The 2007 Lexus IS is an excellent luxury sedan that’s built to last and fun to drive. But, the steering is a bit numb, the back seats are a bit tight, and $10,000 might be more than you care to spend on a vehicle this old.
Is the 2007 Lexus IS a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – Simply one of the best luxury cars on the road today. Whether that means it’s worth a five figure price tag, that’s for you to decide.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The cabin is well designed, well-appointed, and the front seats are very comfortable. But you have to dock a couple points for rigid suspension and tight back seats.
- Reliability 9/10 – It’s a Lexus, which means it’s a Toyota, which means you can expect to hit 250,000 miles before the first major repair.
- Safety 8/10 – Generous safety features and solid crash test scores make the 2007 Lexus IS one of the safer luxury sedans on the road.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – 28/32 miles to the gallon is good for a compact, and really good for a compact that delivers 205 horsepower at the entry level.
- Value 7/10 – The 2007 Lexus IS is priced fairly at around $10,000 in the Blue Book. That’s almost twice as much as most people would be willing to spend on a vehicle this old. But if any 2007 sedan is worth ten grand, it’s a Lexus IS.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Lexus IS?
Consumer Reports praised the Lexus IS for its plush interior and luxurious road manners, but expressed disappointment at the car’s not-so-sporty performance. According to CR, the car is quick to accelerate and whisper quiet, but the suspension is a bit stiff and the steering feels numb.
Kelley Blue Book praised the Lexus IS as a capable Japanese-made answer to a BMW 3-Series. They liked the quick acceleration and handsome styling, but note that the obvious European inspiration may leave drivers wishing it had more of its own identity.
Edmunds liked the refined powertrain, “class-leading interior quality,” generous standard safety features, and solid handling, as well as the optional all wheel drive. But, numb steering and a tight back seat earned the car a couple red marks.
What Common Problems Does the 2007 Lexus IS Have?
The 2007 Lexus IS has generated 382 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Airbags make up roughly one in four of these complaints, thanks to a circuit malfunction leaving airbags disabled.
Another quarter of the car’s complaints are for structural issues, with drivers reporting “melting” dashboards. If your dashboard appears shiny and sticky, the plastic isn’t actually melting. Rather, the adhesive used in assembly is bubbling up to the surface through the pores of the plastic. Still, it’s a visibility issue.
There are 30 vehicle speed control complaints, with drivers reporting jerking, lurching, and stalling while in motion.
The 2007 Lexus IS has been recalled 11 times in total, which is high for a 2007 sedan, and especially high for a Toyota. But, the car’s relatively low number of complaints would suggest that the recalls have, for the most part, been successful.
How Long Will the 2007 Lexus IS Last?
Lexus IS drivers regularly report the car lasting 250,000 to 300,000 miles at a minimum. The Lexus is a Toyota at heart, so it’s built to last. But, when deciding whether it’s worth your hard-earned money, you’ll want to bet on 250,000 miles, and consider anything after that a bonus.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $385, which is very low for a luxury car, but about what you expect of a Lexus. The most expensive common repairs include new wheel hub assemblies, starting at around $572, and new water pumps, at $716.
Yeah the alternator went out. I think a known problem is the transmission too on some, but the GPS is not made to extreme conditions.
Besides the slight carbon build up ( which causes the engine to sputter from time to time) it is very reliable. I have not had any major problems with it.
I feel like it is a very reliable car never gives me trouble never gave up on me driving it had a few minor problems but nothing major.
Very reliable. It has very few problems. It did have a recall on the interior on the doors and near the front window because it would melt very easily when it gets hot, but other than that. It is a super reliable car.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2007 Lexus IS may be dated in some ways, but it’s certainly generous. 6-disc CD changers, auxiliary input, and 13 high quality speakers all come standard. The optional Nav system package adds a DVD system, voice activation, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Safety features are, likewise, generous. And, ahead of their time. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control all come standard. And, the Nav package comes with a rearview camera, a feature which wasn’t that common back in 2007.
Is the 2007 Lexus IS a Good Value?
The 2007 Lexus IS is priced fairly. An entry-level 250 typically sells for around $8,369, while a high-end 350 goes for around $9,558. These prices are fair for 2007 luxury cars with around 150,000 miles on the odometer, which goes to show how expensive old luxury cars can be.
Given the IS’ low maintenance costs, fuel-efficient engine, and long-lasting powertrain, it’s one of the better deals you’ll find on a luxury compact from this model year. Which begs the question if any 2007 luxury compact is worth the price. That’s up to you.
What are the Different Models of the 2007 Lexus IS?
The 2007 Lexus IS is available in two models being a 2.5L-powered 250, and a 3.5L-powered 350. Both cars come with the same list of standard features, including:
- Leather seating
- 10-way power-adjust seats
- Cruise control
- Remote keyless entry
- 6-disc CD player with auxiliary input and 13 speakers
- Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control
What Engines Come In the 2007 Lexus IS?
- 250 models come packed with a 2.5L V6 engine delivering 204 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 24/32 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The 2.5L hits zero to sixty in about 6.9 to 7.3 seconds.
- In the 350 you’ll find a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque at around 21/28 miles to the gallon. The 350 can hit zero to sixty in a tidy 5.3 seconds. Either engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, in rear or all wheel drive.
What Colors Does the 2007 Lexus IS Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2007 Lexus IS?
The front seats of the 2007 Lexus IS are very comfortable, and the interior trim is first-class all the way. But, the ride may be stiffer than you expect of a luxury car, and the back seat, while stretching a respectable 54 inches across, offers limited head and leg room for full-size adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Lexus IS Have?
The 2007 Lexus IS offers up 13 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, which isn’t bad for a compact. This will pack five medium sized suitcases plus a carry-on bag or two.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2007 was the second model year in the Lexus IS’ 2nd Generation, running from 2006 to 2013.
2005: There were no big changes for 2005, as Lexus were already revving up the 2006 model relaunch at this point, but some new paint colors were added.
2006: The second-gen IS was expanded in every direction for a roomier ride. It’s 3.5 inches longer, 3 inches wider, with an extra 2.4 in the wheelbase.
2007: There were no fundamental changes to the IS in 2007 other than the options packages being rearranged a bit.
2008: Lexus recalibrated the steering for a tighter feel in 2008.
2009: Some minor cosmetic changes were made for 2009, with the car receiving new grilles, bumpers, and taillights.
How Does the 2007 Lexus IS Compare to the Competition?
The Acura TL is probably the Lexus IS’ closest competition, and it lists for around a thousand bucks cheaper than a Lexus with the same mileage. It’s more powerful, by a margin of 54 horses at the entry-level, just as fuel efficient, and comparably generous with its standard features, but Lexus has a stronger reputation for delivering a first-class interior.
If you’re after a practical daily driver, the Toyota Corolla is the smarter purchase. It’s not nearly as powerful as a Lexus IS, but it’s considerably more fuel efficient, averaging an impressive 32/41 miles to the gallon, and it starts out a couple thousand dollars cheaper.
But, a Corolla isn’t as much fun as a Lexus IS.
At the end of the day, a luxury car is all about feel. The Acura TL is a marginally better car than the Lexus IS on paper, but the price difference is just slim enough that it’s easy to justify going with your gut on this one.
Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Lexus IS?
Yes, this car has caused me minimal problems. The occasional accessory repair, but only 1 major repair. My alternator. Other than that I had to fix the GPS because it is not made for Tucson heat. So keep that in mind.
Yes it is a great vehicle. It is a fun sports sedan. Lots of get up a go for a small engine. Would buy another one.
Yes it handles great drives great really nice car gives me no trouble absolutely love this car without a doubt.
Yes. It is a very great car. Super reliable and very fast. Gas is premium, so it's kind of high compared to other gas leads but it's worth it. I love how fast it can go within a matter of seconds. Best car hands down.
