The IS 500 is One of Lexus’ Best Products Ever – and it’s Almost Gone

[Gecko]

Before you go further, let me be transparent: I own a 2023 IS 500 and have had it for two and a half years and 6,537 miles. I bought it brand new, I love it, and I’m biased. As Lexus closes the books on this car, I think it deserves one last moment of reflection primarily because the media spent more time talking about what the IS 500 isn’t than giving credit for what it is.
Having owned or driven most Lexus models in my lifetime, I can say the IS 500 is a truly special car that represents the end of an era for Lexus while simultaneously being one of the brand’s best products – ever.
Onward.
Something Old, Something New...

Continue reading...

 

[mikeavelli]

@Gecko an absolutely wonderful read. I don’t think I disagree with anything, I also feel strongly the IS 500 is the spiritual successor to the beloved GS 400.

Very well written and thought out and the owner perspective ads that special sauce.

 

[RAL]

Amen!

 

[ssun30]

Having just returned from a vacation renting a Mustang GT, I say the 2UR-GSE is in a completely different league. No one does NA V8 as well as Lexus. Very sad to see it gone.

 

[Trexus]

Great article on the IS 500. Just like Mike F. expressed I agree with what you've said.

With the IS 500 FSP variant Lexus tried to expand on it with the RX 500h FSP, TX 500h FSP but lacks so much and is forgetful.

It is very sad that Lexus has thrown in the towel regarding F models. Lexus could have competed and hung with the likes of M, AMG, RS, V, etc.

Expanding into EV's which Americans don't want or need will push Lexus owners to other brands. No one is buying the RZ or UX EV and once the ES EV's arrive, sales will dwindle and might be the demise of the beloved ES. Then there will be no more Lexus sedans, discontinued Lexus sedan of the past HS, GS, LS and in the near future IS and ES....

 

[LCLFV]

Said it in the other thread but I'll say it again: I strongly believe the existence of the IS500 is the sole reason the ancient IS still has good sales figures. The halo effect is that strong.

 

[mikeavelli]

Another thing we don’t talk about enough is how beautiful the 500 is. It hasn’t aged a day.