2011 Lexus IS F Review

Name: 2011 Lexus IS F
Brand: Lexus
Price: 10643 USD
Rating: 4.9 (31 reviews)

Price Estimate: $10,643 - $15,810

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$29,993 avg. price

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Appraise My 2011 Lexus IS F

Lexus IS F model years

Lexus IS F for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Raucous V8 power
sports-car handling
quiet cabin
high-quality interior.

Cons

No manual transmission option
cramped rear seat.

What’s new

For 2011, the Lexus IS F receives a more responsive power steering system, revised suspension tuning and a Torsen limited-slip differential for added traction. On the cosmetic side, LED daytime running lights debut, along with new gauges, interior trim and an optional interior treatment in a wild orange-and-black scheme.

Edmunds says

The 2011 Lexus IS F has the requisite performance and handling for a sport sedan but comes up short for daily usability.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2011 Lexus IS F
Base Sedan
$29,995
- 108,006 miles
- Frame damage reported, 6 owners, personal use only
- 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Yonker's Autoland (230 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Yonkers, NY
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: Yes
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHBP5C20B5008750
Stock: Y575
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2011 Lexus IS F
Base Sedan
$29,991
- 125,074 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use only
- 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Trucks Plus (2,295 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Seattle, WA
2011 Lexus IS F –5.0L V8, Automatic, RWD, Performance Sedan CLEAN title, high-revving 5.0L V8 engine, smooth automatic transmission with paddle shift...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
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: JTHBP5C29B5008360
Stock: 008360
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-03-2025

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Vehicle overview

To some, the 2011 Lexus IS F represents the company's response to other carmakers' performance divisions. To others, it shows what might happen if your teenage son absconded with your Lexus IS and your platinum credit card. Either way, only the exotic Lexus LFA sports car sends a stronger high-performance message for Toyota's premium brand than the 2011 Lexus IS F.

Now in its fourth year of production, the IS F receives an array of high-performance hardware, including a potent 416-horsepower V8, bigger brakes, a suspension that's calibrated for aggressive driving and sticky performance tires on 19-inch wheels. Styling comes next, with a meaner front fascia, a bulging hood, wide fender flares, low-slung rocker-sill skirts, quad exhaust pipes and a rear spoiler. Needless to say, the IS F doesn't look like any other Lexus model.

Previously, this production tuner car lacked the type of refined ride quality that the luxury brand is known for. Unless you were driving on glass-smooth pavement, the IS F felt harsh and unyielding, even when compared to cars that offer similar performance. But the 2011 IS F receives some serious tweaks to take the edge off. Thoroughly revised suspension tuning has greatly reduced ride harshness, and last year's uncommunicative electronic-assist steering has been helped by retuning for 2011. There's also a new mechanical limited-slip rear differential that replaces the previous electronically controlled unit for improved traction.

A couple faults still remain, including a relatively cramped passenger compartment and the lack of a manual transmission option. But thanks to this year's changes, the 2011 IS F is now finally a worthy match to other super sport sedans like the 2011 BMW M3, 2011 Cadillac CTS-V and 2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

Performance & mpg

The rear-wheel-drive 2011 Lexus IS F is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic with a manual mode and shift paddles on the steering wheel is the only transmission offered.

In Edmunds testing of the Lexus IS F, the car accelerates to 60 mph from a standstill in a brisk 4.8 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates are 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg in combined driving.

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2011 Lexus IS F include antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A one-year complimentary subscription to Safety Connect, which provides collision notification, stolen vehicle location and an "SOS" emergency help button is also included. A pre-collision system is also available with the optional adaptive radar cruise control that senses an impending collision and automatically adjusts seatbelt tension and braking force.

In Edmunds braking tests, an IS F came to a stop from 60 mph in a short 112 feet.

Driving

The 2011 Lexus IS F is as exciting to drive as advertised. The powerful V8 roars when prodded and has no problem laying waste to the rear tires in a torrent of white smoke (with the traction control disabled, of course). Even when cruising, the constant low baritone exhaust tempts you to feed in more and more throttle. The chassis is capable of managing the abundant power, with high levels of cornering grip and precise steering. Traditionalists will bemoan the lack of a manual transmission, but the eight-speed automatic proves worthy with quick upshifts and rev-matched downshifts. Unfortunately, eight gears sometimes seems like a couple too many, as the transmission occasionally hunts too much for the right one.

In prior years, the IS F rode too stiffly even for this class of car, making it hard to justify for everyday driving. This year's suspension changes are a welcome improvement, as the car is much more livable on city streets and freeways. The steering also feels more natural. The 2011 car still has a slightly firm ride, though, and notably the adaptive suspensions on the M3 and CTS-V help make those cars superior for dual-purpose use.

Interior

Much like the supporting IS models, the 2011 Lexus IS F features a quiet cabin, well-placed controls and top-notch materials. Unfortunately, the IS F also suffers from the same drawbacks in the form of limited space. Headroom and rear legroom are at a premium, which might prove problematic for taller occupants. The trunk can hold a maximum of 13 cubic feet of luggage, which is about average for cars in this class.

The IS F differentiates its interior from its more sedate IS stablemates by utilizing sporty accents and features. The front sport seats are the most notable upgrade, with added side bolstering and racy suede inserts. The IS F's rear seat is set up to only accommodate two passengers instead of the normal three. Other sporty touches include aluminum trim (instead of wood) and cool, blue ambient lighting.

2011 Lexus IS F models

The 2011 Lexus IS F is a high-performance luxury sport sedan that is offered in a single well-appointed trim level.

Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, a sport-tuned suspension, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming mirrors, eight-way power heated front leather sport seats with memory settings, suede seat inserts (black leather only), dual-zone automatic climate control and a 13-speaker audio system (with satellite radio, Bluetooth audio, a six-disc CD changer, iPod integration and an auxiliary audio jack).

A hard-drive-based navigation system with a back-up camera, real-time traffic and weather updates is optional. Also available is a 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system (requires purchase of the navigation system), front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. Navigation-equipped vehicles come with a one-year subscription to Lexus' Enform, which provides on-call travel advisers who can help drivers with destinations (e.g., a movie theater or the closest gas station) and then send the info to the navigation system.

Compare 2011 Lexus IS F trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$246/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Reliability

The 2011 Lexus IS F has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

3 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 19V005000
Manufactured from:: 2009-04-17 to 2015-08-03
Number of vehicles affected:: 1299448
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of 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." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of 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." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of 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 or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that 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 front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall is expected to begin February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. 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:: 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:: 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 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.9

31 reviews

5(90%)

4(7%)

3(3%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

See all 31 reviews of the Lexus IS F

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

This thing is a BEAST!

KT, 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 …

The perfect car for me

caymandiver75, 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

IS-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 …

The Best

Ferdi , 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 …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Lexus IS F, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS F since its last redesign.

2011 IS F Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$60,660
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$246/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the IS F include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

2011 Lexus IS F Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

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What’s new

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For sale near Ashburn, VA

2011 Lexus IS F
Base Sedan

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2011 Lexus IS F
Base Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2011 Lexus IS F models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Lexus IS F Reviews

Owner Reviews

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2011 Lexus IS F Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

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What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale near Ashburn, VA

2011 Lexus IS FBase Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2011 Lexus IS FBase Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2011 Lexus IS F models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Lexus IS F Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

This thing is a BEAST!

The perfect car for me

More bang for your buck than BMW m3

The Best

2011 IS F Highlights

Safety

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2011 Lexus IS F
Base Sedan

2011 Lexus IS F
Base Sedan