. It is fun, and everything is where it is supposed to be. I do like the sound of the engine, too. The eternal lament of, "they don't make 'em like they use to" is cured by this car - and that is for the better. I do not want or need a huge digital display. What same may deem "dated" is deemed "classic" to the likes of me. A fun, stealth car at 1/2 price of a 911! I can still run the Tail Of The Dragon in it, without holding up anyone. I have been through a bunch of cars, but now need a car to last beyond the warranty period. I think this may be a keeper. I am glad Lexus still gives the enthusiast this option. For now, they DO make 'em like they used to.
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No surprises if you do your homework
Richard, Vancouver, Canada, 12/05/2023
2023 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
StillInSoCal42, 03/14/2022
2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
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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Rumbly Gumbly V8
IssaV8, 04/21/2022
2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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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IS 500 Launch Edition No 59/500
flighthalo, 04/10/2022
2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/22 (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The car is killer. There were 100 LE's for Canada so this was not just a US release. The "problems" listed are not a big deal, its the equivalent to a valve on the exhaust that is not tight enough, it's fixed no charge and a loaner is provided....there is no "buyers remorse", that could not be further from the truth, that's actually really funny.....The Suede interior is nice and smooth, the exterior color and wheels are awesome, the car is very comfortable, the stereo is ridiculous and the car drives and accelerates like sweet, sweet candy...the only remorse out there are those who didn't call the dealer first thing on that Monday in March in 2021....The car was about $68,500 average if you paid sticker, the LE's are selling for 87k right now. The car is nasty.
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Check engine light after 100 miles
Dave, 01/29/2022
2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
The sound of the v8 is incredible and I love the way the car drives. However, there’s definitely a manufacturing defect. Multiple reports of IS 500 check engine lights. Some buyers have been dealing with this for weeks. I’d wait until the kinks are worked out before spending the money on one. Unfortunately, this has led to pretty serious buyers remorse. UPDATE: check engine light was resolved and this car is a blast! So much character which is rare for a car in 2022.
Amazing tribute to old school V8 muscle!
tommyboydmd, 03/05/2025
2023 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Comfort over Sport.....
Gentleman7337, 04/07/2023
2023 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
2 of 7 people found this review helpful
I had this IS500 Premium for about 1,500 miles now. I was somewhat disappointed with the interior, no wireless phone charging for a $67,000 car! Lexus really missed it, no place to put your phone either! The V8 engine, performance & comfort are the reasons I bought this car. The V8 was fast but not fast enough, it slowly climb but it won’t peak until 5,000 rpm! That’s slow for a 5.0 V8, I expected a lot more power from a big engine tiny compact car. The 1,800 watt stereo is good, but not great. Interior of IS500 is old & disappointing. If it was not the Lexus reliability, I would not buy this car. If I do it again, I will buy a Mercedes AMG C43 or C63, I drove Mercedes SLC300 before, and Lexus is few notch below Mercedes in performance & handling. Overall, IS500 is more comfortable then performance. IS500 is faster than most car by a noise, but can not match the Mercedes, BMW or the best of the Chevy!
Lexus IS 500 completely disappointed
Humble brag, 12/19/2021
2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/22 (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
12 of 66 people found this review helpful
Waited for 14 years for this launch and everything about getting it has made me so sad. First of all the dealers want a 18-24k over sticker mark up to purchase and they supposedly will order for you, then they want a deposit to hold the car that you have no clue if you will like. Finally, the launch edition arrived at a local dealership and ran to see the car of my dreams, what a disappointment, not what I was expecting at all… How can they expect people to pay 83k or more for this. It’s unbelievable
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Awesome feel
Meteoro, 08/18/2024
2023 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned different sports cars such as a BMW 320is, two different Corvettes, a Porsche 911 and a Mazda RX8. Is my first time owning a Lexus sports car: The IS 500 V8 sounds powerful and sublime. It accelerates with determination and soul. It gets to 100mph effortlessly. The car just feels smooth and powerful at the same time. I love to drive it in short trips on errands or long distance travel. My first time owning a Lexus IS F. I love it.
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Old school cool
DAYM..., 10/13/2024
2023 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
! Love this car for what it is a comfortable Sports car that rumbles, and with the right exhausts it will set you and the car free.
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Best All-around smaller sedan ever made in history
ALX SERB 1, 05/12/2025
2023 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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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