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2009 Lexus IS F Safety Review

March 21, 2009

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

stability control “cuts in far too early
Road & Track

Good,” front and side impacts
IIHS

Not tested
NHTSA

Reviewers wonder why the electronic stability control can be switched off, but otherwise the 2009 Lexus IS-F offers a comprehensive safety package.

The IS-F sports all the expected airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability and traction control technologies, but controversy comes from the switchable stability control. AutoMedia warns that turning off traction control “is asking for a crash,” since the IS-F’s power will “cause the tail to slide excessively.” Still, the enthusiasts aren’t entirely satisfied with the control over the system: Road & Track says the “Sport mode cuts in far too early to allow much fun.”

For the average shopper, MotherProof.com’s observation might be reassuring: “I felt perfectly safe and steady.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Lexus IS-F as “good” for both front and side impact protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t tested the new Lexus sports sedan.

Conclusion

The 2009 Lexus IS-F offers the safety of a world-class sedan.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:stability control “cuts in far too earlyRoad & TrackGood,” front and side impactsIIHSNot testedNHTSA Reviewers wonder why the electronic stability control can be switched off, but otherwise the 2009 Lexus IS-F offers a comprehensive safety package. The IS-F sports all the expected airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability and traction control technologies, but controversy comes from the switchable stability control. AutoMedia warns that turning off traction control “is asking for a crash,” since the IS-F’s power will “cause the tail to slide excessively.” Still, the enthusiasts aren’t entirely satisfied with the control over the system: Road & Track says the “Sport mode cuts in far too early to allow much fun.” For the average shopper, MotherProof.com’s observation might be reassuring: “I felt perfectly safe and steady.” The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Lexus IS-F as “good” for both front and side impact protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t tested the new Lexus sports sedan. ConclusionThe 2009 Lexus IS-F offers the safety of a world-class sedan. 2009 LEXUS IS-F STYLING | [7 out of 10] Motor Trend: “street-bruiser look” Jalopnik: engine cover is “Darth Vader's chest plate” Road & Track: “tasteful and appropriate for the flashier image of the car” Edmunds: “gimmicky styling” TheCarConnection.com’s editors determine from ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The Mercedes-Benz C63 has a tad more interior room than the IS-F, and it rides with relative comfort and quiet if you just want to cruise on the freeway. The BMW M3 is still the most focused, tech-savvy choice, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and it’s available in either coupe or convertible versions. For those who don’t necessarily need the curve-carving track performance but want superior stoplight abilities, the Jaguar XF Supercharged gives the 2009 Lexus IS-F a run for the money and has an especially classy, awe-inspiring interior.

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See the Lexus IS F in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

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