2013
Lexus IS-F

Starts at:
$61,750
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New 2013 Lexus IS-F
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2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F 2013 Lexus IS-F

Notable features

Retuned suspension
Performance version of IS sedan
416-hp V-8
Eight-speed automatic
Large Brembo brakes

The good & the bad

The good

0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds
Tame trunk lid spoiler
Quad tailpipe design
Eight airbags

The bad

No manual transmission
Some transmission lag
Peculiar domed hood
Tight backseat
See all specifications

Expert 2013 Lexus IS-F review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The rear-drive IS-F is a performance variant of the IS 250 and IS 350, which are covered separately in the Cars.com Research section. The IS-F comes only as a sedan with a 416-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8. The other IS models come as a sedan and convertible with V-6 engines and an all-wheel-drive option for the sedans. Lexus claims the IS-F sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It competes with the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
New for 2013
Lexus claims the 2013 IS-F’s retuned suspension offers better turn-in and dynamics. A scratch-resistant clearcoat paint is now used, and the available navigation system features the latest version of Lexus Enform communication system and App Suite smartphone-application integration.
Exterior
Cosmetic exterior and interior changes are always part of the high-performance package. Exterior changes compared with the IS 250/IS 350 include:

  • Wider fenders
  • Flared bumper with a larger mouth 
  • Vents behind the front wheels 
  • High-domed hood 
  • Quad tailpipes 
  • Small trunk lid spoiler
  • 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires

Interior
A USB/iPod connector is standard, and the IS-F comes with the Lexus Safety Connect system, which is similar to GM’s OnStar service. It comes with a year’s worth of service free; after that you’ll have to pay a subscription fee. IS-F interior changes compared with the IS 250/IS 350 include:

  • Body-hugging sport seats
  • F logos all around 
  • Carbon fiber trim
  • Chrome shift paddles

Under the Hood
The 416-hp V-8 cranks out 371 pounds-feet of torque; the redline is 7,000 rpm. The IS-F has one transmission — with enough gears for two. The eight-speed automatic has a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. There is no true manual available. Lexus says the transmission, which it calls Sport Direct Shift, changes gears within one-tenth of a second and executes rev matching for smoother downshifts and decreased wear. Not to be confused with some automated-manual transmissions, this one uses a fluidic torque converter. Mechanical features include:

  • Brakes with cross-drilled discs and six- and two-piston calipers in the front and rear, respectively
  • Brembo-brand calipers are gloss black and bear the Lexus logo 
  • Car sits 1 inch lower than the IS 250/IS 350
  • Stability system’s Sport mode allows more wheelspin and sliding before intervening

Safety
Standard safety features include:

  • Front knee airbags
  • Side-impact torso-protection airbags for the front seats 
  • Side curtain airbags in both rows 
  • Seat belt pretensioners for front seats and outboard rear seats 
  • All-disc antilock brakes 
  • Electronic stability system
  • Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, which Lexus says is meant to integrate all systems to anticipate skids and react faster than an electronic stability system alone

2013 Lexus IS-F review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The rear-drive IS-F is a performance variant of the IS 250 and IS 350, which are covered separately in the Cars.com Research section. The IS-F comes only as a sedan with a 416-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8. The other IS models come as a sedan and convertible with V-6 engines and an all-wheel-drive option for the sedans. Lexus claims the IS-F sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It competes with the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
New for 2013
Lexus claims the 2013 IS-F’s retuned suspension offers better turn-in and dynamics. A scratch-resistant clearcoat paint is now used, and the available navigation system features the latest version of Lexus Enform communication system and App Suite smartphone-application integration.
Exterior
Cosmetic exterior and interior changes are always part of the high-performance package. Exterior changes compared with the IS 250/IS 350 include:

  • Wider fenders
  • Flared bumper with a larger mouth 
  • Vents behind the front wheels 
  • High-domed hood 
  • Quad tailpipes 
  • Small trunk lid spoiler
  • 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires

Interior
A USB/iPod connector is standard, and the IS-F comes with the Lexus Safety Connect system, which is similar to GM’s OnStar service. It comes with a year’s worth of service free; after that you’ll have to pay a subscription fee. IS-F interior changes compared with the IS 250/IS 350 include:

  • Body-hugging sport seats
  • F logos all around 
  • Carbon fiber trim
  • Chrome shift paddles

Under the Hood
The 416-hp V-8 cranks out 371 pounds-feet of torque; the redline is 7,000 rpm. The IS-F has one transmission — with enough gears for two. The eight-speed automatic has a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. There is no true manual available. Lexus says the transmission, which it calls Sport Direct Shift, changes gears within one-tenth of a second and executes rev matching for smoother downshifts and decreased wear. Not to be confused with some automated-manual transmissions, this one uses a fluidic torque converter. Mechanical features include:

  • Brakes with cross-drilled discs and six- and two-piston calipers in the front and rear, respectively
  • Brembo-brand calipers are gloss black and bear the Lexus logo 
  • Car sits 1 inch lower than the IS 250/IS 350
  • Stability system’s Sport mode allows more wheelspin and sliding before intervening

Safety
Standard safety features include:

  • Front knee airbags
  • Side-impact torso-protection airbags for the front seats 
  • Side curtain airbags in both rows 
  • Seat belt pretensioners for front seats and outboard rear seats 
  • All-disc antilock brakes 
  • Electronic stability system
  • Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, which Lexus says is meant to integrate all systems to anticipate skids and react faster than an electronic stability system alone

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
6 years / 70,000 miles
Maintenance
1 years / 10,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase.
Basic
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase. Coverage begins after completion of the 4-year / 50,000 new vehicle Basic Warranty.
Dealer certification
161-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
5.0 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.0
Interior 3.7
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 3.7
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

  • By Tire Nemisis from Houston, TX
    Owns this car
    February 17, 2014

    Beast in Sheep's Clothing

    Ultimate sleeper. This car has a real Jeckle and Hyde personality. The IS F was allocated more track development resources than any other car in Toyota history, and it shows. It has proven to be bullet proof over it's history, so much so the same (slightly re-tuned) V8 and 8 speed are going in the new RC F. Toyota have done a superb job in building the complete package in this car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By First Time Lexus Buyer from New York
    Owns this car
    November 15, 2013

    What a surprise!

    It is astounding to me that this is a Lexus - the handling is terrific and the engine is a beast. The wail this makes when it goes over 3,600 RPM has to be heard to be believed. This car goes from a pleasant, planted, solid feeling Lexus all the way to "whoa, I can't believe they sell this car to drivers without racing experience." Turn off the traction control and it is doughnut city and a burning rubber extravaganza. It is fast, fast, fast but invisible to police. I have no question in most street situations there is little faster on the road, since most other motors are turbos with less torque. If you like a naturally aspirated powerful V-8 in a great handling, super reliable sedan, this is for you. If you test one, make sure you floor it to redline at some point or you will have no idea what you're in.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Kriptonite from Texas
    Owns this car
    March 12, 2013

    Is-f fan

    Great sports car, nd can't wait for Lexus to put hit technology in a mid size car. Unbelievable fast, and with sport mode in, I think it's much faster than 4.6 to 60. Smooth car when your cruising, but when you punch it, it goes into beast mode, so hold on. Also sounds great after 3000 rpm's. with some style and design, to me it performs as good if not better than BMW M series, and doesn't look like a box, like all the beemers do.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Lexus dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2013 Lexus IS-F?

The 2013 Lexus IS-F is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2013 Lexus IS-F?

The 2013 Lexus IS-F offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2013 Lexus IS-F?

The 2013 Lexus IS-F compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2013 Lexus IS-F reliable?

The 2013 Lexus IS-F has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2013 Lexus IS-F owners.

Is the 2013 Lexus IS-F a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2013 Lexus IS-F. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.0
  • Interior: 3.7
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 3.7
  • Reliability: 5.0
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