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Quiet and smooth, but ungainly looking
- Nice interior
- Quiet, smooth ride
- Standard hard top
- Good fuel economy from base V6
- Strong power from optional V6
- Lackluster acceleration from base engine
- Awkward exterior design
- Limited space for rear passengers
- Cargo capacity small with top down
The Lexus IS C (Base MSRP: $38,490 to $43,940) is a capable hard-top convertible with a quiet ride and high build quality, according to experts. While the base engine in the IS 250 C does not provide thrilling performance, reviews say it is adequate and returns good fuel economy. The step-up IS 350 C includes a more potent 306 horsepower engine. For a comprehensive review of how the Lexus stacks up against the competition, see our report on the similar 2010 Lexus IS C (Base MSRP: $38,490 to $43,940).
For 2011, the IS C convertible receives only minimal trim changes and a few new colors. It remains otherwise unchanged from the 2010 model
The IS 250 C with the base 2.5-liter V6 producing 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the six-speed automatic transmission, whereas it delivers a less-efficient 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined with the six-speed manual gearbox.
The 2011 Lexus IS 350 C comes with a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 producing over 300 horsepower that the EPA rates at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg in the combined cycle. This more powerful Lexus convertible is available only with the six-speed automatic.
The Lexus IS C hard-top convertible had not been rated by either government or independent agencies for crash-worthiness as of this writing, though the related IS sedan scores the highest rating of "Good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for both frontal and side impacts. This convertible comes with an array of standard safety equipment including front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, bars to protect occupants in a rollover situation, as well as antilock brakes, electronic stability control and traction control.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
The 2011 model year for this Lexus hard-top convertible brings very minor changes. Some trim alterations and different paint colors are the only adjustments for the new model year.
Review: 2011 Lexus IS 250 C, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. FuelEconomy.gov
The Lexus IS 250 C, with its less powerful engine, delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway. The more muscular IS 350 C has 300 horsepower and still is rated at relatively good 27 mpg on the highway.
Review: 2011 Lexus IS 250C, 2011 Lexus IS 350C, Editors of FuelEconomy.gov
Our compilation and analysis of what expert reviewers say about the 2010 Lexus IS C remains current as the 2011 model is a direct carryover, save for some nominal trim changes.
Review: 2010 Lexus IS C, Editors of ConsumerSearch, Aug. 2009
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