Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
18 -21 City / 26 -30 HWY
Horsepower
204
Seats
4 -5
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mika H
No major complaints. Cute little car.
No issues with my vehicle. It is very comfortable. It is small in size. No room in the backseat. I get very good gas mileage. Its sporty, v6, 4 door, leather, CD player, Bluetooth. It is easy to drive. The paint does not age well. Also, the car is low to the ground.
accountCircle omar R
Fun to ride, very reliable and very strong long lasting engine.
I really like my car, it is very reliable and very comfortable. I went for Lexus because I wanted the luxury but not the headaches. It doesn't give me any troubles I just have to change the oil when it's due and the filters but other than that is a great car. The only thing that I would say is the gas mileage it has, it's not the best it gives around 20 miles per gallon, I am sure other makers have v6 engines that have better efficiency but in my opinion it is not a deal breaker.
accountCircle William C
The love that is my Lexus.
Very reliable as it is built by Toyota. Strong 2.5 liter engine. The performance mode and snow modes are awesome. The AWD is amazing on the snow. Handles great in twists and turns. I am so happy I found this car. I look forward to buying another in the future!
accountCircle Amanda D
This Lexus is a definite must have!
The vehicle is great, every ride is so enjoyable. It rides smooth and accelerates just when I need it too. The sunroof is great and the seats are very comfortable. The sound system is awesome and the seat warmers are an awesome touch. It is a very reliable car and anyone would be happy with it.
accountCircle Elizabeth K
Lexus is-250 AWD: the car that will change your life!
Great pick up speed, amazing sound quality with speakers, air conditioned and heated seats, sport mode option and power mode, leather seats, sunroof and extremely safe and smooth ride.
accountCircle Lauren C
I have found this car to be extremely reliable.
I like the decent gas mileage but there are definitely times when I missing having the room of an SUV. I love that my vehicle is low maintenance and reliable.
accountCircle Olivia W
Amazing car, best buy ever!
I love this vehicle. It drives smooth and is fun. The gas mileage is great. Plus, the convertible makes it even better. You look so cool driving around. The Bluetooth in the car is amazing. The overall sound system fits the car. I feel completely safe driving.
accountCircle Shelby D
The best part about my car is the sunroof!
This vehicle has been very reliable for me for the past 5 years. I have really enjoyed it and continue to enjoy it until I can personally purchase my own car. This car is great on gas and runs very smoothly. Although my car did develop a loud clicking sound when I start it up it was an easy fix! Sometimes fixing any problems on the car can get pricey, but it is definitely worth it in the end. Lexus is the bestest!

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jesse M
Very fast gray color beautiful wheels beautiful stock motor great handling.
The Lexus Is 300 is a really good vehicle great handling great comfortability great speed debility very low maintenance great all alone around car.
accountCircle Philip T
The car moves people place to place, so it works.
I don't really care about my vehicle that much. I just use it to get to one place to another.
accountCircle eric R
Too many people have this car
Cost of gas is making me want to sell the car

Lexus IS Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
4dr Sport Sdn Man RWD
204 HP 22 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr Sport Sdn Auto RWD
204 HP 24 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr Sport Sdn Auto AWD
204 HP 22 MPG 5 Seats
car
2dr Conv Man
204 HP 21 MPG 4 Seats
car
2dr Conv Auto
204 HP 24 MPG 4 Seats
Photos may not match model

2011 Lexus IS Owner Reviews

4.52
50 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 60%
4 stars 34%
3 stars 4%
2 stars 2%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Sarah C on May 18, 2021
2011 Lexus is250 is an exceptional car with great fuel mileage.
The only issue I have had is the dashboard melted previously, it was a known issue for that year of Lexus. Very reliable with regular maintenance. Comfort is top notch with many modern conveniences. Heated and cooled seats, Bluetooth/hands free calling, navigation, and leather seats.
accountCircle Shelby D on May 10, 2021
The best part about my car is the sunroof!
This vehicle has been very reliable for me for the past 5 years. I have really enjoyed it and continue to enjoy it until I can personally purchase my own car. This car is great on gas and runs very smoothly. Although my car did develop a loud clicking sound when I start it up it was an easy fix! Sometimes fixing any problems on the car can get pricey, but it is definitely worth it in the end. Lexus is the bestest!

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Tabitha S.

The car has good gas mileage, runs smoothly and is still very attractive. I haven't had any major problems with the car. As long as you keep up the required maintenance, everything runs fine and the car looks like new.

likeFilled Emily H.

This is a great luxury sedan with comfortable seats and just enough power. This is the second is250 I have purchased and really like the LED headlights in the 2011 and newer models. I also like that the engine is a naturally aspirated V6 rather than a turbo. The gas mileage is good and the interior is comfortable and quiet.

likeFilled Kathy C.

Lexus is a very reliable manufacturer! They stand behind their product. I have enjoyed having this hard top convertible. It is like a regular coupe but when the weather is good you put the top down and enjoy!

likeFilled Sandi M.

Comfort in all aspects of driving. The top is very easy to put up and down and is quick and quiet. The seats are fantastic and I drive for hours without getting stiff or sore and the heating and cooling is heaven.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Tabitha S.

You will have to replace the tires almost every year. Since it has staggered wheels, the tires can only be rotated from one side to the other. I couldn't get an answer of why the tires wear out so quickly.

dislikeFilled Emily H.

I do not like that this vehicle does not come standard with a backup camera or sensors to let you know if someone is beside you. I also do not like that the trunk is unusually heavy to lift especially if you have something in your arms. The radio head unit is also a bit dated for the year model.

dislikeFilled Kathy C.

I cannot think of any! I am not sure what to put here because I like my Lexus IS 250. There is no issue that I would consider a con. Obviously I have kept it for over nine years so far and I do not plan to get a new vehicle any time soon.

dislikeFilled Sandi M.

There are major blind spots when the top is up. When the top is down I have minimal trunk space which means I do not get to use it often enough for the price I paid to have a convertible. The cars depreciation is very steep.

Ranks #5 Luxury Small Cars by Owners

The 2011 Lexus IS has an average owner rating of 4.52 out of 5 which ranks it #5 of 18 other Luxury Small Cars.

1
car
4.78
2
car
4.64
5
car
4.52

Ranks #3 Luxury Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2011 Lexus IS has a combined MPG of 30 which ranks it #3 of 18 other Luxury Small Cars.

1
car
42 MPG
2
car
36 MPG
3
Tie
car
30 MPG
3
Tie
car
30 MPG

Is The 2011 Lexus IS A Good Car?

Yes it is a good vehicle. It drives very well and it is heavy so it feels very secure. It also is small enough to fit most spaces.
Gurshran G.
Yes it’s been a very good and reliable car. I bought it with 30000 miles and haven't had a bit of trouble
Jennifer M.

How Reliable Is The 2011 Lexus IS?

It is very reliable. I do not have any problems with it. The only annoyance is that because it is a Lexus it only takes premium gasoline.
Gurshran G.
No problems other than normal wear and tear. It’s been a very reliable car that I use daily to commute to work
Samantha S.

Is The 2011 Lexus IS A Good Value?

I do not remember how much we got it for but initially we purchased it used after it came back from being leased. It only had a couple thousand miles so it was a very good value.
Gurshran G.
I paid around 15000 for it used. It was a very great value. I plan on keeping it and letting my kids drive it when I'm done with it
Alejandra R.

Related Articles for 2011 Lexus IS

From the Vehicle History blog

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2008 Lexus IS Review: An Excellent Used Luxury Compact, but not Worth $10,000
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2007 Lexus IS Review: If Any 2007 Sedan is Worth $10,000, the Lexus IS is

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Not Rated

Rollover

Side

Not Rated
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety