Model Strengths:
Terrific overall performance; plenty of luxury features and high-tech options; attractive styling; standard safety features

Model Changes:
The Lexus IS sedan carries over to 2010 with few minor changes, but a new convertible model is now available, known as the IS C, and comes with a power retracting hard top in both IS 250C and IS 350C versions. Sedans see revisions to audio and navigation systems, including the addition of standard XM satellite radio with complimentary 90-day free trial, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio capability, and USB/iPod audio input plug. Telematics including Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Notification and Enhanced Roadside Assistance are also now standard. Navigation systems have been upgraded with casual-language voice recognition and Bluetooth phonebook download capability, as well as satellite radio-based traffic and weather notifications built in. Paint options remain the same, but Bird's Eye Maple interior wood trim changes from Golden Brown to a darker Espresso Brown. Ventilated seats are now added to the IS 250 AWD and manual versions of the IS 250 now receive a hill assist clutch.

Model Value:
The 2010 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans bring the driving feel of a sports coupe to a more practical 4-door sedan body style, and both have some available high-tech features that aren't offered by their head-on competitors. The new convertible models compete in the same class as the BMW 3-series and Audi A4, bringing fresh looks as well as a high-quality interior to the table.

Model Overview:
The Lexus IS comes in two primary models for 2010: the IS 250, and the IS 350. New this year is a convertible 2-dr body style, available as both a 250 and 350, which receives updated styling and a power retracting hardtop. The IS 250 has a 204-horsepower, 2.5L V6 engine and the IS 350 comes with a 306-horsepower, 3.5L V6. Both engines have aluminum construction and variable valve timing for intake and exhaust, along with direct injection. While those models are rear-wheel drive, there's also an IS 250 AWD sedan, which adds all-wheel drive. The IS 250 has a standard 6-speed manual gearbox with an optional 6-speed automatic with paddle-shifters. The automatic is standard on the IS 250 AWD model and the IS 350. The IS 350 has particularly strong acceleration and will scoot to 60 mph in only 5.3 seconds.Electronic stability control, which helps restore vehicle stability by applying the brakes at individual wheels, is standard on the IS 250, while the IS 350 gets the more sophisticated vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM), which integrates all of the vehicle's electronic management systems, such as the anti-lock brakes and electronic power steering system, for more seamless assistance in maintaining stability. Eight air bags are standard on the IS, and there's also an optional pre-collision system (PCS) that retracts front seatbelts and readies brake assist when its sensors anticipate a collision. Other high-tech options on the IS include dynamic radar cruise control, which is packaged together with PCS, high-intensity discharge headlamps with an adaptive front-lighting system (AFS) to help illuminate into corners, and an intuitive park assist system for gauging the distance to adjacent vehicles. There's also a DVD-based touch-screen navigation system, a premium audio system with a 6-disc changer and 13 speakers, or the top-of-the-line Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, which has 14 speakers, 300-watts, and ten amplifier channels and can play DVD movies when the vehicle is stationary. The X Package brings a sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, a front lip spoiler, and sport pedals to either of the IS sedan models. A Premium Plus Package brings perforated leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats.