For 2009, the IS has been updated with new interior and exterior styling, a few performance tweaks, and a hardtop convertible edition. Reviewers call the 2009 Lexus IS250 a fun handling car that's underpowered. -
U.S. News Rankings & Reviews
The IS 250 is the only IS to offer optional all-wheel drive; rear-wheel drive is standard. A long wheelbase and wide stance help give the IS 250 a muscular look. Up to five occupants fit inside the 2009 Lexus IS250. -
Cars.com
Lexus's small rear-wheel-drive sedan has a plush, quiet interior with simple controls, but it lacks the sporty feel of some competitors. Standard stability control makes handling secure but it is not very sporty, partly because the steering is short on feedback. The ride is jittery. The base 2.5-liter V6 is refined and delivers quick acceleration, and fuel economy is good at 24 mpg overall. The optional 3.5-liter V6 is very strong. All-wheel drive is optional on the 2009 Lexus IS250. The front cabin is tight, and the rear seat is extremely cramped. IIHS crash-test results are impressive. A high-performance, V8-powered F model with an eight-speed automatic is also available. A convertible version is new for 2010. -
MSN Autos
The Lexus IS 250 RWD (Manual) was last redesigned in 2006 and the next major change is expected in 2012. Standard features include keyless remote entry, privacy glass, heated mirrors, and moon roof. Optional features include parking sensors, pre-collision system, and DVD-based voice-activated navigation system. -
Intellichoice.com
Sporty handling, an engaging personality and multiple powertrain and packaging configurations make the 2009 Lexus IS250 well worth considering by anyone who believes that small is beautiful and that a car is much more than a mere transportation appliance. -
KBB.com
Most engaging Lexus to date. A mid-gen update for the IS 250/IS 250 AWD/IS 350 brings a new grille/fascias/taillamps/wheels plus interior cosmetic/functional tweaks. Retuned suspension/steering improves control and response, the paddle-shifting logic has been upgraded, and VDIM stability becomes a 2009 Lexus IS250 standard. The hot IS-F variant gets minor interior trim changes. -
Motortrend.com
The 2009 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans bring the driving feel of a sports coupe, in a more practical four-door sedan body style, and have some available high-tech features that aren't offered by their head-on competitors. -
Autoguide.com
The 2009 Lexus IS gives BMW, Benz, and Infiniti a real challenge, though it's still a little softer than those sedans. The 2009 Lexus IS bears the styling hallmarks of larger Lexus sedans. -
Thecarconnection.com
As an entry-level luxury sedan with a dash of panache, the 2009 Lexus IS250 is an appealing proposition -- but as a sport sedan, it falls a bit short. The 2009 Lexus IS250 receives a handful of minor tweaks, including subtle interior and exterior styling changes, a more advanced stability control system, slightly revised suspension tuning and a two-tone interior option. -
Edmunds.com