2001 Lexus IS 300: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's luxury division enters the compact-sports-sedan field with this rear-wheel-drive 4-dr similar in size to BMW's 3-Series. The IS 300 borrows from Lexus's larger GS 300 its 3.0-liter inline 6-cyl engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel buttons for manual gear changes. Standard equipment includes ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and front side airbags. All-season tires and 16-inch wheels are a no-cost alternative to standard 17-inch performance tires. Leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats, and sunroof are among the options. Due in late summer as 2002 models are a wagon body style and a sedan with a 5-speed manual transmission.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has a clear benchmark; it is the Acura TL (and its 2-door cousin Acura CL). The TL succeeds in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. If you are leaning more toward the luxury scale, the Lexus ES 300 might be a more practical purchase.

We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30.