Great review! Are you going to review the RCF / LC500?

Isf is a monster with Toyota reliability to boot

The ISF had the very FIRST 8 speed transmission in the world.

I own a SS myself and will never sell it , but really intrigued by the Lexus IS F especially the fact that the US only has less than 6,000 of them . Thank you for this video.

The suspension issue you were talking about with the ISF was actually fixed in the 2011+ ISF they changed every major suspension component. There are softer front springs, stiffer rear springs, larger-diameter anti-roll bars front and rear, stiffer bushings on the rear subframe and rear anti-roll bar, and a new steering knuckle and front lower control arms for reduced unsprung mass as well as some tweaking to the rear camber. The Open diff you experienced in this 08 model was also replaced by a Torsen LSD and the electric power steering also received a retune. The 08 ISF is still an amazing car and did amazing for the first attempt true performance car from Lexus but that 11+ revision put the car on a different level and fixed pretty much every driver focused issue.

I hate it when every ISF comparison is of the 08 model so many changes happened to the 11+ that lap time on tracks have seen a 4 sec difference. The suspension geometry is better, the ride is better, the LSD is significantly better, literally everything about a ISF is better after 2011. I love mine and daily and track it with its rock solid reliability even with 145k miles on it.

Great review, I have a IS350 and will hopefully be able to upgrade. I have done some mods to mine and it’s pretty fast and handles really well. I have 260,000 miles on it and it runs great! This is my first Lexus and I’m hooked!

Your review is so true. I own both Lexus ISF and the Chevy SS (actually a Holden Commodore SS in Australia) and definitely can tell the ISF is a lot better in term of handling, 8 speed transmission is so fast and smooth which is similar to a tuned 6sp ZF gear box and no jerky like DSG. In term of build quality, no need to compare as the Lexus completely wins 100%, my 12 years old ISF has not even a single wear and tear in interior while the 2017 Chevy (Holden) SS steering wheel trim starts falling apart, interior design is just doesn’t feel like it will last long. I used to love Chevy -Holden V8 so much but after I bought the 2009 ISF I will never buy Holden again just in term of build quality and some other performance aspects.

The ISF is a fantastic car no way around that.

If you want a "sports" car, you want good handling and feel above all. That generally means less weight and very well tuned suspension. In general these traits aren't focused on in "sport sedans." It's nice to see that the ISF is different.

The Lexus ISF is finally getting some love (13 years after launch LOL). Definitely get a chance to drive a 11+ model as they come equipped with an LSD. Mines is a 2011 model with full bolt-ons. Are you based out of socal? Would love to have you drive mine to see how it compares stock vs modified from an unbiased perspective.

I saw the 280k+ mile one few years back and is what inspired me to buy one. The ultra V8 RWD camry daily blaster. M3 was considered because of the manual but the F would probably be more troublefree ownership. If one were to consider never fixing the valley coolant plate leak it can just be regularly topped off with coolant and should not be a hindrance in reaching 200-300k+ miles of hard/regular ownership. Not recommended of course.

I drive a 11 ISF. I agree with most of your comments. Even 2011+ have major change to the suspension components, it is still a little bit on the stiff side and the rear does bounce a bit more than what I want. If this car ever came with adaptive suspension and a 6 speed manual, it will be one of the top classic. One of the thing you didn't mention is the ISF gas mileage is truly not so good and I am getting around 15-18 mpg most of the time. But the moment I hear the engine roar above 5000 rpm, I forgot about everything. lol. Will you consider doing a side by side C63/ISF/M3?

I own an 09. Don't plan on doing track days with it so the 2011+ premium prices for the updates aren't worth $15-20k in my opinion for such a dated car. However, you need to drive a 2012+ ISF. 2012 is peak for these with all the updates that truly make it perfect.

ISF is the black sheep of the lexus family and I love it it’s my pick

Awesome! Pistons in rear are actually 2, not 4, on the ISF. Love my 08!

Great review mate !! From down under

An ISF is a much better car than a Commodore?! Who would have thought!

The 2011+ ISF suspension gets rid of the ride quality issue and feels even better. Now you gotta try the predecessor to this car, a manual IS300. The first actual sporty attempt from Lexus, a japanese 330i. The first prototype ISF was an IS with a 1uz in it, it really was the evolution of that car.

I have a 2006 IS350 and its so much fun.

Very good comparison, I would take either of them. Both are very rare but excellent performance vehicles. Lexus made some great sport sedans too bad there aren't many on the used market.

Interesting segment and review. It’s no surprise the ISF is the better choice.

Try putting it into performance mode and "track mode" You need to double push the traction control off button...this unlocks "stabletrac track mode". This makes the shifts in my 2017 very quick (relative to a torque converted auto). Good video

ISF owner myself but I absolutely love these sleeper sports sedans

These were my choices for my new family car. I chose the Chevy ss for a couple reasons. I wanted 6spd manual, carb legal upgrades, and as much space as possible.

One of the attributes of the ISF is the compatibility of parts with the IS250 and IS350. Makes it easy to find replacement parts.

I love both of these so much.

Great review, but I think a better comparison based on size would be the SS vs GS-F. Both have mag suspension after their first year or so of inception.

I own a 2011 USB red interior with 50k miles & absolutely love it, thanks for the video.

I enjoy your video very well done. Can you do a video on lexus sc300 or 03 lexus gs430. I would love and to here how you view them

ISF or m240i for daily?

I love my ISF! 2008 with 182k kms on the clock. Still drives fantastic and so well built. Pairs nicely with my GR Yaris... Hehe

If it had a manual, how would that change your opinion?

I have the 2017 and I got tired of the mushy suspension so I installed the heavier sway bars.

Commodore SS's and HSV's are getting crazy expensive down here in OZ

The 2012 IS F has a updated suspension and steering computer making ride much better than the 08s ,also in 2010 they threw lsd in the differential

This was such a given that this ISF would beat out the SS in almost every way in styling, comfort, sport, reliability. Seen plenty of heavily thrashed 200k ISFs

For some reason, this country Road looks like Crow Canyon in the Bay Area. I actually own a 13 ISF here in Sacramento. I love the car.

Nice video, I'd take the IS-F. Would love it if you could review a manual first gen IS300 :)

I'm on my 2nd one. This is the real Supra's blood son.

I have the 2011 version with Megan racing suspension

I'm really disappointed that there was no dig and roll race...

Please do a review of a evo x

I have a 2015 Chevy SS with the Manual Transmission a well planted car on the road and the track. Can push it hard in the corners and it feels solid.

Thoughts on the RS4 vs ISF? Always loved both of them

Slim pickings for us who like Sport Sedans. Was a broke teenager when the SS came out, I can get one now but the prices are crazy. Ill keep holding on to my 96 Impala. 😎

Love the lexus rev limiter

That’s weird I’ve never really heard that criticism of the SS before

Even though japanese engine's don't get the same torque figures like American engine's they sound good. I've driven the Lexus and I have to say handling wise its like some kinda toyota dark magic they've mastered but unless your city has smooth roads id go with the ss its a softer plush ride for everyday use and of course the ls motor is perfect for modification. Price wise lsf.

They are going up in price

I've put 236,000 miles on my 2008 Lexus IS-F and it still runs amazing. I want a 2014 IS-F which was the last model year but I can't find ANY for sale.

I really like the isf but the prices are crazy. here in australia a clean one almost go for 50k which doesn't make scene since Rcf prices start at 60k. (also i agree with the transmission of the ss being trash 🗑 you should only buy that car in manual)

need to drive the 6 speed manual SS, it can handle. seems like you were scared to push the SS for some reason. Also there is a TRACK suspension mode on the SS.

Manual are going for 40k+ used.. Kinda hurts the feels. Most seeing mid 40s for up to 70k miles. They were 50k new....

I got my 08 isf with 80k miles for 23k I live in SOCAL

Would be cool to see e90 m3 vs the isf

Im hoping once is500s are out the ISF prices will start to finally drop

What’s that Ticking in the ISF takeoff

That chevy ss exhaust isn't stock

You didn't put in in the right mode. Cause I owned both. And still do the SS. But even if in track mode and it doesn't shift fast enough 800 bucks and get the engine and Trans tuned then it's lighting fast. Can't say the same with Lexus been there and dime that. My ISF was rr-racing supercharged. I'm sorry but all the money I dumped into my ISF it was still not "fast" enough for the money I spent. My however for the same price My ss made well over 1000whp. And ss are going up in value that it's crazy. I see 60 to 70k now. I live Lexus don't get me wrong always will. I just hate that there is no aftermarket support for them performance wise. Only one shop and that socks. Also very hard to make power. So it wasn't for me. Now my SS has forged internals single turbo and making over 1500hp. And I didn't have to sell my organs to do so. This is why I don't watch reviews that often because they go off of a couple hours of driving vs someone that had spent there own sweat blood and tears working and buying each if these cars. Please if you want to pick between these 2 cars go drive them or find a friend that owns them both so you can spend as much time with both. Cause this cause does not know what he is talking about.

A good old Aussie daily driver

That pretty much describes why I chose the ISF over the SS. I was getting a better car cheaper, I didn’t want to mod this time around. Plus Lexus reliability.

If you did not see performance shift mode pop up on the dash while you were in the SS...you didn't drive hard enough.

Lexus engineering is unmatched imo. The ISF is almost a decade older and still made better than the Chevy.

No comparison, SS has a manual option therefore it wins. Otherwise, there are 20 other automatic sedans around the same price range with the same performance, yawn.

I'm blown away that he got that for under 15k

Without the mt its only half an SS imho

Ok out of everyone here us Aussies see the ss and we know it's a Holden Commodore SS, but sorry I love the ISF

Holden make a Hsv gts lsa 430 kilowatt made in Aussie also ford xr8 335 and ford xr6 turbo 4.0 l six turbo have look you tube very fast sedans

In Europe lexus and Ford are the last companies making naturally aspirated v8 engines. The ford mustang and the lexus lc500 are the last of their kind here which is tragic. If you'd asked me 15 years ago who would sell the last n/a v8 in Europe I'd have said mercedes. Now the new c63 has a 4 cylinder... The mustang wasnt sold here and the lexus 5.0 wasn't know to us yet. Its funny 2 5.0 engines came to Europe and outlasted the v8s built here.

neat

That's why you get a manual Chevy SS. That's not an option on the IS F.

There is no replacement for displacement

Yeah you would give high praise to the Lexus but you get the bad automatic SS……..RIGHT MR.A

2 seconds? That was about .5.

Also go watch other real reviews ppl that actually push the ss and know how to drive and see what they say. If the ss was as bad as he says no one would be paying 50 to 60 even almost 70k right now. Watch The Topher driving the ss.

I still take the SS

Why buy those when you can get a scat

I still take the SS.

Lexus all day!

ISF vs M3

Uh the SS will fall apart in the first 100k miles. Its a no contest for me.

You really need to get behind the wheel of a e60 m5. 6MT if possible

Lexus please 👍👍

For 2 car seats a 1 year old and 4 year old had to go Chevy

I planned on getting an SS but prices for whatever reason skyrocketed to the point of ridiculously levels. Hoping the ISF doesn't blow up next year and I can fit it.

Lexus all day

Good ISF review Lol

SS > ISF

Comparing a Chevy to a Lexus ? Night to day . Yin to Yang . Fat to skinny . Sunglasses that fit to sunglasses that don’t . Know what I mean jellybean ?

M3’s are basically dead to me now sadly. So sad.

US HLDN

おはようございます。 LEXUS　ISF　良いね。（笑）👍😊

GM was lazy when they created the SS, since in Australia its a Holden. I like Lexus styling and thats it. I'm on my 2nd Toyota product and my 2010 GM Chevy Impala was more reliable.Have had nothing but issues with my Camry's, I might try Honda/Acura next.

You should do this again with an E90 M3 DCT and a w204 C63 (p31). Those two are miles more competent still.

Damn this is tough. I wanted to Chevy to be better in handling dynamics. Cause I really want the 6 speed manual. Years ago when Motor Trent did there review of the Chevy SS I was disappointed see that the 2016 was 2 secs slower then the 2014 because the magnaride. The problem is that 2014 only comes with an auto lol. You can’t really win nowadays!

You forgot to say the IS F needed manual transmission 😡

I would take a Lexus GSF or the new IS500 over these two any day.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV, Jesus Christ is the only way.........

2 cool but outdated cars. Gas guzzling 416 hp ls2 chevy and a old Lexus tiny on the inside. The new IS500 is sweet!