2011 Lexus IS F

Base MSRP: $60,660
Reviewed
October 2010
2011 Lexus IS F

Pros
  • Brawny V8
  • Great sound
  • 8-speed automatic shifts fast
  • Very athletic handling  
Cons
  • Jarringly stiff ride
  • Sort of odd-looking
  • Interior isn't roomy
  • Only carries four passengers

The 2011 Lexus IS F high-performance sports sedan carries over unchanged from 2010 except for a new standard brake override system included on all 2011 gas-powered Lexuses. This system ensures that engine power is reduced when the driver steps on the brake and the accelerator at the same time. For more on this car, see our page on the 2010 Lexus IS F (Base MSRP $58,460).

Federal fuel-economy estimates for the Lexus IS F had not been updated for 2011 when we checked. The identical 2010 model is listed at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway/18 mpg combined.

The Lexus IS F has not been crash tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Its parent car, the less powerful Lexus IS (Base MSRP $32,145 to $41,030), earns Good ratings in IIHS's front- and side-crash tests, with an Acceptable score in rear crashes. IIHS had not tested this car's rollover roof strength when we checked. In government tests, the Lexus IS earns the highest 5-star rating for avoiding rollovers and protecting the driver in a side crash, with 4 stars in frontal crashes and for protecting rear passengers in a side crash. Standard safety features include antilock brakes with brake assist; traction and stability control; front, front-side, front-knee and curtain airbags, and Lexus's Safety Connect emergency communication system.

Base MSRP for the 2011 Lexus IS F is $59,010.

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Our Sources

1. Lexus

Lexus lists no changes for the 2011 Lexus IS F, aside from the new brake override system that comes standard on all 2011 gas-powered Lexus models.

Review: Lexus Announces Prices for 2011 Models, Lexus Media Relations

2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does not crash test the Lexus IS F. However, its parent car, the Lexus IS, earns an Acceptable rating in rear-crash tests and a Good rating in front and side crashes. Its rollover roof strength has not been tested.

Review: Midsize Luxury/Near Luxury Cars, Editors of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

3. SaferCar.gov

The Lexus IS-F is not crash tested here, but the related Lexus IS gets a perfect 5-star government rating for rollover avoidance and for protecting the driver in a side crash, and 4 stars for frontal-crash protection and for protecting rear passengers in a side crash.

Review: 5-Star Safety Ratings, Editors of SaferCar.gov

4. FuelEconomy.gov

This website run by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy did not list updated fuel-economy estimates for 2011 Lexus models when we checked, but the similar 2010 Lexus IS F posts an estimated 18 mpg in combined driving.

Review: 2010 Upscale Sedans, Editors of FuelEconomy.gov

5. ConsumerSearch.com

The 2011 Lexus IS F is basically unchanged from 2010. For more on this car, see our report on the 2010 Lexus IS F.

Review: 2010 Lexus IS F, Editors of ConsumerSearch, Oct. 2010

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