2009 Lexus IS F Review
Price Estimate: $6,859 - $10,668





+48
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Gobs of tire-smoking power, sports-car-worthy handling, relatively quiet cabin, high-quality interior.
Cons
- Bone-jarring suspension, no manual transmission option, boy-racer exterior styling, tiny cabin accommodations.
What’s new
The 2009 Lexus IS-F remains unchanged from the previous year except for a revised instrument panel, interior trim enhancements and minor changes to feature availability.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Lexus IS-F is the black sheep of the Lexus family, with brash looks, a voracious appetite for curvy pavement and unforgiving ride quality.
For sale near Evans, GA
2 listings
- $44,995
- 68,609 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Ultimate Powersports (1,710 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHBP262895006572
Stock: 006572
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $35,800
- 77,711 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, personal use
- 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- EastBay Motorcars (2,236 mi away)
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Dublin, CA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHBP262695005582
Stock: 8272
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-10-2025
Vehicle overview
Acronyms and initials abound for automotive performance divisions. Think about it -- we have AMG, M, S, SVT, SRT, TRD, STI, JCW and so on. Last year saw the introduction of Lexus' foray into this arena with the F performance line. What does the "F" represent? Speculation abounds, but Lexus says it's derived from Toyota's initial "Circle-F" designation of 20 years ago for what would become the Lexus brand itself. It later morphed into Flagship One or F1, which in turn became the internal code for the first Lexus car, the LS 400.
Now that you're set for Automotive Jeopardy, all you really need to know is that the 2009 Lexus IS-F is one ferociously fast four-door. Based on the regular IS entry-level luxury sedan, the IS-F gains all the typical acronym-division performance upgrades, including a muscle-bound 5.0-liter V8, stronger brakes, stiffer suspension tuning, bigger wheels and stickier tires. Unfortunately, many will find the IS-F's fashion sense to be overly flashy considering the company's typical conservatism, and the car's uncompromising ride quality will have even the most dedicated driver considering a lifetime chiropractor membership.
For sure, fearlessly flicking the IS-F into turns is flat-out fun, and the profuse power put forth from the right foot is emphatically formidable. In its own right, the IS-F is a stunning performer. But when stacked up against competing models like the Audi RS4, BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, it comes up short in terms of real-world usability and overall satisfaction. As Lexus' initial attempt at an ultra-performance sedan, the IS-F is a promising start. But in the meantime, we advise skipping it in favor of one of its rivals.
Performance & mpg
Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 generating 416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet of torque, the 2009 Lexus IS-F rockets to 60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates are 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg in combined driving. The only available transmission is an eight-speed automatic with a paddle-shift manual mode.
Safety
The IS-F comes equipped with antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front-seat side and knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Optional safety equipment includes a pre-collision system paired with the adaptive radar cruise control that senses an impending collision and automatically adjusts seatbelt tension and braking force.
The IS-F has not been crash tested, but in government testing its IS 350 sibling was awarded four stars out of five for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts as well as rear side impacts. In front side impacts, it was awarded a perfect five out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the IS 350 its top rating of "Good" in its frontal offset and side impact tests.
Driving
The 2009 Lexus IS-F is impressive and entertaining behind the wheel. Halfway up to the 6,800-rpm redline, the throaty V8 unleashes a grin-inducing roar. Grip provided by the sticky tires is up to the task. The steering is precise and confident when cornering near the limit, although the electric assist does lack a bit of feedback. Thanks to the massive Brembo brakes, stopping power and feel are excellent, halting the IS-F in an eye-bulging 112 feet.
If prodded, the IS-F will lay down rubber in a torrent of billowing white smoke until the tires self-destruct, provided you turn off the electronic stability control. Although we'd still like to see an option for a traditional manual transmission, the eight-speed auto is definitely well-suited for racetrack duty, thanks to its super-quick upshifts and rev-matched downshifts. Likewise, the super-stiff suspension is ideal for weekend track-day use.
On public roads at legal speeds, the IS-F shows its flaws. With so many gears, the transmission seems to be perpetually searching for the right ratio. The rock-hard suspension is too rough for everyday use, sending Richter-scale shock waves directly into the spines of the occupants. Competitors are more fun and refined.
Interior
Inside the cabin you'll find top-quality materials, superb sound insulation, well-placed controls and a trunk pass-through -- much like in the IS 350. To its detriment, the IS-F also inherits the 350's limited headroom and rear-seat legroom, which proves problematic for adult passengers -- particularly taller ones. Setting the IS-F apart from its less exotic brethren are aluminum trim pieces, ambient lighting in a soothing blue hue, sport seats and room for only two rear passengers (as opposed to three seats in the rest of the IS line).
2009 Lexus IS F models
The 2009 Lexus IS-F high-performance luxury sport sedan is available in only one well-appointed trim level. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels shod with sticky tires, Brembo brakes, adaptive xenon headlights, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming mirrors, 10-way power/heated front leather sport seats with memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 13-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer, iPod integration and an auxiliary audio jack.
Available options include a 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system, satellite radio, park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a navigation system with a rearview camera and Bluetooth.

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Compare 2009 Lexus IS F trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia
$243/mo for IS F Base
IS F Base
vs
$153/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2009 Lexus IS F has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
6 recalls found- Recall Number:
- 19V741000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- J0A, J0B,
- Manufactured from:
- 2008-04-23 to 2008-12-04
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 928203
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the driver or front passenger air bag inflator or the air bag assembly using an alternate inflator , free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
- Recall Number:
- 18V024000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- See attach
- Manufactured from:
- 2012-10-25 to 2013-11-01
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 622657
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
- Recall Number:
- 17V006000
- Manufactured from:
- 2011-06-03 to 2012-12-26
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 567911
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available are expected to begin January 30, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), H1A (Toyota Zone C), G2G (Lexus Zone A), G2H (Lexus Zone B) and H2A (Lexus Zone C). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
- Recall Number:
- 16V340000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- TG1P/G1R L
- Manufactured from:
- 2007-07-18 to 2011-08-27
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1654713
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available were mailed on July 6, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
- Recall Number:
- 14V647000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 422509
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
- Defect Consequence:
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
- Recall Number:
- 13V030000
- Manufactured from:
- 2007-12-14 to 2011-07-10
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 267718
- Defect Description:
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011. The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.
- Defect Consequence:
- Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The recall will begin in late February 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 6 years / 70,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / unlimited miles
Lexus IS F Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
This thing is a BEAST!
5 out of 5 starsKT, 09/21/2009
2008 Lexus IS F 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
I've driven a lot of sports cars and this is among the most fun. I tried the M3/5 and the AMG and just preferred the way the IS-F is tuned. It is a lot more like a muscle car than the M's and I guess I'm just not a Mercedes guy. Plus, with Lexus, I don't have to worry about all the reliability issues of the Germans. Love the grunt, the automatic is buttery smooth and the manual mode is … actually decent (from a diehard straight drive fan). Don't understand people whining about the ride. This is a SPORTS car, and it's actually not even that bad for a sports car. Plus I can get 25-27 easily on the highway, 28 if I try hard. Overall an awesome car. Would like ventilated seats, but small gripe.
The perfect car for me
5 out of 5 starscaymandiver75, 01/02/2011
2008 Lexus IS F 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
I've owned this car now for 2.5 years and have put 20k miles on it.
The car has performed flawlessly requiring no unscheduled maintenance to be done.
More bang for your buck than BMW m3
5 out of 5 starsIS-F for life = ), 08/09/2009
2008 Lexus IS F 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
This is the best car I have ever owned and driven. This car came standard with all options including navigation etc. Extremely reliable, and with cruise control on when driving on the open road, I averaged 29.8 mpg while going 70mph which is impressive for a v-8 sports car even if you don't like the brand. I paid 54,000 for my car which came with everything, and compared to the … legendary BMW m-3 which cost over 71,000 and only came with heated leather seats and nothing else standard! Lexus is more bang for your buck! Never owned a Lexus before, but this is great!
The Best
4.88 out of 5 starsFerdi , 08/05/2008
2008 Lexus IS F 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
Wanting to buy the M3, but ended up buying the blue exterior and white interior ISF. No regret, this car is super fast at the same time super comfortable. I love this sport sound when you step on the accelerator. This car is totally different from my 08 LS 460. 2 years free maintenance, free car wash forever, free detail every year, reliability plus excellent customer service what more … can I ask.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Lexus IS F, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS F since its last redesign.
2009 IS F Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $56,760 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $243/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the IS F include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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