2010 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sport Sdn Man RWD

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• 2010 Lexus IS 250 Review Summary
• 2010 Lexus IS 250 Review Handling
• 2010 Lexus IS 250 Review Safety
• 2010 Lexus IS 250 Noteworthy

2010 Lexus IS 250 Details

Select a different trim2dr Conv Man2dr Conv Auto4dr Sport Sdn Man RWD4dr Sport Sdn Auto RWD4dr Sport Sdn Auto AWD

Base MSRP: $32,145
Fuel: 2.5l/152
MPG (city): 18
MPG (highway): 26
Base Invoice: $28,929
Body style: 4dr car
Destination: $875
Transmission: 6-speed m/t
Engine: Gas v6
Drive Type: Rear Wheel Drive


2010 Lexus IS 250 Overview The 2010 Lexus IS models come with leather upholstery; dual-zone climate control; SmartAccess keyless entry with pushbutton engine start; and a satellite-ready 194-watt, 13-speaker stereo with six-CD changer and MP3 auxiliary audio input jack.   The IS 250 is equipped with a 2.5-liter V6 engine and comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox ($31,845) or six-speed automatic transmission ($33,015).   The IS 250 AWD ($35,475) features all-wheel drive and comes standard with the automatic transmission.  The AWD model also gets special perforated leather upholstery and Bird's-eye maple trim.

 

          

2010 Lexus IS 250 Review Summary
Whereas the 2010 Lexus ES is designed to lure consumers primarily interested in a traditional luxury vehicle, the 2010 Lexus IS, ranked 8.0 by ACG in the Upscale Midsize Cars class, is Lexus’ performance-oriented attempt to compete with the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Cadillac CTS. Although the IS can’t quite match the performance statistics of these two class leaders, it is an all-around solid alternative that is a little less pricey and can be less thirsty depending on which trim level one chooses. Speaking of trim levels, the IS is available in two: the IS 250 and the IS 350. While the IS 250 provides decent performance and handling, only the 350 puts up the power and handling that can compete with the big boys in this category. The 250 is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, but the 350 is offered only in rear-wheel drive. When it comes to performance, the Lexus IS, like the 2010 Acura TL, is a different animal depending on the model. The IS 250 comes standard with a 2.5-liter V6 engine that creates 204 horsepower. This kind of minimal power puts the 250 way behind the rest of the competition in this class. The IS 350, on the other hand, puts up plenty of power. With a standard V6 engine that makes 306 horsepower, some reviewers got from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 6 seconds. While the IS 250 is sluggish from a stop, has mediocre passing power, and feels strained in most driving situations, the 350 is exactly the opposite. Consumers should be aware, however, that they will pay for the better performance of the 350 in gas mileage. The EPA estimates that the 250 should get 21 MPG in the city and 29 on the highway, while the 350 will get a diminished 18 in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. As far as the exterior of the IS is concerned, critics find the car’s looks to be stylish and unique. After coming off a re-design in 2009, the 2010 incarnation of the Lexus IS remains relatively unchanged, but that isn’t getting any complaints. Minor changes for the 2010 ES, however, include a slightly wider, longer, and more substantial looking body. Just as reviewers like the IS’ exterior, they are also pleased with its passenger cabin. The interior in both 250 and 350 trims is stylish, comfortable, and loaded with high quality materials. Although the IS’ seating is comfortable, it is worth noting that several reviewers have complained that the rear seat is entirely too small for adults and headroom is very limited for those over the 6-foot threshold. When it comes to interior technology, reviewers continue to praise the IS. According to many, Lexus offers the best electronics interfaces available, with easy-to-use controls throughout, especially for the optional navigation system. Lastly, on the down side, cargo room in the Lexus IS is very cramped and interior storage is tiny.

2010 Lexus IS 250 Review Handling
Overall, reviewers have nothing but praise for the handling of the 2010 Lexus IS. The IS 250 offers a responsive ride, even if it does feel a little sluggish at times. The 350, on the other hand, competes with the best in this class, even if it would lose out on a racetrack. Critics find the 350’s steering to be extremely quick and sharp around curves. The IS 250 comes standard with four-wheel independent suspension, double-wishbone coil springs and rear multi-link coil springs for maximum shock absorption. The 350, on the other hand, comes equipped with a double-wishbone front, independent multi-link rear suspension, and an optional sport-tuned suspension. Reviewers find the IS’ optional all-wheel drive system to be somewhat inferior to that offered by others in this category.

2010 Lexus IS 250 Review Safety
The 2010 Lexus IS received four out of a possible five stars for protecting both the driver and front passenger in frontal-impact crash tests conducted by the federal government. The car earns five stars for protecting the driver in a side-impact crash, but only four for the rear passenger. Standard safety features on the IS include: four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, front-seat side, and full-length side curtain airbags. Lexus’ Pre-Collision System (PCS), which pre-empts a collision by tightening seatbelts and priming the brakes, is an available option.

2010 Lexus IS 250 Noteworthy
Buyers should be aware that the 2010 Lexus IS is included in the humongous and widely-publicized recall that began early in 2010 due to a floormat design that can trap the vehicle’s accelerator pedal, causing unexpected acceleration. Lexus has said, however, that customers can currently purchase a 2010 IS with floormats as the driver’s side floormat will be attached to the track of the driver’s seat with zip ties.