Lexus IS500 | The End of the Road
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- Опубліковано 29 чер 2024
- We review the 2023 Lexus IS500, a throwback V8 sedan for those wanting the tried and reliable Toyota formula. Instead of being a disposable lease machine, the IS pushes older technology and charm to charm buyers into the $65,000 sedan. Others to consider are the Acura TLX, Genesis G70, BMW 3 Series, and Audi A3.
#cars #business #technology
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Index:
00:00 Interior and Exterior
2:36 The Mechanical Business End
5:06 Driving Impressions
9:29 Final Thoughts - Авто та транспорт
For the person that loves v8 cars but hates v8 car problems. If you dont have to compare it to your wifes boyfriends blackwing all the time this car is perfect. You dont need all the oil coolers, fasts trans etc to have some v8 fun on the street. Low running costs and legendary reliability. This car makes sense.
Its a sleeper against cocky bmw drivers.
Lol, how many V8 car’s have “V8” problems? Please name some, because it sounds like you wrote the first thing that popped into your head when watching this video, because thinking about what you wrote lol. This car is slow, outdated, and still expensive. That’s enough to kick yourself in the head for the rest of your life…
@@singular9 except it doesn’t beat any BMW’s in any performance category lol.
@japanwatchconnection not true at all. Typically NA v8 have less issues than comparable forced induction turbo engines
@japanwatchconnection Maybe he is salty because he couldn't get an M build slot.
When I heard this car bounce off of the rev limiter I immediately called my fund manager and told them to move my money into a "moderate risk" category.
Maximum risk, maximum reward 😭😭
hilarious!!
10-year M & AMG owner. I initially expected to end up in another M or AMG after selling my F10 M5, but I ended up with an IS500. M/AMG are built for track use as much as street, but the bar required to meet the needs for track means that reliability won’t be great. The IS500 is really more of a GT car built for fun - Lexus reliability is just a given. And since I love cars but am not a track guy, I figured I could do without the added costs to keep my M/AMG cars running. I still kept one AMG car, but I am in love with my IS500. Zero regrets.
The m550i destroys this thing and is luxury and comfort as well for same price of less.
@@mcphersonjohnathon Not really a good comparison IMHO. The m550i is a midsize sedan that sells for just under $85K whereas the IS500 is a compact class sedan priced at $65K+, so you're off by about $20K on your price comparison. Also the m550i is a 523HP AWD performance car with about 50+ more HP than the 472HP RWD IS500. The 550i is often referred to as a "half M car" for those who don't want to (or can't) spend the full $115K for the M5, though it's still a fabulous car. My Model Y Performance humiliates an M550i from 0-60 and costs about $35K less - but I wouldn't compare the two either since they're built to be different types of cars. Having owned multiple M & AMG cars already, I can tell you that the IS500 is not at all designed to compete with high-performance M or AMG cars of similar size classes on track or street, which for me is just fine. I bought it for the smiles, not to destroy others in a race. ;-)
@@mcphersonjohnathon the m550i is also a big numb luxury limo that weighs more then 90% of suvs on the road and is longer then them as well and is incredibly numb and more of a sporty roll royce, and it sounds weak as hell.
Yes exactly! Like the old Lexus SC series of cars. They are more than fast enough for the streets. Which means they also come with reliability.
Congratulations on your new Lexus IS500. I hope it puts a lot of smiles on your drives. (:
@@Sideways_Singh Wow talk about totally clueless. Weighs more than 90% of the SUVs on the road and it's like a Rolls Royce. Just plain clueless. None of that BS is even remotely true.
“You don’t drive spec sheets.”
Best line in the video. It’s about the feeling behind the wheel. I’ll take fun over soulless numbers.
🤣 But those numbers on the spec sheet enable fun. If this were 150 less horsepower and 2 less cylinders your level of potential fun would decrease. Part of fun is perceived risk/danger; if a car isn't capable of much performance there isn't much risk and it won't be fun. For example the IS 250 and 300... And just like every rwd vs fwd comparison, rwd is just more fun. Why, because of that risky rear end that fwd doesn't offer.
@438 There are diminishing returns. A car that is already fast isn't going to give you that much more fun if it's a fraction of a second faster to 60. You're also missing the point here. Maybe you do get marginally more fun but 0-60 isn't everything. Engine noise, handling, etc are part of the driving experience. The IS 250 and 300 aren't meant to be fun in the first place so bringing them up doesn't mean anything. You should be thinking Miata, GR86, MR2, etc they are quick but not fast yet they are some of the most fun cars out there. A Tesla is fast but they are still really boring.
Facts.
@@stitch438this is500 is a full second faster 0-60 than a e46 m3. Was that car not fun? Your comment encapsulates the phenomenon little kids reading spec sheets, but not understanding just how fast cars have gotten and how fast is fast enough to have fun. The is500 is plenty fast if you’re not comparing it to your wife’s boyfriend’s car, as OP said
This is exactly why I bought mine. After my job gets done crushing a little bit more of soul, I jump in my 500 to go home and I’ll put it in manual and just let it rev out. It always brings a smile to my face. The transmission is definitely a weak point as is the tech overall, but I just love the damn thing.
The transmission isn't a weak point at all. It's both smooth and sharp depending on how you drive it.
Reviewers just don't know how to operate this transmission and its dual personality.
Amen!!
@@yousef.al-assaf it’s not smooth when just using it normally in manual mode, you have to be driving it hard. I’m not a reviewer I daily an IS500.
I had the LE for 8 months, overall thought it was a nice car but the transmission was god awful, even in manual from 3 to 2 at low speeds when hitting a corner would hiccup something ridiculous. Just wasn’t my jam, could see how others would forgive what I couldn’t.
@@LateNightDateNight it works perfectly fine in auto and works fine in manual if you’re driving it hard, but if you just want to have more engagement and shift yourself at normal speeds it’s very jerky. There’s a sweet spot in the revs it seems where it will be more smooth even at lower speeds though, but still annoying. Not enough to ruin it for me personally.
If a car can create a lot of raw emotion and last nearly forever, then you truly have a winning combination. This is definitely one of those cars...
outside of the v8 I don`t see where the emotion, character and looks(!) comes from. its like an older toyota with a big engine
I see and hear a V8 and CD player from factory and I don´t need anything else related to emotions or big words to justify my next purchase
@@layne4376 Friendly PSA to everyone reading this thread to ignore Layne. All he does is hate-post on Lexus IS videos and then delete his comments later.
@@layne4376 You stalk Lexus videos, so what more needs to be said? I just watch them because I like the cars - you follow them to hate on them.
@@layne4376 lol, classic hate
24 years old and am blessed enough to have been able to get this car for myself. So Beautiful all around.
I'd take the interior of the IS500 over many of it's competitors ANYDAY of the week, it's analog-functional-friendly, and it still has a CD player!
Analog my as... It has capacitive controls for climate and their touchpad is absolutely horrible. Everything is laggy, the materials are all plasticky and its noisier than a camry.
@@an-dr6eu
I traded in my C43 for the IS500 and it's by far built better. Feels solid everywhere you touch and it's "leather" is more plush. Not sure what you mean by "plastic-y".
Yes, the C43 has a flashier interior with all the "metal" polished surfaces, but I care more about build quality and driver seating-position, and the IS500 is better at both.
Do you really use the CD player though? Asking for a friend. :)
CD player 😂 alright grandpa
@@AJUZU2k-gy8yj that man said CDRs and CDRWs work insane no skipping on the bumps! lol jk
My face lit up when Jack did the first pull. It actually made me feel something.
I got mine this April 2023. Was able to find it locally in cloudburst gray, with the red "leather" interior, and the optional black BBS wheels. After dealing with the salesperson for hours, was able to get the car at MSRP by getting top dollar for my MK7.5 Golf R, plagued with all sorts of issues from the factory. In the 5 years of ownership, that car got a new engine, new turbo, new DCC. 20+ years a VW guy, turned to JDM by my son, which asked me to look at this car. After I got the IS, the same week, I went to a BMW Experience event, and drove the living crap out of their cars, and was left thinking if I did the right thing. At the end of the day, regardless of the "flaws" of the IS, I got my buddies into the car, and drove it like I stole it, with a smile on my face. YES, I made the right decision, because I know that this thing will last. It's not the fastest, not the most technologically advanced car, but it has a great V8, it's super comfortable, and has an amazing audio system, for the price. Every time I look at this thing, I can't believe it is mine. @savagegeese, your insights, your honest reviews, allowed for me to pull the trigger on this awesome car. I will take it to the track, so that I can continue to chuckle, just like when I was 18 and got my first JDM!
@japanwatchconnectionmk8 gti's have had a TON of issues. MK7 or mk7.5 were very reliable.
@japanwatchconnection ANNND they're more reliable than the german built mk8 is what I'm telling you. Are you not on the mk8 group with the litany of problems people have had?
Nice bed time story... To end up lauding a V8 RWD sedan for its comfort and audio system, lol... You guys got shafted so badly. And tracking this mammoth is anything but a recipe for disaster. Absolute nonsense. Neither the cooling nor the oiling system on this car is ready for heavy track use. Its as heavy as an elephant. No reinforced steering, dampers nor dedicated tyres. Itll end up like that imaginary Golf R of yours.
@japanwatchconnection thanks for that , but at least my window sticker shows that at least mt mk7.5 was made in Germany. Which it sucks even more!!!
@@an-dr6eu hm yeah because every bmw M owner is tracking their car every weekend lol get real. 99% of performance car owners never take their cars to the track let alone even live next to one. You’re a spec sheet racer and that’s all you are because you have no fun car, that’s why you’re on here bashing this car in multiple comments. Seems that you’re hurt that someone called out your beloved German automaker on how terrible those cars are in the real world and you can’t fathom the idea of someone hating the car you love so you say it’s in OPs imagination, lol!
Proud owner of a IS500. Just went to Lexus Performance Racing School and I relearned how fun this car is
Congrats. Yeah the LPDS is a lot of fun. I did it this year and may even do it again. The autocross was fun. I may even get into that.
The fact the LC500 got some critical infotainment and UX updates gives me some hope that a few of the remaining annoyances might get addressed before EOL. That car, should we see it, will be the one to get.
As an owner of a 21 IS350, I can tell you the infotainment is an overblown complaint at this point. They have both the touch screen and touch controller currently. Lexus screwed it up in the LC by moving to touch screen only. IMHO, the IS has the best of both worlds - touch and lots of redundant hard buttons. Moving it to the LC format would be a frustrating move for the worse.
@@aprturAgree. I had a 2021 IS350 and the combination of flawless infotainment with touchpad or touchscreen, I loved. Touchscreen only is no thanks, dirty and distracting.
It will hold its value ig not go up foo
Since 2013 there are some updates like apple carplay/android auto and a larger screen. My 2013 hybrid does bluetooth phone alright but but bluetooth tethering (for traffic info on the map) doesn't work anymore it did before with my previous android phone.
@@olafvanes Again, 2021 fully changed the system, added perfect CarPlay and touch pad or touchscreen flexibility. The 2021-current IS/ES/LS system is fantastic.
I was so bummed the last video that there was only a track review. This is what I was waiting for!
You and me both!!
Really spot on. 6 months into ownership and my feelings haven’t changed. I didn’t come into buying this car with unrealistic expectations…it’s a good GT car that I wanted a decade or more ago but couldn’t afford then…and I’m glad I can get one brand new today. Timing doesn’t usually work out like that in practice.
Thanks for your work!
If you don’t mind answering, are they selling for MSRP? Thanks
@@jkujda yes. I got mine for MSRP in February.
How has living with the trans in normal casual driving been?
Glad you could get an na v8 for urself before they are gone💯
@jgr
Super smooth.
First 1500-2000 miles is the break-in period, expect some jerkiness. Next 2000 miles, the TCU will be learning your driving style and it will remap itself, giving you butter-smooth shifts.
I drive mine hard most of the time so it learnt to hold gears/shift at redline for me in all modes but "Eco/Normal".
Might not be the best-sounding V8, but I love the sound of that thing. So throaty.
exhaust is very neutered for sound from the factory, gains a lot of power even from a catback
I have a 2000 GS400, 23-years on that 1UZFE V8 still makes me smile. I wish that getting the V8 in this didn't practically double the price of the car.
The philosophical points raised by Jack were the best part of this video. Great job!
Yeah!
The fact that you can bang off the limiter with this engine and know that it’ll last a million miles still is just amazing.
Any car can last with proper maintenance
@@SeudXe this is true. But some cars require more to maintenance than others.
@@SeudXe Yea, in the sense that many proper maintenance requires replacing so many parts to 300k miles that it's not worth it.. which is why Lexus/Toyota is so much better.
@@SeudXeshit
No.
Honestly, it's hard not to love this car. Pure joy.
Jack, my boy. You've come such a long way from your first Tacoma video. Love and agree with everything said here.
In a world of Gucci guns and over-engineered cars where we think we need the best of everything, It's nice to trust and have fun with something simple and reliable.
Shouldn't be 65,000 though. If we're gonna mention "simple" it should be around 40k starting not 65k starting. This isn't a 15 year old Hyundai, this is a Lexus I understand but if it's going to be simple, then it needs to be simple cost. Toyota is the laziest car company in terms of interior, I'm not a huge fan of Honda interiors but they outdo Toyota interiors tenfold
@@jacobwebb8818 There's always a contrarian. Yea, like what you want to like; I wasn't trying to take a stance on anything, just complimenting Jack and the video.
@@Filmingtherush that's an expensive car to have tech that a modern Hyundai is rivaling for 20k less. Hell a Genesis probably has similar power output and a way nicer interior. Of course you are possibly giving up reliability but I'm pretty sure those 5.0 Genius are fairly strong
I don't think the G80 has a V8 any more. But it is a viable used option but I wouldn't cross shop an IS with it. They're very different sizes.
@@QuickQuips that's true but there's more than just the G80 from Genesis
These look so damn good on the road. Assuming this loses a little value in the next few years, I would definitely look at one used.
“Loses a little value in the next few years”….. look at this comedian. 😂
If this is the last Lexus V8, then they should hold their value quite well. In three years, the lease returns will come in, and for sale CPO. That's a win in my book. Snap up one that's been well treated.
Funny how the spindle grille grossed people out when it first appeared. Now park one next to a BMW M4 and compare front ends!
It's like 15-20k over MSRP for used ones. Don't think they will depreciate any time soon.
IS-F cars that are clean and not ragged out are now selling for 38-45k...its nuts.
Saw one a week ago while I was in my Blackwing. It did draw my eyes, but as I drove past it I thought, yea, nah. Would never go into a Lexus dealership right now. They have nothing for the sport enthusiast. NOTHING. It's a shame. They have the money to build a legit sports car or a super sedan. The market is still live for those. They just won't do it.
i think i replayed that first sound clip at 5:15 about 7 times...good god i always forget how great these things sound
Similar reasons to why I love my is350 f sport. It's not the quickest or has the most up to date tech, but it's quick enough and surprisingly fun to drive in the turns. It's also satisfying to rev out, while sounding great and being so reliable and comfortable.
Peace of mind knowing that it won't fall apart before your eyes is worth more than any spreadsheet number.
I have a '08 IS-F owned since new and daily drive it through Northern Illinois. Only "upgrade" was a differential from the newer years....car is perfect mix of speed, sound, utility and you will have to pry it from my cold dead hands. I was upset that Lexus released this instead of a true F car - but we will take what we can get..
why not just get a gsf
@@RK1FX Too big, and slower than an IS-F - downgrade.
@@MisterSkizzels I would love a GS F, but honestly, the IS 500 does look a lot better and is a car that I was able to get new with a warranty. So I did. If I wanted a toy, I would definitely consider a used F if I was wanting a Lexus toy.
@@ARentz07 I hear ya. The problem with buying an IS F now is they are either too expensive for what it is, or ragged out by the third Best Buy employee that owned it.
@@MisterSkizzels lol facts.
I'm really enjoying mine after the long wait to get my hands on one for MSRP. And have to thank you guys partially for having it since your video helped convince me to get a RCF years back.
Great video Jack! Perfect pacing and attention to detail. More 10min videos please.
It may be a little soft, but the way the car rears up dramatically under hard acceleration just adds to the theatrics like an old school rally car or 1960's muscle car. +1 for character.
theatrics on camera maybe. Its not funny having a car not being able to handle its rear end in that manner. Its not grip related, its stiffness missing.
@@an-dr6eu It's honestly fine. The car feels perfectly stable.
I love the fact it has a CD player. I love that Exterior. I love the reliable power.
I love that you guys made another video on IS500.
I finally got mine after waiting 18+ months. And I got it in 🧡.
It is so much fun every time I drive it.
Glad to see your here
Congrats
@@mahdavimail thank you
Wow 18 months! That’s insane! Why that long?
@@roninbushito I put myself on the list for 2022 back in September of 2021. I was the first one, but the dealership owner wanted one too so he got the first one that came it (LE). After that they did not get another one until mine came in in February.
I kept bugging them every month 🤣
I think they finally got sick of me and called their representative and were like, why are we not getting any allocations, to which he told them he had a Molten Pearl that was built on October 31 (an orange 🧡 car built on Halloween 🎃) 😉
It worked out well.
Had mine for over a year and absolutely love the car.
As a Yota and Lexus fan I am glad this car was released. I love the Lexus V8 families of engines. They are such robust, powerful, yet SMOOTH engines. No one makes a V8 like Lexus and I mean no one.
Hope they can keep making these for several years to come.
THIS was the review I thought you guys would’ve done the first go around. Instead it was poor Mark’s face pressed up against the window for most of it. 😂😂 I work from home but have put almost 14K miles on mine, because I can’t keep my butt out of it! Sure parts of it are analog, but I personally dig it because everything works. 🤷🏽♂️ Guess that’s the excuse making in effect. 😉 I absolutely love this car, it’s Sexy, Fun, Comfortable, and will not fall apart. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Thanks for posting!!
And I'll bet you always look back at it, when leaving it in a store parking lot. That's just one sign of the raw emotion this car evokes.
@@barrydraper A year in and I look back every. single. time. 😎🙏🏽
@@barrydraper It's a struggle every time, I don't want to be that guy staring at his car as he walks away from it, the urge is just too strong sometimes.
Annnnd this is why i bought a used GSF. Basically same car but a bit bigger, and for $18k less. Plus i like the interior better. The trans isnt as bad as people make it out to be. The engine is perfect. I love that damn car.
On a side note, savagegeese make some of the best car review and technical videos on the world wide web. Ive learned a lot over the years from this channel. I really hope these guys keep it up.
This review is not decent, especially how they make the transmission seem bad when they don't really know how to operate it properly
Am I the only one who PREFERS older interiors than the newer ones with all the screens :/
Most of us do. It's the Gen Z kids with no taste who want a couple of iPads glued to the dashboard
after all the headaches i've had (and still have) with my GT350, a nice plush Lexus V8 seems more and more appealing. the only car i regret selling over the years was my 2000 LS400 Platinum
Never buy a ford. The problem with reviews is they never deal with true ownership.
what issues do you have with it? I haven't much about that car besides the oil consumption
@@papa_pt they break engines (some are at their third engine) and they have cooling issues when you push them
@@O8Zen "they break engines" is extremely non specific. I want to know what parts break. The car already comes with more cooling capacity than 99% other cars so I don't blame that part
@@papa_pt Google “GT350 engine problems”…..Mark has mentioned the problems on some of the live chats.
I cannot overstate how comfortable IS seats are, glad Mark mentioned "excellent seats." I was looking at various options for my second car, first time buying, wasn't biased much, but as soon as I sat in some 2017 IS (not the one I bought), I was an instant Lexus fan. They're like a little aggressive, a little fun, but a LOT comfortable/supportive, but you feel engaged, good combination. IDK why no other seats are that comfortable, it just seems so obvious, though I haven't sat in too many luxury cars so yeah. But that thing was $27k.
They’re SO comfortable. It’s true…
I wish I had a bigger set of IS seats in my LX600, everyday.
I still have my 2016 GS F and I can stuff my family of 4 in it, blast to Culver's to get a Butter Burger and then head over to Meijer for some groceries... And never have to worry about anything busting, I like to tell people it's Gentlemen's V8 (can I say that today?) sedan. This IS500 will be a highly sought after used for sure. That's how I bought my GS F and saved an absolute fortune since these are grossly over priced for what you're getting. Sad days are here folks, not too many NA V8's with four doors. Get you one. Thanks for the video Jack. I'm sure Mark is somewhere in the basement watching the assembly cut of Alien 3 for the 7th time this year...
I too have a 2016 gsf, and I agree with your full and unedited statement. Also I would like to add that the butter burger is criminally underrated in the sandwich world. I find them to be tastier than their price. Or dare I say, punching above their weight...... but seriously I daily the hell out of my GSF and love every second of it.
@@maxcurry9667 I hear that, I honestly think the Butter Burger is better than In-and-Out but I'd want to try it again. I don't drive my GS F as much as I'd like... It's more of a toy for me, but when I do drive it, I love every minute of it as well. Great car, very solid, sounds good and will last 10 lifetimes.
Ohhh the subtle nuances in your two’s video’s are great
I absolutely love this thing. It’s a one of one special experience that despite its flaws has a real appeal. Great video as always. Biggest take away is that I’m back to scouring the internet for one 😂
The Lexus 5.0 V8 is one of the best sounding V8s in the world. Yes, it would need an aftermarket exhaust to get there, but if one does that then prepare for nirvana.
Am I the only one that likes the fact it still has a CD player? Don't get me wrong, I haven't used one in years, but I like having the option at least.
I collect CDs, many of which are from artists not easily found on music streaming services. I'd be kinda sad not having a CD player.
I do too, and it's actually a DvD player. You can play videos when the car is parked.
I'm right there with you - I use it from time to time in my car, and would be sad if it was gone.
@yousefal-assaf2985 - only navigation cars have the DVD player, so I think you need to get the IS500 premium to get that.
@@aprtur
Yup, that's right
Is there any other way to listen to Yanni?
Spot on! 6 years with my GSF and loving it every day.
Two baby seats in the back, commute to work, sprites driving on weekends. And one or twice on the track per year.
Ty. The best reviews are by SG!
I love these more than my Audi S4 in the same color in that this will not unexpectedly see a shop every month.
recently been on an F kick, the noise these things make is just unmatched. going to look at a GS 350 at the end of this week several states away, lexus's RWD cars are special things
so fortunate enough to own one and the emotion this car gives makes me feel alive. never fails to make me smile
@japanwatchconnection Why are you hating? It's okay to want an IS 500... I won't tell anyone.
Congrats
@japanwatchconnection
You are hating on everyone enjoying their IS500. Something tells me your wife's boyfriend drives one!
@japanwatchconnection
You've been insulting people for enjoying their cars, you very much deserve to be insulted back.
As of May 2023, dozens to hundreds of Acura TLX Type S’s are currently rotting on Acura dealership lots and going for $2,000 Under MSRP. This is proof that the Lexus IS500 did something right. Love the BMW M240i X-Drive and Audi RS3, but I like to do my own maintenance and I want the car to still be alive after 20 years of ownership.
Despite the aged components, it is still hands down the best looking sedan in its class. These are gorgeous on the road. Especially with a tasteful drop, and some mild spacers for the flush treatment.
The grille is hideous if I’m being honest
This and the tlx look great
@@layne4376 Go away if you aren't going to add anything to the conversation.
@@droiddevx03 yea, don't want to hurt liberals' feelings. I would say something like "it's not my style" but really I am thinking it looks like trash and the design team should feel sorry.
@TwinTurbo Ray OK I'll add something. I agree with the person who started the thread that it's a great-looking car. In fact, so much so that I bought two of them - a 2021 IS 350 and now a 2023 IS 500. It gets a lot of attention at car meets.
You hit all the major talking points. The car is a fantastic cruiser that can be sporty in bursts. Grecian Water over white is also the rarest spec by far for the IS500, less than 20 in North America so far!
Another great presentation. I own a 2023 IS 500 and your evaluation is spot on. The car has character, period.
I’ve been following this channel since around the time that the FRS was released, a car that I have loved since it was released and that I own now.
I am putting down a deposit on an IS500 performance premium next week. I didn’t need this video to talk me into wanting one but it sure did reinforce the idea that I want one.
I see why this is special. It's pretty much the same car as the original Lexus IS-F. Its a dinosaur born in the great V8 age of the Audi RS4 4.2L V8, C63 AMG 6.2L V8 and the E92 M3 4.4L V8. It came from the age of naturally aspirated big displacement V8 executive muscle car era. It's a direct descendent of one of the greats.
Drove this car during the autocross event at a Lexus driving school at Road Atlanta. You're right that it's not a sports car even with the "F" badging and its weight, but it's a last of its kind and I was impressed when they told me they run them all day with no mechanical issues at all, something that cannot be said about its american competitors
Or German competitors. Yet fanboys are all over these comments talking about how their M or AMGs are somehow better. If you car can’t handle a full track day without any issues - it’s not better. If your car can’t visit the dealership without costing you $1k every time it rolls into the shop - it’s not better. If the value of your car tanks within a couple years of ownership - it’s not better. All of these points are synonymous with M and AMG cars. The Lexus is the best purchase for the money across the board. Period. Some people are just seemingly incapable of acknowledging that fact.
- Me seeing this car for the first time: "Damn, I gotta look this up!"
- Sees MSRP: "Damn!"
Your review helped me push me over the edge and get one in blue vector.
I seriously dont mind the interior design being more conservative, if anything Id say its competition spends too much attention and money on the interior and making it look techy other than the engineering part that matters, not to mention the IS500 sound system must be awesome
Conservative and unimaginative are two different things.
As an owner of an IS500, I've daily'ed it over a year and 15k miles, Jack pretty much took the words right out of my mouth.
Yes, the 8-speed is trash even comparing to AMG's garbage 7 speed from 10 years ago. Yes, the interior packaging is crap (feels comparable to an E90). Yes, the cabin tech is cutting edge in 2013.
But do I care? No - it's a swansong of a bygone era. Be glad it exists.
Not giving it a pass because it has a V8 when it gives 6 Cyl performance. Smoothest brain take out here. “Yes it sips fuel like crazy for no benefit, but I like knowing the engine is big and has CHARACTER. Whatever that means.
@@TheRidersChoice ICE performance metrics are irrelevant in the age of EV, esp when you are talking about daily usage. I've daily'ed model 3 performance for a year, family has had a model S since 2014, I've ridden in a Plaid going full tilt. In daily situations (20-50mph quick bursts, etc) ICE cars don't hold a candle and that's just by design. Why bother with absolute metrics, instead just enjoy these cars for what they are.
BMW turbo 6s that we all know and love (I have 2!) will soon / has already been outpaced by Mercedes 4+hybrid, which will soon be outpaced by Toyota (or whoever) 3 cylinders + hybrid. It will keep on happening until we all have objectively fantastic EVs that run 0-60 under 4sec, goes 500mi in one charge, drives itself, AI generates your new favorite songs on the fly and tucks you in every night.
@@TheRidersChoice You seem fun.
Love your perspective on this car. Have driven one twice in the past few weeks trying to find a new daily. Want to find things to pick apart but can't get over the value for $65K. Not an M3, C63S, or Blackwing for a minute, but doesn't claim to be, and arguably makes this a far better daily driver than any of the other options, especially if you have something fun waiting for you on weekends.
I own a 22 Launch Edition, I got into a accident after 3 months of owning it. A year and some change later, I got the vehicle back but before everything, I put 3000 miles prior to the accident due to it being so fun to drive! Even after it got repaired, I got better rear tires, and still enjoying it. (Went on a 8 hour/600 mile roadtrip and surprisingly got 22miles to the gallon, so yes, probably the last best GT car out there
I agree with everyone who says this is the best looking sedan out. Looks-wise, Lexus hasn't missed with the 'IS' in three generations.
I bought a '22 Launch Edition almost 1.5 years ago & had 18k miles on it when sold it back to Lexus. Now I've got a '23 IS500. The N/A V8 in a sedan is a rare breed these days. For msrp, this car is worth it.
Preach.
Love my IS350, this thing looks great too.
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into these videos. My current daily driver is a Subaru WRX STi, and I’m tired of the way it beats me up on pothole-choked, crummy old roads that are part of my daily commute. The Lexus IS on my shortlist of potential replacements.
It's based. It's fun. It's a keeper for years.
I think I've fallen in love 😊
I was a BMW fan right until the launch of G22 4 Series A.K.A. the day BMW di3d, and now I can tell you, this is one of the best luxury cars out there, and Lexus has mostly won my heart for "new luxury/premium car" 🥰
Well until the m340i keeps rekting the IS LOL
Absolutely LOVE “Infrared “ w/ white interior …black wheels ..it’s so much fun to drive , I smile the whole way to work --was looking for another SUV hybrid lease - but saw this car ….my heart leapt …😊
Excellent review, no nit picking but telling it like it is, a beautiful fun car to drive everyday for 300,000 miles or more…and what a sound!
Cool car, and yes I often wonder why I have my F80 when I am simply stuck behind the masses 98% of the time.
Same. Especially if you have the 6 speed in the F80 like I do. The more I mature the more a car like this makes more sense.
@@OleMisss Yep, I have a manual. There are times I do wish for something a tad quieter on road trips. But that is typically when I have clients or non-car people on the car. I keep looking for an alternative, but honestly have yet to find one.
M550i
@@mcphersonjohnathon A bit too big and sterile for me.
@@mcphersonjohnathon
Compact and mid-sized sedans feel very different. A M550i feels like a mule handling wise, especially the xDrive version.
I want one of these so bad
Purchased one today!
This car is amazing ! I like the old school look and feel ! To each his own
My preference goes to these 10 minute video’s, but great quality as always!
Maybe a future collectible. Nice to see we can still purchase reasonably priced and reliable NA V8 sedan.
I hear you! My current car is really competent- fast enough, luxurious, quiet etc but it’s not fun like my previous car and I miss that
Hi from Hong Kong. UA-cam introduced your channel to me.
1:23 yes it's really a good looking car. Much more beautiful than some Germany cars. Especially the headlights and the side shape.
Getting older, this is the car I want.
Great honest review, thank God lexus has made this car. This is500 is really made for most guys like me, just want a super reliable great looking car that's still fast, fun, & easy to live with every day!
I love my 2is350 coming from the first gen. Maybe one day i’ll get the chance to drive one
Your comments about the old interior aren't on point. A CD player is a plus, not a minus. An extra luxury for conneiseurs that does not bother anybody that does not use it. Just because it does not have a 25 inch tablet screen in the middle of the dash does not mean it's not modern. The touchscreen craze is actually being suppressed because physical buttons are better and preferred by customers, so I'd say it's better and more modern than some of the latest cars
That’s why I take reviews with a grain of salt it’s is mostly subjective and biased
I watched this video and went out and bought an IS 500. My wife is thrilled that I can grow facial hair once again.
Every single time I think about buying a truck I see this and want it more
I always wanted an ISF. So happy that Lexus stuff the V8 back into a sedan again. 😀
Great review as always, but looking forward to seeing reviews on newer models of Toyota Lexus family such as RX hybrid, Crown, Prius, Highlander Turbo, RZ, etc.
They've done a launch review of the RX hybrid already. Maybe they'll do a followup down the line.
Lexus focus is towards luxury, not fun. It may give you some excitement but not that tingling giddy feeling.
That GS F and LC500....sexy and classy.
Lexus focus is simplicity and reliability… they definitely don’t have the most luxury…
As an owner of a 22 ES 350, lexus is sudo luxury.
I own a 2018 Lexus IS350 FSport 3. I absolutely love the interior! Personally, I prefer it over the modern touch screens in other brands. It has the right combination of modern and low tech. It's elegantly simple and it just works!
I need one of these 👌
This car is the epitome of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!“
This car will last hundreds of thousands of miles and be trouble free. Honestly, even though the interior is dated, I still think it looks nice today. I also think that the refresh to the exterior makes the car look amazing. The IS has always been a great car.
You’re going to pay for it in fuel cost while getting less than BMW 6 cyl performance. Which btw toyota has signed off on as having met Toyotas reliability standards 😂 Lexus/ Toyota is an L once again
@@TheRidersChoice The thing is that IS 500 owners just don't give a dang. We got the naturally-aspirated V-8, we got RWD and an LSD, we got a good-looking yet usable sedan, AND we have reliability to top it all off. The M340i is commonplace compared to the IS 500. I hate to say it, but the M340i seems a little boring in comparison.
@@ARentz07 boring in terms of it being a common car on the road but there’s a reason for that. It’s the superior car haha. If you are one of those types who needs to be feel like a special unique boy than sure, I can see the appeal at the cost of compromise in every other category. I’m my opinion shoving a giant engine in something while the rest of the car remains a lazy economy box, does not make it a good car; it just makes it a muscle car lol. In the ranks of scat packs at 18% financing
@@TheRidersChoice Lazy economy box? Are you trolling? This thing gets stares everywhere and has the engine and interior quality to back it up.
Besides, this thing will keep up with Scat Packs no problem. Not that it matters because I bought the car for me, not for you spec nerds.
Lexus: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
When it comes to shoving a naturally-aspirated V-8 into a small sedan, yes please.
I know its a short video already, but all you really needed was this pull and I was convinced. 5:06 let alone a N/A V8 luxury sedan at its price and size, you don’t even have any japanese sedans of the style available new anymore, or with that character. Take my money!
One of the best things about Lexus is that they let you slam that rev limiter
There is going to be a lot of people in the comments saying how lexus should have developed a better transmission, fitted the car with an oil cooler, trans cooler, etc, and done all of these things to make a "M car" competitor.
Last time lexus made a bespoke vehicle, the LFA, everyone then and now said it was the best car they have ever driven, and yet NO ONE bought it. There are still ZERO MILE LFA's on dealer lots today. So why would lexus ever care about your opinion? Lexus builds cars that SELL not cars that no one buys. They did that TWICE and no one buys them. LC500's sit on dealer lots till they sell 50% bellow sticker brand new! NO ONE, wants Lexus performance cars except 2 or 3 of you guys in the comments. So they will NEVER build a car for you, its not worth it. They do the bare minimum for people who want that little bit extra v8 in their life without having to buy a race car or something unreliable like an BMW or Audi or whatever and still fit 4 people.
You would have to be absoutely idiotic to think lexus cares about your opinion. The best praise you can give lexus is the the ES350 is the best value luxury sedan on the market (quoting SG), and they LOVE IT.
Wrong lol. First, nobody in the comments is saying this (I looked lol). Secondly, Lexus knew it couldn’t compete with the M3, because last time it tried (ISF), it failed in every performance category lol.
The lack of oil cooler is fairly dumb. Not just for the track but for longevity. Canyon runs cause that V8 to get hot. All the mounting points are there to add it as well n
I had a 2002 IS300 for 19 years, and no, it is not a typo, nineteen years of ownership. Want to guess how much mechanical issues I had through the entire ownership period? 1 (one), the alternator gave out after around 17 years. I finally sold it when I moved from CA to WA and miss driving that little fun car.
Don't dismiss the character of a car when you're considering a purchase. I drive a 2021 Mercedes GLE 450 now, a car that is bigger, faster and much higher tech (the IS300 came from factory with CASSETTE PLAYER! I bet some younger folks have never seen a cassette before, lol); on paper/spec sheet, it is a superior car but the fact is that the IS300 is more fun to drive. The Mercedes GLE 450 is a great car and does it job well, transporting my wife, my dog and myself is a safe and comfortable manner, isolating us with technological comfort. But it is also a boring drive, you're basically operating a horizontal appliance.
So if you're looking for a nimble, reliable sedan, the Lexus IS series should be high on your list. I definitely recommend it. When my wife's Toyota finally gives up the ghost (which is most likely be close to never....), I will likely replace it with another IS, the IS500 if they're still in production.
I REALLY want one of these.
Not even bothering with blurring out the speedo anymore are we :D
I argue that it IS the best-sounding V8 on earth. Super musical tone, machine gun rev limiter, absolute win.
The rev limiter is cool. TBH, Jack kinda annoyed me with all the rev limiter abuse, but I have to admit it is fun to listen to.
My god man you need to get out more.
@@MercOne Uh oh, somebody's triggered that a Japanese sedan has the best motor ever. Get over it. American V8s are overrated.
@@dawnpoint Uh oh someone has gone full tard and is arguing with themselves about American V8s when no one mentioned an American V8.
@@MercOne It is blatantly clear that you are feeling insecure.
really like this car, love that v8.
Sadly, not available in AU - I have the 350 and would buy the 500 in a heartbeat. 2 years in, not a rattle, not a sign of wear or tear, nothing has gone wrong and never will. It feels like it's built to bank-vault standards.
I've had an IS350 F-sport RWD for ~3.5 years, the 8spd is the worst part of the experience in that car as well. I've found eco-mode in auto mode slushing along or S+ in manual mode driving hard are the only ways to drive it, everything in between confuses the gearbox. I kinda want an IS500, because two more cylinders & better noise, but the transmission is just such a weak point I can't talk myself into spending ~65k for one, you know, assuming I could even get my hands on one. the M3 & CT4V BW are the only ways to get a manual in a performance sedan, and I don't like the engine in the CT4V BW, and don't want to spend M3 money.
"Weak" is a relative term. That Lexus 8-speed will easily outlast 3 German automatic or DCTs.
@@barrydraper the Germans bmw Audi especially have better transmissions
The zf 8 speed is the best automatic on sale
@@naveenthemachine And is still slower than the Aisin developed 8 speed. 0.1 second downshift in 2008 while ZF still takes 0.2.
@@d1sturb3d119 I doubt it. In the performance vehicles with this transmission the downshifts are a lot faster.
@@naveenthemachine The technical details are available online. Facts are facts and not biased by someone's feelings. The technical specs are what they are. Folks like to claim a lot.
If the car is not in the right mode, you're not getting the fastest time. Reviewers have literally run the IS with TC on in normal mode and complained about how the car doesn't shift well.
Folks can buy whatever but the truth is what it is. There's a reason why ISF's are still putting up a fight or blowing away cars from today.
I rather have this over the TLX/Integra Type S
Does it come with a manual?
@@WhatisaLee IS comes with rwd 😈that's all that's needed for this soon to be 40yo
@@WhatisaLee Is it a brown manual RWD diesel wagon?
@@gsxellence But that's also what makes the Integra unique. There are tons of comfortable auto saloons. None come with a manual. Even if that's the only real value proposition the integra offers, it's so rare that it's becoming priceless.
The TLX(integra) is a very low bar. All it has going for it is a manual gearbox.