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LexusIS (2005-2012)

Used only
Large
Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid

£4,184Typical price

Test score

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The Lexus IS (2005-2012) is a large, luxury model that aims to take on its European rivals. Engine choice is between a 2.5-litre V6 petrol, a 2.2 diesel - or the 5.0 V8 in the high-performance IS F, which features no fewer than eight forward speeds in its gearbox. But can it compete in this crowded sector? Read our full review to find out.

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cons

What's included?

What is it?
What's it great at?
What's it like to drive?
How reliable are Lexus cars?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Should I buy it?

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KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Jan 2024Last checked by Which?
Nov 2005First reviewed by Which?
Nov 2005Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

19 Oct 2023

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectivess of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performanc is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (large cars, SUVs and MPVs)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Euro NCAP

How we test euro ncap

Any car that receives a rating of three stars or less from Euro NCAP is made a Don't Buy. If a car has been available for more than four years and has not been tested by Euro NCAP, it cannot be a Best Buy.

Which? safety

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Full hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Full hybrid reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Full hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability

General
Class	Large
Luxury	No
Convertible	No
Availability	Used only
Used price	£4,184 - £7,982
Fuel type	Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
Tested fuel efficiency	31.2 to 46.5mpg
Length	4,575mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,800mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	1,995mm
Height	1,425 to 1,440mm
Driver max height
Second row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Number of seats	4 - 5
Folding rear seats	No
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	10.85 m
On sale date	19 November 2005
Lowest pence per mile cost	£14.92

Latest tested engine
Engine name	220 Luxury RPF
Fuel type	Diesel
Capacity and power	2.2-litre (177hp)
Transmission	6-speed manual
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel-drive (RWD)
Fuel tank capacity	65 litres
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	14.92p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£99
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
Well-to-wheel (WTW) CO2 (g/km)	162
Braked tow load (KG)	1500kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	560kg
Engine test date	29 May 2006
Test programme	2001-2012

Engine two
Engine name	250 Luxury Automatic
Fuel	Petrol
Capacity and power	2.5-litre (208hp)
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel-drive (RWD)
Fuel tank capacity	65 litres
Tested fuel economy: combined mpg
Cost per mile	20.98p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£94
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
Well-to-wheel (WTW) CO2 (g/km)	211
Braked tow load (KG)	1500kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	560kg
Engine test date	03 January 2006
Car test programme	2001-2012

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LexusIS (2005-2012)

where to buy or sell