

Sedan
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4 Seats
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18 MPG
(Combined)
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Key specs of the base trim
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Compare 1 trims
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Overview
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
What to Know
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Retuned suspension
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Performance version of IS sedan
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416-hp V-8
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Eight-speed automatic
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Large Brembo brakes
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2013 Lexus IS-F Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
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
U...
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
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
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 ... Read full review
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 ... Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Recalls
The 2013 Lexus IS-F currently has 2 recalls
Crash and Rollover Test Ratings
The 2013 Lexus IS-F has not been tested.Warranty
New car and certified pre-owned programs by Lexus
New Car Program Benefits
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Bumper-to-Bumper
48 months / 50,000 miles
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Powertrain
72 months / 70,000 miles
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Roadside Assistance
48 months / unlimited distance