Lexus IS Saloon (05 on) - Review Review by Ben Wall on 24 November 2005 Last Updated: 12 July 2010 The IS is the smallest Lexus in the range and is intended as an alternative to models such as the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. It manages to be as upmarket and high quality as more expensive Lexus cars with a sophisticated interior plus a plenty of high-tech kit. It's also very well equipped and as you'd expect of a car from Toyota (which owns Lexus) is supremely reliable. The downsides are cramped rear seats and a rather lacklustre driving experience. The engine range is also limited with just one petrol and one diesel. However, on the plus side, you can count on Lexus dealers to provide exceptional customer service. In late 2008 the range was slightly revised with new trim levels and lower emissions in the IS220d. 3.5 out of 5 Other Lexus reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 4 out of 5 Safety The IS scored a maximum five-star rating in official Euro NCAP crash tests and all cars come with eight airbags (including driver and passenger knee airbags), whiplash reducing seat design and headlamps that swivel with the steering to give better lighting on corners. The IS250 SE-L when fitted with automatic transmission is offered with a pre-crash safety system which uses the radar system from its adaptive cruise control to predict when an accident is unavoidable. In certain cases it will tighten seatbelts to draw passengers into the safest position and trigger the brake assistance for maximum braking power Euro NCAP Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Visit Euro NCAP for more info Adult Occupant Rating 5 out of 5 Child Protection Rating 4 out of 5 Pedestrian Test Rating 2 out of 5 5 out of 5 Reliability Lexus has a superb reputation for reliability and the IS is no exception. Problems are few and far between while Lexus dealers are the best around. Car check problem points Body No problems reported. Engine/Gearbox A recall in 2008 for IS250 models where there could be a fuel leak in the engine bay. Other No problems reported. Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Lexus IS cars for sale We have 283 models like this for sale. Find Lexus IS cars for sale Previous: Costs Next: Buying & Selling