2011 Lexus IS 250C consumer reviews

I bought a 2010 because I drive a long commute and thought the lexus would provide a comfortable ride. The ride was boring and after a few weeks driving my back and neck started to hurt. I could not get comfortable in the seats and tried different pillows but nothing helped. The seat is very uncomfortable and you feel very cramped in the front seat. I test drove a bmw 328 I and sold my lexus is250c and feel such a difference both in drive and comfort. If you are looking at this car. Do not compromise by the bmw

After 30+ years of car buying, our certified 2011 IS250C was by far the worst car choice we ever made. Yes, its a great looking and luxurious car that receives compliments. We read about the poor rear visibility and sluggish power of the smaller engine. We bought one with navigation to mitigate the poor visibility but could never get over how slow and sluggish the car is with the small engine. And the braking is scary since the car is so heavy. The worst issue which we never read about, is how uncomfortable the seats are. Yes, Lexus seats that are the worst we have ever sat in. We took three long road trips and had bad back aches each time. The lumbar support is way too low and the head rest is too far back to use. This was a present for my wife and she hated the car (after driving a Mazda Miata hardtop convertible). It was no way enjoyable to drive but was instead a good looking and quiet car, that was boring to drive. SO, after 4 months, we test drove a BMW and her eyes lit up. So we just too a large loss on the Lexus and swapped it for the BMW. Our worst experience with a Lexus as well as a car. Before you buy, take it for a long test drive.

If you ever wanted a convertible and in the market to buy one, this is the car to buy. It is a beauty. It has sophisticated styling. The hardtop is the way to go in a convertible. Also, for the size of the car, it is quite good on gas! The only con: small truck when top is down - but you can't have everything.

I bought the IS 250c and am thoroughly enjoying it, after years in an Audi A4 convertible. The top moves quickly, sounds system is excellent and the turning radius makes it quite nimble. On a drive yesterday from Portland to Seattle I was getting 37 miles per gallon, a welcome surprise.

Sure, it's been a tough winter, even in Atlanta. But some recent time spent with the 2011 Lexus IS 250C convertible gave us a nice moment of sunshine and reminder that spring is just around the corner. This entry-level luxury model is a sweetheart, thanks to its 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 engine. That power plant is tied to six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, which the tester had. Lexus says the engine is all aluminum and has direct injection and variable valve timing, which maximize efficiency and performance. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway with the automatic, and 19 and 27 with the manual. The IS 250C, which is the cabrio version of the IS 250 sedan, has a new appearance up front, with a redesigned grille and front bumper. The rear styling has gotten a few tweaks also. The end result is a very well-crafted, handsome vehicle, inside and out. On the inside, the 250C is technically a four-seater, but the two rear seats are pretty tiny. The leather seats do have 10-way power adjustability, though, making at least the front passengers comfortable. Plus, Lexus designers had the presence of mind to make the driving experience with the top down practical. The retractable hardtop takes only 21 seconds to open or close. There are anti-glare gauges that let you still see the dash despite the sunlight when it's open, as well as audio and climate systems that adjust for the added wind noise and temperature change. And for pleasant sounds, enjoy the 13-speaker, 194-watt stereo with six-CD changer that comes with the Lexus Premium Audio System. If you want more goodies inside, there is a Premium Plus Package that features perforated leather seating that heats and cools, a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system with 14 speakers and 10 amplifier stations, a DVD-based navigation system and wood trim. For performance, try the new F Sport Package, featuring a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels and front and rear spoilers. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard. Rain-sensing wipers and a backup camera with front and rear parking sensors are optional. There are good safety features, such as vehicle stability control, antilock brakes, brake-force distribution and brake assist. Lexus offers a Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which keeps a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle in front of you and prepares the seatbelts and brakes for a collision when necessary. Lexus features its Enform system with Safety Connect to give satellite communications in the event of an accident or if the car is stolen. With its sharp looks, snappy handling and reasonable price, the IS 250C provides a breath of fresh air in the luxury coupe/convertible field.