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2009 Lexus IS 250 Review

April 24, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

decor is the Lexus-typical mix of rich-looking upholstery
ConsumerGuide

crowded and turbulent
The Los Angeles Times

lacks...the crisp visual tailoring of BMW's 3 Series
Kelley Blue Book

According to the firsthand impressions of TheCarConnection.com’s editors and reviews from around the Web, the 2009 Lexus IS wins with styling that reminds everyone of larger, more expensive Lexus sedans.

For 2009, styling upgrades include revised front and rear bumper covers, as well as a grille. IS wheels feature new designs, and new turn signals are now integrated into the exterior mirrors.

The Los Angeles Times reports “the luxury division of Toyota has managed, not quite consciously, to build the 3-series that Munich would have built if they hadn’t gotten a straitjacket on design chief Chris Bangle” and dubs the look “crowded and turbulent.” The Orlando Sentinel calls this 2009 Lexus a "BMW Series-3 fighter," while Car and Driver sings its praises: "the styling Lexus gave the new IS line turns the car from sharp to stunning." Cars.com points out that the 2009 Lexus IS's styling this year "bears a strong family resemblance to its larger, GS series of sport sedans." Kelley Blue Book also comments on this, calling this 2009 Lexus "visually reminiscent of the larger GS." This vehicle's visual attractiveness seems to be a matter of personal taste; Kelley Blue Book, comparing the Lexus IS to its rival BMW 3-Series, finds it lacking.

ConsumerGuide describes the Lexus IS's interior in glowing terms: "decor is the Lexus-typical mix of rich-looking upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and high-grade plastics." In addition to the Lexus IS's "athletic poise [and] impressive build," the Edmunds reviewers are very impressed with its interior, deeming the cabin "impeccably finished." Car and Driver reports that the interior "has a more luxurious look, and the leather and plastic seem even better than those in the original model."

Conclusion

The 2009 Lexus IS bears the styling hallmarks of larger Lexus sedans.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:decor is the Lexus-typical mix of rich-looking upholsteryConsumerGuidecrowded and turbulentThe Los Angeles Timeslacks...the crisp visual tailoring of BMW's 3 SeriesKelley Blue Book According to the firsthand impressions of TheCarConnection.com’s editors and reviews from around the Web, the 2009 Lexus IS wins with styling that reminds everyone of larger, more expensive Lexus sedans. For 2009, styling upgrades include revised front and rear bumper covers, as well as a grille. IS wheels feature new designs, and new turn signals are now integrated into the exterior mirrors. The Los Angeles Times reports “the luxury division of Toyota has managed, not quite consciously, to build the 3-series that Munich would have built if they hadn’t gotten a straitjacket on design chief Chris Bangle” and dubs the look “crowded and turbulent.” The Orlando Sentinel calls this 2009 Lexus a "BMW Series-3 fighter," while Car and Driver sings its praises: "the styling Lexus gave the new IS line turns the car from sharp to stunning." Cars.com points out that the 2009 Lexus IS's styling this year "bears a strong family resemblance to its larger, GS series of sport sedans." Kelley Blue Book also comments on this, calling this 2009 Lexus "visually reminiscent of the larger GS." This vehicle's visual attractiveness seems to be a matter of personal taste; Kelley Blue Book, comparing the Lexus IS to its rival BMW 3-Series, finds it lacking. ConsumerGuide describes the Lexus IS's interior in glowing terms: "decor is the Lexus-typical mix of rich-looking upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and high-grade plastics." In addition to the Lexus IS's "athletic poise [and] impressive build," the Edmunds reviewers are very impressed with its interior, deeming the cabin "impeccably finished." Car and Driver reports that the interior "has a more luxurious look, and the leather and plastic seem even better than those in the original model." ConclusionThe 2009 Lexus IS bears the styling hallmarks of larger Lexus sedans. 2009 LEXUS IS STYLING | [8 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "decor is the Lexus-typical mix of rich-looking upholstery” The Los Angeles Times: “crowded and turbulent” Kelley Blue Book: "lacks...the crisp visual tailoring of BMW's 3 Series " According to the firsthand impressions of ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Infiniti G37 is a relative newcomer but has impressive handling, perfect sport-sedan proportions, and available all-wheel drive. It's also substantially less expensive than the German sedans. The BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are the perennial leaders in this segment. Both come in a range of body styles and drivetrains, and they have ultimate-performance editions—the BMW M3 and the Benz C63—that the Lexus IS-F version takes on.

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See the Lexus IS 250 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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