
The production of Lexus IS started in 1998 ahead of the 1999 model year. Initially, it was produced under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan from 1998. It was first launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 debuted in Europe in 1999 and North America as the IS 300 in 2000. This review will give you an overall insight into the history, specifications, and price of Lexus IS in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
First Generation Lexus IS
The production first-generation Lexus IS started in October 1998 and end in August 2005. It was designed with a greater performance emphasis than typically seen on prior Japanese luxury vehicles. Nobuaki Katayama led the engineering work from 1994 to 1998 under the 038T program code.
Lexus IS was produced using a shortened, front-engine, and rear-wheel-drive midsize platform. This allowed Japanese buyers to take advantage of tax savings imposed by Japanese government regulations concerning vehicle exterior dimensions and engine displacement and adapted parts from the larger second-generation Aristo/GS.
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The engine was a 2.0-liter 1G-FE inline-six powered AS200 and it was mated with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, while the four-speed automatic was optional.
Another engine variant was the 2.0-liter 3S-GE inline-four powered RS200. This engine was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while the five-speed automatic was optional.
It was awarded the Car of the Year honor for 1998-1999 at its launch in 1998.
IS 200 in Europe was rated at 153 hp with a top speed of 216 km/h. It can accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds.
A hatchback/station wagon model was introduced with a 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six engine in July 2000. It was equipped with a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It was only available with an automatic gearbox, a five-speed automatic for the RWD Gita Wagon, and a four-speed automatic for the 4WD.
The Lexus IS received a minor facelift in 2003. Its 11-spoke wheel design was redesigned. Some other minor areas were redesigned.
Second Generation Lexus IS 2005 – 2013
The production second-generation Lexus IS started in September 2005. It made its first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005 as a pre-production model. The actual production version debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show that April.
IS sales began worldwide in September and October 2005 as a 2006 model. Toyota Altezza’s name was discontinued due to the introduction of the Lexus Marque in Japan.
The second-generation IS marked the next introduction of Lexus L-finesse design philosophy on a production vehicle following the premiere of the 2006 GS executive sedan.
Its exterior featured sleeker, coupe-like contours, a fastback profile, and a repeated arrowhead motif in the front fascia and side windows. Its drag coefficient was Cd=0.28.
Production of Lexus IS F started in December 2007 at Tahara. IS C was manufactured at Miyata and its production began in April 2009.
This generation is rampant in Nigeria, you will see it everywhere. To enjoy the true luxury, you can upgrade it to 2015 or higher. We do upgrade too. You can contact me on 08107992356 for upgrades.
IS class received a facelift in 2008. Its suspension and steering were retuned for improved stability and control.
The coupe version made its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show in 2008, it was named IS 350 C. Its engine specifications were analogous to those sedan models. Read about Lexus IS 250 C and IS 350 C convertible price in Nigeria
Price of the second-generation Lexus IS 2006 – 2013 in Nigeria
Let’s get down to the pricing of Lexus IS 2006 to 2013 in Nigeria. Let get started with the price of the foreign used popularly known as tokunbo.
Price of tokunbo 2006 Lexus IS in Nigeria | 2,800,000 – 3,300,000 Naira |
Tokunbo 2007 Lexus IS price in Nigeria | 2,900,000 – 3,500,000 Naira |
Tokunbo 2008 Lexus IS price in Nigeria | 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 Naira |
Price of tokunbo 2009 Lexus IS in Nigeria | 3,200,000 – 4,200,000 Naira |
Tokunbo 2010 Lexus IS price in Nigeria | 3,400,000 – 4,300,000 Naira |
Price of tokunbo 2011 Lexus IS in Nigeria | 3,600,000 – 4,600,000 Naira |
Tokunbo 2012 Lexus IS price in Nigeria | 4,000,000 – 4,800,000 Naira |
Price of tokunbo 2013 Lexus IS in Nigeria | 4,300,000 – 5,000,000 Naira |
Third generation Lexus IS 2013 – present
LF-CC concept unveiled at the 2021 Paris Motor Show. The production started in April 2013, its main features include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with D-4S direct injection technology, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor, 3 LED- projector headlamp design, and Daytime Running lights [DRLs]. The DRLs are integrated into the upper bumper surface.
The production version of the IS was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in January 2013, followed by the 2013 Auto Shanghai.
The model received a facelift in this model.
2016-2020
These models featured updated headlamps, taillamps, front fascia, and hood. It was unveiled at the April 2016 Beijing Auto Show with interior technology improvements. The improvements include a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, an updated steering wheel, and contrast stitching along with the dash.
The 2021 Lexus IS received a major makeover.
Price of third-generation Lexus IS in Nigeria
I will review the estimated price of the IS in Nigeria, I will start from the price of the tokunbo, then I will switch over to the Nigerian used.
Price of tokunbo 2014 Lexus IS in Nigeria | 7,000,000 – 8,000,000 Naira |
Tokunbo 2015 Lexus IS price in Nigeria | 7,500,000 – 8,500,000 Naira |
Price of tokunbo 2016 Lexus IS in Nigeria | 8,000,000 – 8,800,000 Naira |
Tokunbo 2017 Lexus IS price in Nigeria | 9,000,000 – 10,500,000 Naira |
Price of tokunbo 2018 Lexus IS in Nigeria | 9,500,000 – 11,000,000 Naira |
Tokunbo 2019 Lexus IS price in Nigeria | N/A |
Price of tokunbo 2020 Lexus IS in Nigeria | N/A |
Tokunbo 2021 Lexus IS price in Nigeria | N/A |
Coming to the price of Nigeria, you can get a third-generation IS from 4,000,0000 Naira. The reason is the fact that the Nigerian used don’t come with the same price tag.

Where can I buy a Lexus IS in Nigeria?
You can check our listings on Lexus IS for sale in Nigeria.
If you need a trusted dealer to talk to, you can contact Alpha Autos on 08107992356 for a meetup and inspection.