2009 Lexus IS-F

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the new Lexus IS-F on the street and on the track, in order to give you an expert opinion regarding its performance and practicality. TheCarConnection.com's car experts have also researched available road tests on the new Lexus IS-F to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other car reviews might differ.

Likes
Powerful Brembo brakes
Impeccable interior fit and finish
Quick-shifting eight-speed automatic
Powerful V-8 acceleration

Dislikes
Retail price
No optional all-wheel drive
No optional manual transmission
Cheap-looking exterior pieces

Introduced in 2008, the Lexus IS-F is a high-performance version of the IS sport sedan. It was the first production model to wear the brand's "F" designation, heralding more exclusive vehicles offering track-ready performance.

The attractive IS-F features a more aggressive grille with lower vents to enhance engine breathing and matching vents for brake cooling, while flared wheel arches house the oversized tires needed to pump all that extra power to the pavement. Some of the add-ons to the 2009 Lexus IS-F sedan's exterior appear unrefined, but the interior is flawless; a console covered in aluminum-look trim splits four bucket seats. Backseats, however, don't provide enough head- or legroom.