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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Luxury Car
ABS Brakes: Standard
Standard Airbags: 6
MPG: 16-21/23-29 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
2.5L V6 204HP
3.5L V6 306HP
5.0L V8 416HP
Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 4.1
Exterior: 5.0
Interior: 4.5
Overall: 4.6
Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
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2008 Lexus IS-Series
Consumer Car Review Summary
Top 5 Pros of 2008 Lexus IS-Series
1. Power engine
2. Sound system
3. Exterior styling
4. Navigation
5. Vented seats
Top 5 Cons of 2008 Lexus IS-Series
1. Power adapter location
2. Gas mileage
3. Back seat room
4. AWD on 3.5
5. 5 speed manual transmission
2008 Lexus IS-Series Reviews by Consumers
Displaying 6 Reviews
By JC84
Submitted Mar 24, 2010, 01:39pm
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
Sharp exterior styling (what sold me).
Luxurious interior with excellent fit and finish.
Heated and cooled seats (latter is my favorite feature).
Mechanical reliability.
Keyless entry/start that truly works.
Good balance between ride comfort and handling.
Very solid chasis.
Powerful brakes.
Quiet engine.
Good sound from the standard stereo.
Great gas mileage if you let the transmission shift itself.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
Improve electronic throttle's responsiveness to tip-in. Completely reprogram the auto transmission for better performance in S mode. The target customers of this model do not buy it for fuel economy.
Improve the ergonomics of the center console. It has too many randomly laid out buttons. I have to reach over to the passenger's knee just to change to the next CD. I have to take my eyes completely off the road just to read the clock at the bottom of the console.
A "luxury" car at this price should have basic convenience features like memory seat and Bluetooth connectivity (or at least offer them as individual options).
The back seat needs more leg room and head room.
Driver seat could use more thigh support.
Storage bins on the rear doors would be nice.
2008 Lexus IS-Series Review:
Had the 250 RWD (non-sport) for 2 years. Overall I like this car (see all the pros above), but it does have some flaws in the performance department. It is underpowered with little low end torque (but good gas mileage). The electronic throttle is unresponsive to tip-in in standard mode and becomes non-linear in Power mode. There is always an annoying delay. Auto tranny is programmed strictly for fuel economy, upshifting way too soon and downshift way too late, making it frustrating to drive in city traffic. The only way to get decent acceleration from the car is through full manual shifting (the S mode doesn't help). Even then, the throttle response is still too slow. I've had drive-by-wire cars before. They all have a slight delay, but this one is quite pronounced. The OEM summer tires are very good, but they wear out quickly and are expensive to replace.
By GUEST
Submitted Mar 11, 2008, 01:28pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
The looks (superb).
The wheels.
The colors.
The Head Lights (Smart HID).
The Engine (power).
The Transmission (Auto).
The Suspension (sporty).
The Interior.
The Sound System.
The Navigation System.
The instrument console.
The Gauges.
The smart entry system.
And much more.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
I would only do three improvements as of right now:
1.- Increase the power for the rear Subwoofer to at least three (3) times on the standard sound system (13 Speakers), and at least twice for the Premium Sound that comes with the DVD and Nav System (14 Speakers).
2.- Extend the legroom for the rear seats about 4 to 6 inches. As it is, the front seats have to go forward to give some extra space to anybody that wants to seat on the back.
3.- Increase the MPG for both engines. With our current technology, we can either get better MPG out of both engines (from 5 to 10 at least) or add a Hybrid option to those who want to save on Gas.
2008 Lexus IS-Series Review:
I have had my eye on the IS since the 2nd Generation came out two years ago. I finally traded my car for a 2008 IS250 RWD. All I have to say is just perfect for my needs.
The IS looks like a sports car mixed with a sedan, yet the outside line is elegant and gives a nice impression. I chose Black as it is a very nice color for the IS. The Gunmetal wheels and the spoiler give the car that final touch needed. I though about the ground effect kit, but I decided not to get it as it would become more sporty than elegant.
Inside is almost perfect. All leather (I chose black again), and a very nice silver touch here and there makes it look good, elegant, and keeps look in your mind. Seats are all power, the A/C is very "smart" and very cold. The gauges and the console is just right, perfect mix of black and white/blue that looks almost like reverse indiglo (e-panels) but inside a luxury world.
The sound system is superb, and I would only suggest to increase the rear subwoofer power a little bit to match better the high quality of the tweeters and mids all around the car. I opted for no Navigation System as I only use the car for everyday driving to work. And it is a big change from other vehicles before, I can now "enjoy" being in bumper-to-bumper traffic while I am listening to music inside my IS.
Engine wise is very good as well, I opted for the small engine 2.5 L, which gives you over 200HP that I must say it feels like plenty when you "step on it". The 3.5 L engine has over 300HP and would be a better option if you are looking for much more acceleration.
The transmission is a dream. In normal mode it feels like there is no shifting, yet it has enough power. If you use the ECT mode (power), the transmission downshifts just by tapping the gas, giving you enough power instantly. Something I liked a lot is the fact the transmission helps braking too, meaning, if you brake, the transmission downshifts also to maximize the braking right away. And to top it all, you can select manual mode, and take control of your "sports car" by either shifting with the shifter or with the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Suspension is also another key in the game. The IS feels like a luxury sports car, which is exactly what it is. It handles perfect on turns and high speed situations, and has nothing to envy to must sports car that are on the road today.
The last feature I really like of the IS is the Key-less "Effort-less" entry system. Just drop the "key" (the remote) inside your pocket or purse and forget about it. The car will unlock when you open the doors just by touching them, and the Engine start button is just perfect. And forget about worrying where the remote is. The IS knows if it is inside, or outside, and will tell you before you forget it, and better yet, will not let you lock the vehicle if you forget it inside.
Have been with my new IS for a month now and all I can say is I LOVE IT.
By GUEST
Submitted Jan 1, 2009, 11:10am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
The overall look of the IS as well as the powerful engine and quality material used for the interior. Another great feature is the interior lighting.
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
Of course, more room for the occupants of the back seat. A full size spare tire (like the G-35 has) and a higher quality "stock" sound system.
2008 Lexus IS-Series Review:
I previously owned a G-35 and traded for the IS. Don't get me wrong, the G-35 is an excellent car, but when you sit in the Lexus, you really SEE and feel the difference. Overall I am extremely pleased with my car (have owned for 6 months) and love every minute I'm behind the wheel. (I haven't allowed my husband to drive it yet!)
By GUEST
Submitted Apr 14, 2008, 06:56am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
Handling,interior finish,sound system,brakes
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
A little more power on the 250 and more rear seat legroom
2008 Lexus IS-Series Review:
LOVE THE CAR
By GUEST
Submitted Feb 11, 2008, 09:35pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
the looks, performance nvigaion is wonderful! etc
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
A bit more power, and leg room in the back. Brembo brakes, Forged rims.
2008 Lexus IS-Series Review:
I love my car, and the color, and the body style
By GUEST
Submitted Jan 5, 2008, 10:38am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
comfortable for the driver
Cons: How would you improve 2008 Lexus IS-Series?
back seat too close to front seats
2008 Lexus IS-Series Review:
Sharp, reliable auto
Displaying 6 Reviews
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