Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2013 Lexus IS
The 2013 Lexus IS is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.3/10, while Value at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.6/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.1/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.4/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $24,455–$30,478, 12 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus IS sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2013 Lexus IS will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2013 Lexus IS ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $24,455 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 12%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which IS Year Should You Buy?
Across the IS model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 12 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2013 Lexus IS
Is the 2013 Lexus IS reliable?
We rate the 2013 Lexus IS's reliability 8.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2013 Lexus IS worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #585 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 55% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2013 Lexus IS cost?
The 2013 Lexus IS starts at $24,455 and ranges up to $30,478 across trims (MSRP when new). At 12 MPG, expect roughly $4,375/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which IS years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest IS years we've rated are 2015 (7.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Lexus IS
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
