Would you like to drive a luxury sport sedan and feel like you are driving a coupe or roadster? Well then step into a Lexus IS F and find out what it feels like to experience a great ride.
When the IS F was introduced five years ago it was less than inspiring. It gave a tough ride due to a poor suspension and it did not perform well. In fact, it did not look like the IS F would be around too long. Fortunately, Lexus took steps to correct those problems, and today we have what might be considered the top of the line in luxury sport sedans.
Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that pours out 416 horsepower, this eight-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is a wonder to behold. It can go from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds from a standstill, and the fuel efficiency numbers are 16/23 with 18 combined. This is not a car you take the kids to soccer practice in; rather this is a car you take clients to lunch with, clients you want to impress.
Safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control and enough airbags to make anyone feel safe. Standard features include Brembo brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 13-speaker stereo system and bi-xenon headlights. There are many more standard features, too many to mention. Suffice it to say that Lexus has put it all together in the 2012 Lexus IS F.
All of that is great to mention, but what really makes the IS F stand out among the competition is the way it handles. This is an aggressive car, one that is meant to drive hard and impress the driver and passengers. Handling is beautiful, steering and responsiveness are top notch.
If here is one area that needs improvement it would be interior space, or lack thereof. There is also no manual transmission option, so driving purists might have a problem with that. Having said that, the manual paddles on the steering wheel do make up a bit for that deficiency.
Chief competition comes from the Mercedes C63 and the Cadillac CTS-V, with a lean towards the Mercedes for overall performance and interior room. Still, this is a Lexus, and that means reliability and excellent craftsmanship.
Since the IS F has been around for five years now, replacement auto parts are easier to find at local salvage yards. Give that option a try before going to an auto parts store or dealership. No reason to pay through the nose for replacement parts if you don’t have to.